The unexpected sometimes occurs in the postseason such as a slumping player like Alex Verdugo delivering big plays for the Yankees on Saturday night against the Royals.

The series opener included five lead changes — the most in postseason history — but the Yankees secured the final momentum swing from a surprising place.

The final New York Yankees player introduced during the pregame ceremonies of the club’s first postseason game was Alex Verdugo. Verdugo batted last and was manager Aaron Boone’s pick to start in left field for Game 1 of the American League Division Series.