Astros aces lined up for ALCS against Yankees

HOUSTON (AP) — Zack Greinke will start the AL Championship Series opener for the Houston Astros against the New York Yankees on Saturday night.

After the former NL Cy Young winner and midseason acquisition starts Game 1 on Saturday night, the Astros will follow with Justin Verlander, a former AL Cy Young winner, and then Gerrit Cole after his two dominating starts in the AL Division Series against Tampa Bay.

Manager AJ Hinch on Friday called it a “pretty easy layout,” with all three aces pitching on regular rest.

Greinke allowed six runs in 3 2/3 innings of his ALDS Game 3 start against Tampa, a night before Game 1 winner Verlander pitched on short rest and lost Game 4. Cole struck out 10 in the decisive Game 5 on Thursday night after 15 strikeouts to also win Game 2.

Hinch said the Game 4 starter against the Yankees will be determined by the status of the series.

The Yankees were expected to announce their pitching plans later Friday.