NEW YORK - This could be the start of a long, pinstriped October run, or the season could end by Thursday night.

That's the nature of the best-of-three Wild Card Series, and the Yankees have a lot going their way as they face their ancient rivals, the Boston Red Sox , beginning with Tuesday night's Game 1.

You couldn't ask for a better pitching matchup to start than Boston's lefty Garrett Crochet against Yankees' lefty Max Fried, and the Yankees are healthier than at any point this season.

Plus, the Yanks' bullpen has lately found its stride, for a team that led the majors in home runs - led by reigning MVP Aaron Judge- and posted an MLB-best 34-14 record since Aug. 6.

None of that matters now, of course. It's a new Yankee season - the franchise's 60th postseason appearance. Expert M

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