**Blue Jays Face Yankees in ALDS Game 1** The Toronto Blue Jays are set to begin their playoff journey with Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees on Saturday. This matchup marks the first time the two teams have met in the postseason. The game will take place at the sold-out Rogers Centre, with the first pitch scheduled for 4:08 p.m. ET.

The Blue Jays will be without star shortstop Bo Bichette, who has been sidelined due to a sprained left knee. Bichette has not played since September 6, when he was injured while sliding into home plate against the Yankees. Blue Jays manager John Schneider confirmed that Bichette would not be included on the ALDS roster, stating, "We don’t want to deviate too much from what we’ve been doing."

Kevin Gausman will take the mound for Toronto in Game 1. Gausman, who has been the team's most reliable pitcher, finished the regular season with a 10-11 record and a 3.59 ERA over 32 starts. He has experience in the postseason, having pitched in previous playoff games for the Blue Jays and the San Francisco Giants. Schneider praised Gausman’s consistency, saying, "He’s the same guy every single day. You don’t worry about him getting caught up in the noise."

The Yankees, who recently defeated the Boston Red Sox in the Wild Card Series, are looking to capitalize on their power-hitting capabilities. New York slugger Aaron Judge acknowledged the challenge posed by the Blue Jays, calling them a "complete team" that puts the ball in play effectively. The Yankees have struggled at Rogers Centre in the past, winning only one of their last seven games there.

In addition to Bichette, the Blue Jays have left several notable players off their postseason roster, including pitchers Max Scherzer, Jose Berrios, and Chris Bassitt, as well as first baseman Ty France and outfielder Joey Loperfido. The rosters submitted for the series are locked in and can only be adjusted for injured players.

As the Blue Jays prepare for their first postseason appearance since 2016, they are eager to secure a victory in Game 1. Historically, teams that win the first game of a best-of-five series have advanced 72% of the time. The Blue Jays are determined to break their postseason winless streak, which has lasted since 2016.

Fans have shown enthusiasm for the matchup, with a significant turnout for a recent ticket giveaway at the Rogers Store, where hundreds lined up for a chance to attend the game. The excitement surrounding the series is palpable, as both teams aim to make a strong start in the playoffs.

The Blue Jays will face the Yankees again in Game 2, with pitching plans still uncertain beyond Gausman. The team is weighing options, including the possibility of starting Shane Bieber or Chris Bassitt in the following games. The outcome of Game 1 could set the tone for the rest of the series, making it a crucial contest for both teams.