The Houston Astros finally learned who they'll be playing in the American League Championship Series on Tuesday night, when the New York Yankees defeated the Cleveland Guardians. The Astros had been waiting on an opponent since Saturday, when they completed a three-game sweep of the Seattle Mariners.

Having a few days between the end of the Division Series and the beginning of the Championship Series should prove to be a luxury. Unlike their opponents, the Astros will have had a chance to rest their bodies and structure their gameplans for whichever foe they'll meet. On an individual level, some players might even have had the opportunity to review film and data and to make necessary adjustments. 

That off period could prove to be particularly handy for second baseman Jose Altuve, who struggled to make an impact against the Mariners. Indeed, Altuve went 0 for 16 with six strikeouts and a walk. It was the first time in his postseason career (and mind you, he and the Astros have been omnipresent in October the past half-decade) that he failed to record a hit in a series at least three games long. 

Just how did the Mariners hold Altuve in check, and is it something the Yankees could attempt to replicate? While accepting that weird things happen in small sample sizes, CBS Sports has identified one potential key to the Mariners' success versus Altuve after reviewing his ALDS performances: the up-and-in sinker.