Daily News 19

Tag: new york yankees

  • Yankees at Twins: Game 150

    Yankees at Twins: Game 150

    Twins Face Yankees in Bronx Showdown With Judge Returning From Injury

    First Pitch: 6:40 PM CT | TV: Twins.TV | Radio: TIBN/830 WCCO/102.9 The Wolf / Audacy App

    Matchup Overview

    The Minnesota Twins travel to the Bronx for a clash with the New York Yankees, a franchise that has historically tormented Minnesota. However, the current Twins roster features a youthful core largely unfamiliar with that playoff futility. The storyline shifts dramatically with the return of back-to-back MVP Aaron Judge, who rejoins the Yankees lineup after missing over four months.

    Judge Returns Without Rehab Assignment

    New York opted to activate Judge directly to the major league roster, bypassing a minor league rehab assignment. While the slugger is still rounding into form, his presence alone alters the series dynamic. The Yankees lineup remains formidable even with Giancarlo Stanton sidelined for 90% of the season and recent injured list placements for Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Trent Grisham.

    Cody Bellinger provides steady production, while Ben Rice and midseason acquisition Luis Garcia Jr. have each surpassed 30 home runs. New York also boasts an exciting rookie duo: shortstop George Lombard Jr. and center fielder Spencer Jones, whose combination of power and speed draws comparisons to Matt Wallner with added athleticism.

    Dean Kremer Seeks Consistency in Series Opener

    Right-hander Dean Kremer takes the mound for Minnesota, tasked with providing length after the bullpen-heavy effort in the previous game. Since joining the Twins, Kremer’s home run rate has normalized as anticipated, though his strikeout rate has declined while his walk rate has increased, leaving the overall results somewhat underwhelming.

    Kremer is not considered a non-tender candidate this offseason. However, with Pablo Lopez, Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, and Kremer all reaching free agency after 2027, the front office led by Jeremy Zoll will likely pursue long-term rotation stability. A strong finish to the campaign would significantly improve the 2025 outlook.

    Injury Updates Cloud Twins Outlook

    • Trevor Larnach was scratched from the initial lineup after sustaining a pre-game wrist injury. He is undergoing imaging, and any missed time would end his season and potentially his tenure with the organization.
    • Kaelen Culpepper remains sidelined after being hit by a pitch on Saturday. Manager Derek Shelton expressed optimism about a potential return tomorrow.
    • Royce Lewis also remains out after departing yesterday’s game with shoulder discomfort. His absence raises questions about his future with the club.

    Starting Lineups

    Minnesota Twins

    SP: Dean Kremer

    1. Luke Keaschall, RF
    2. Brooks Lee, 3B
    3. Kody Clemens, 2B
    4. Ryan Jeffers, C
    5. Josh Bell, DH
    6. Emmanuel Rodriguez, LF
    7. Victor Caratini, 1B
    8. Ryan Kreidler, SS
    9. Walker Jenkins, CF

    New York Yankees

    SP: Will Warren

    1. Ben Rice, DH
    2. Cody Bellinger, LF
    3. Aaron Judge, RF
    4. Luis Garcia Jr., 1B
    5. Spencer Jones, CF
    6. George Lombard Jr., SS
    7. Ryan McMahon, 3B
    8. Austin Wells, C
    9. Jose Caballero, 2B
  • MLB Executives and Insiders Reveal 2026 Playoff Favorites and Biggest Threats

    MLB Executives and Insiders Reveal 2026 Playoff Favorites and Biggest Threats

    MLB Playoff Preview 2026: Executive and Scout Poll Reveals World Series Favorites and Sleepers

    As the 2026 MLB regular season concludes, the race for the World Series remains wide open. While the National League boasts a deeper collection of contenders than the American League, that disparity disappears once the Fall Classic begins. To gauge the postseason landscape, ESPN surveyed a panel of 16 executives and scouts — none affiliated with contending teams — asking which clubs are the teams to beat in each league and which underdogs could surprise.

    Last year’s consensus sleeper pick, the Seattle Mariners, fell one game short of the World Series. They are absent from this year’s poll entirely, as they are unlikely to reach the postseason. While no single sleeper emerged as a consensus choice to win it all, the panel agreed on an underdog in each league.

    National League: Milwaukee Brewers Voted Team to Beat

    Voting in the NL was tight, mirroring last year’s split. The Milwaukee Brewers edged out the Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies, earning five votes to the Dodgers’ four and the Phillies’ four. The Chicago Cubs received one vote.

    Despite Milwaukee’s 2025 NLCS loss to the Dodgers, voters doubled down on the Brewers for one primary reason: pitching. Insiders say the staff is even stronger than a year ago. While the team ERA is similar, the top of the rotation and the bullpen rank among the game’s best.

    Why the Brewers?

    “The Brewers’ offense — especially at home — can hang with anyone. They even hit home runs there. With home-field advantage, I don’t worry about them scoring. But it’s Jacob Misiorowski and Logan Henderson that give me more confidence this time around than last year when I picked them. That one-two combo can hang with the Dodgers.”

    — NL scout

    “I like the Brewers. Their young players don’t ever seem fazed by the moment. And there could be some weakness with the Dodgers if [Shohei] Ohtani can’t be himself [and pitch]. Milwaukee is just a little bit better in all phases plus has more pitching than a year ago. Miz can match up with anyone.”

    — NL executive

    Biggest Threats to Milwaukee

    Philadelphia Phillies: The Phillies returned most of their 2025 roster, giving Bryce Harper another shot at his first championship. Philadelphia reached the World Series in 2022, and several voters believe this group can break through.

