**Yankees Eye Crucial Game 5 as Guardians Extend Series**

The New York Yankees can breathe a sigh of relief following the Cleveland Guardians' victory that forced a decisive Game 5 on Saturday. With the series extended, Tarik Skubal, the standout pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, is now slated for the critical match rather than being available for a potential Game 1 start against the Yankees in the ALCS.

This development means that should the Yankees progress and face Detroit, they will likely encounter Skubal just twice in the series. Skubal, the favorite for the American League Cy Young Award, has been a dominant force this postseason, delivering 13 scoreless innings thus far. A three-game pitching stint from Skubal in the ALCS could have posed a significant challenge for the Yankees.

However, the extended series isn't a guaranteed blessing. The Guardians, who hold home-field advantage, managed to outplay their rival throughout the regular season. They lack a traditional ace, relying instead on the impressive performances from Tanner Bibee, who pitched Games 1 and 4, both Cleveland victories. Cleveland has yet to name their Game 5 starter, with Matthew Boyd being a possible option on regular rest.

For the Yankees, this scenario presents a dual-edged sword. If they end up facing the Tigers in the ALCS, they must capitalize on the potential of reduced exposure to Skubal. The southpaw has been formidable this season, going 18-4 with a 2.39 ERA and 228 strikeouts. Against the Yankees, he posted a 2.25 ERA in his outings this year, allowing three runs over 12 innings while striking out 17.

The ALCS kicks off on Monday in The Bronx, with the Yankees hosting the first two games. Skubal will unlikely pitch on short rest, meaning he would be lined up for Game 3 in Detroit on October 17. If necessary, he could pitch Game 6 on short rest or Game 7 on regular rest. This sets a high-stakes environment for the Yankees, who would need to take advantage in their home games to mitigate the impact of facing Skubal later in the series.

As the decisive Game 5 approaches, the Yankees must hope for a favorable outcome while preparing for the possibility of a challenging matchup ahead.