As the Yankees worked out on Tuesday at the Stadium, Game 1 of the Orioles-Royals wild-card series was playing on the video board. But Aaron Boone insisted he did not have a rooting interest, even privately, for which one of them advances to the ALDS to face the Yankees beginning Saturday. Im always careful what you wish for, the manager said Tuesday before the Yankees workout. I tell that to coaches all the time. We may be in June watching a game and youre watching a division rival play another team and youre pulling for another team, Im like, Hey, careful what you wish for. That team may knock us out. So Im always like, Let it play out, well prepare as best we can for JaKarr Sampson Jersey whoever comes our way. Robert Sabo for NY Post The Royals won Game 1 at Camden Yards in a 1-0 nail-biter. Boone likely would not mind the two teams beating up on each other for three games and tiring each others pitching staffs before one of them arrives at Yankee Stadium. Explore More Corbin Burnes reacts with teammates as he is removed from the during the Orioles 1-0 Game 1 lo s to the Royals. Getty Images Reliever Lucas Erceg and catcher Salvador Perez celebrate after the Royals 1-0 Game 1 win over the Orioles on Oct. 1. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con For better or worse, the Yankees have much more familiarity with the Orioles, their AL East foes against whom they went 5-8 this season. Conversely, they went 5-2 against the Royals. In the meantime, the Yankees were trying to stay focused on taking advantage of the time off. Tuesdays workout was mainly about fundamentals, including infield/outfield defense, pitchers fielding practice and batting practice. Go beyond the box score with the Bombers Sign up for Inside the Yankees by Greg Joyce, exclusively on Sports+. Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Gerrit Cole, who is set to start Game 1, also threw an inning of live batting practice against Jose Trevino, Ben Rice and Jon Berti. Anthony Rizzo (fractured fingers) was still wearing a brace on his right hand Tuesday, with Boone saying the veteran first baseman would likely not try any baseball activities until later in the week. Manager Aaron Boone (left) talks with first base Anthony Rizzo (on Oct. 1, 2024 at Yankee Stadium. Robert Sabo for NY Post Taking ground balls at first base Tuesday, with Rizzo watching and giving pointers, were Oswaldo Cabrera, Rice and Berti. Aside from the question of whether Rizzo can make the roster (Boone has called him a long shot for the ALDS), the Yankees are still deciding on the final few pitchers they will carry and po sibly the last bench spot, depending on whether they go 13 pitchers/13 position players or 12 and 14. Jake Cousins (strained pec) threw a bullpen se sion on Tuesday and if he comes out of it well will face hitters on Thursday, keeping him on track to come off the IL for the ALDS. Domantas Sabonis Jersey