The manager’s instincts were vindicated Saturday night. Verdugo delivered a go-ahead RBI single in the seventh inning, propelling the Yankees to a 6-5 win over the Kansas City Royals. In a game that saw five lead changes — the most in MLB postseason history — Verdugo’s opposite-field hit secured the Yankees a 1-0 start in the ALDS.

In a back-and-forth ALDS Game 1, it wasn’t Gerrit Cole, Juan Soto or even Aaron Judge playing hero. It was Alex Verdugo who provided the game-winning hit in a 6-5 Yankees’ victory over

When the Yankees take the field Saturday night for Game 1, Alex Verdugo will be in left field, not top prospect Jasson Domínguez. Here is New York's lineup for the ALDS opener: