**Title: Blue Jays and Yankees Prepare for ALDS Showdown**

The Toronto Blue Jays are set to face the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series (ALDS) for the first time in franchise history. The series begins Saturday at Rogers Centre, marking a significant moment for both teams. The Blue Jays finished the regular season with a 94-68 record, claiming the AL East title for the first time since 2015. They secured the top seed in the American League by winning eight of their 13 matchups against the Yankees this season.

The Yankees, who also finished with a 94-68 record, advanced to the ALDS after defeating the Boston Red Sox in the Wild Card round. They won the series decisively, including a 4-0 victory in Game 3. This win continued a strong finish for New York, which has won 11 of its last 12 games.

Game 1 of the ALDS is scheduled for Saturday at 4:08 p.m. ET, with the Blue Jays expected to start Kevin Gausman on the mound. The series will continue with Game 2 on Sunday at the same time. If necessary, Games 3 and 4 will take place in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively, with a potential Game 5 back in Toronto on Friday.

Yankees slugger Aaron Judge praised the Blue Jays, stating, "They’re a complete team. They don’t strike out a lot, so they’re going to put the ball in play and force your hand on defense. But we’re looking forward to it." The Blue Jays have had success against the Yankees at home, winning six of seven games at Rogers Centre this season.

In a preview of the series, analysts noted the contrasting styles of the two teams. The Blue Jays rely on contact hitting and strong defense, while the Yankees are known for their power, leading the majors with 274 home runs this season. ESPN's Jorge Castillo emphasized that power is crucial in October, stating, "Power plays in October, and the Yankees have the substantial edge."

The health of Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette is a key factor. He has been sidelined since early September with a knee injury, and his status for the series remains uncertain. Bichette had a strong season, hitting .311 with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs.

As the series approaches, both teams are preparing for a high-stakes matchup. The Blue Jays are looking to win their first postseason game since 2016, while the Yankees aim to continue their playoff success. The atmosphere at Rogers Centre is expected to be electric, with fans eager to support their team in this historic series.