In the New York Yankees’ rosiest version of the American League Division Series opener, Alex Verdugo was, at best, a tertiary character. He could be a non-factor, and the Kansas City Royals could still lose.

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:

Alex Verdugo hit a tiebreaking single in the seventh inning and saved at least one run with a sliding catch along the left-field line, boosting the New York Yankees over the Kansas City Royals 6-5 in their AL Division Series opener.