The Royals have advanced to the American League Divisional Series against the Yankees, thanks to their two-game sweep of the Orioles. The quick series allows the Royals to get some rest with two days off before starting the series on Saturday at Yankee Stadium.

The team announced that Michael Wacha will start the opener against the Yankees, while Cole Ragans is scheduled for Game 2. Ragans left Game 1 of the Wild Card series against the Orioles after six innings and 80 pitches due to leg cramps. Wacha was scheduled to start Game 3 against the Orioles, but that game was not necessary after the Royals won the first two games.

Wacha didn’t pitch against the Yankees this season, but historically he has pitched well against them with a 2-1 record and a 2.97 ERA in 57 ²⁄₃ innings. He has a 3.38 ERA in 34 2/3 innings at Yankee Stadium, allowing six home runs.

The Yankees will start right-hander Gerrit Cole (8-5, 3.41 ERA) in Game 1 and left-hander Carlos Rodón (16-9, 3.96 ERA) in Game 2. Cole did not face the Royals this year, but he was a strong post-season pitcher with a 2.93 ERA in 17 career starts. Rodón gave up five runs (three earned) in 13 innings against the Royals, beating them in Kansas City in June and getting a no-decision in a Yankees victory in New York in September. He has a 4.66 ERA in 13 starts against the Royals, and this will be only his second postseason start.

The starters for the remainder of the series have yet to be determined, but Seth Lugo would likely start Game 3 in Kansas City.