Each divisional series consists of two qualifying events, and four races with 32 drivers per event.

The two-of-three-game divisional series will begin Thursday at the home of the second-place team.

"The last time he had thrown on three days' rest was against the Yankees in the divisional series, and he threw the ball well."

The event was held in December as part of the 1985 divisional series.

Home-field advantage for each league's divisional series was still up in the air.

In 1981, a divisional series was held due to a split season caused by a players' strike.

Seattle even took the lead in the all-time divisional series 10-9.

In the divisional series against Texas, the Yankees lost the opener, then won three straight.

The Rays won the game 9-0, however they eventually lost the best-of-five divisional series 3-1.

But they lost three home games in last year's divisional series and have a record of 0-3 against the Yankees this season.