What happened: Drew Rasmussen is lined up to open Game 1. MLB Network's breakdown tied that assignment to the way Rasmussen disrupts hitters' timing and comfort in the box, a formula that has kept opposing production down over the past four seasons.

Why it matters: The Game 1 starter sets the tone in a short postseason series and usually draws the heaviest early leverage. Rasmussen's contact-suppression profile gives the club a proven way to attack that opening swing without needing a high-traffic outing.

What to watch: The next read is whether Rasmussen can turn that weak-contact track record into quick outs in the opener. The rest of the series setup should come into focus once the club shows how it wants to line up behind him.