In a tense Game 1 of the ALDS, the New York Yankees faced off against the Tampa Bay Rays, suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat. The game marked the Yankees' first postseason where they were one-hit, courtesy of Drew Rasmussen, who nearly achieved a no-hitter before Austin Wells broke it up in the eighth inning.

Following the game, Yankees manager Aaron Boone reflected on the emotional rollercoaster of postseason play, stating, "Every win is an exhale and exciting, and the losses are gut punches. But you've got to just keep moving..."

This game also signified the return of Giancarlo Stanton, who had not played since April 24 due to three separate calf injuries. Although he remained on the postseason roster, he did not participate in the Wild Card Series. Boone opted to send Stanton to pinch-hit for Ryan McMahon in the ninth inning.

Stanton’s at-bat ended in a strikeout against Rays closer Bryan Baker after five pitches. Despite this, Boone expressed optimism about Stanton’s performance, saying, "I thought he had a really good at-bat... I liked what I saw. He took the right at-bat."

Stanton's preparation included extensive batting practice and hitting against high-velocity pitching machines. Before his injury, he played 24 games in the regular season, hitting .256/.302/.422 with three home runs. He has a strong postseason track record, with 18 home runs in 49 career postseason games, and was named ALCS MVP in 2024. Boone's confidence suggests that Stanton's presence will be crucial as the series progresses.