Gerrit Cole took his performance to another level in September, a four-start span that coincided with backup catcher Kyle Higashioka taking over behind the plate.

The Yankees plan to keep that battery together in tonight's Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series against the Indians at Progressive Field.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed on Monday that he will pair Cole with Higashioka, a decision that will place Gary Sánchez on the bench. Cole went 3-1 with a 1.00 ERA in his final four regular-season starts, all with Higashioka, after pitching to a 3.91 ERA in eight starts with Sánchez.

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