    “Unfortunately, we faced the Phillies more recently, instead of early in the season when they were going bad. They pitched really well. I know how good the Dodgers and Brewers are, but I’m not betting against [Cristopher] Sanchez, [Zack] Wheeler and [Jesus] Luzardo — not to mention Bryce and [Kyle] Schwarber. They’re one team that doesn’t HAVE to have the bye because of those pitchers. Remember, they’ve been as good as anyone for a long time now.”

    — AL executive

    Los Angeles Dodgers: The perennial contenders drew votes based on track record and roster construction.

    “I’m not picking against the Dodgers. They’ve played it perfectly this year in terms of pressing down on the gas when needed and then backing off. As long as they get a bye, they’re in great shape. It would be one thing if they exhausted themselves just getting into the postseason, but from day one, they’ve seemingly had this three-peat in mind.”

    — NL executive

    Chicago Cubs: One voter highlighted Chicago’s balanced roster.

    “I’ll take the Cubs. First in offense, first in defense and a No.1-type starter in Clay Holmes. I know they just had bullpen problems, but as long as they keep the ball in the park, the Cubs will always have a chance.”

    — AL executive

    NL Sleeper: San Diego Padres Emerge as Consensus Pick

    The Padres earned seven votes as the NL sleeper, ahead of the Cubs (four), Atlanta Braves (two), and Arizona Diamondbacks (one). Like the Brewers, San Diego’s case rests on pitching. Since acquiring Casey Mize and Robbie Ray at the trade deadline, the Padres have posted the NL’s best ERA. An elite bullpen anchored by Mason Miller completes the profile of a dangerous postseason team — if they qualify.

    “For me, San Diego is the perfect sleeper team. They’re better now than they have been all season, but because they’ve been fighting for a playoff spot and have no chance at the division, it doesn’t feel like people are talking about them. Their last-second grab of Mize and Ray might be [general manager AJ] Preller’s best work if they go far. And it just seems like everyone who was slumping in the first half is hot now.”

    — AL scout

    “Jackson Merrill is going good. So is that bullpen. They’re my sleeper pick.”

    — NL executive

    The Cubs appeared in both the favorite and sleeper categories, reflecting their volatility: a record-setting August followed a 10-game May losing streak. Their ceiling depends on bullpen stability, but depth, defense, and a veteran rotation give them a path to a deep run.

    American League: New York Yankees the Clear Choice

    In the AL, voting concentrated heavily on the New York Yankees, who received the most support after Aaron Judge returned from a three-month injury absence. The Tampa Bay Rays earned four votes and the Boston Red Sox three, but the Yankees’ health has unified the panel.

    Some voters noted that if the Yankees fail to win the AL East, a wild-card series against Boston could eliminate them early, leaving the Rays or Red Sox as the league’s top team.

    Why the Yankees?

    “I love the Yankees now. Judge is back. [Carlos] Rodon is back. Even without [Giancarlo] Stanton, that offense is dangerous, especially at Yankee Stadium. [Max] Fried hasn’t been going deep in games, but they have so much pitching, they may not need him to. And anyone who hasn’t seen Cam Schlittler pitch is in for a treat.”

    — NL scout

    “The Yankees have been the best team in the AL all season, they just didn’t know it. Does that make sense? The injuries are the only thing that’s held them back. They just have every key ingredient for the postseason.”

    — AL executive

    Biggest Threats to New York

    Tampa Bay Rays: Tampa Bay owned the AL’s best record for most of the season.

    “I’m taking the Rays thinking maybe the Yankees and Red Sox exhaust themselves a little playing each other in the first round. I mean, the Rays have been the best team in the AL all season and I love the top of their order. And I’ll take Bryan Baker up against anyone, including Aroldis Chapman. His fastball/changeup combo is great.”

    — AL scout

    Boston Red Sox: Boston’s pitching depth makes them dangerous in a short series.

    “I like the amount of arms the Red Sox can put out there in a playoff series. And then once you get to the back of a game, they’re lights out with [Garrett] Whitlock and Chapman. I think they’re best positioned to win from the wild-card teams. They’ll keep the Yankees in the park when they play in the first round.”

    — NL executive

    AL Sleeper: Houston Astros Win by Default

    The Houston Astros received seven votes as the AL sleeper, followed by the Chicago White Sox (three) and Toronto Blue Jays (one). However, several voters expressed low confidence in any AL sleeper, describing their choice as a forced selection.

    Houston’s postseason pedigree likely tipped the scales. The White Sox, once a trendy sleeper, have faded, while the Blue Jays — last year’s World Series finalist — are not currently in a playoff position.

    “I can’t pick the White Sox anymore. I would have a month ago. So Houston is about the only choice left for a sleeper. It’s not an easy case to make, but Yordan Alvarez can change a series by himself, while Josh Hader is as good as ever right now. I just don’t know about the rest of their pitching, but Hunter Brown and Peter Lambert could carry the day. Hayden Wesneski has been excellent.”

    — AL executive

    “The Astros are not great, but they have pedigree. I think Hayden Wesneski could be a guy for them in October. His sweeper is really good right now. They have some home run power outside of Alvarez, which could surprise teams in October.”

    — NL scout

    “If the White Sox can get just a little starting pitching, they could still make some noise. They have a bullpen. That’s always a need in the playoffs. And they can hit home runs. They just haven’t lately. I like them as a sleeper, assuming [Davis] Martin or [Sean] Burke are good.”

    — AL scout

    If a team outside the AL East trio of New York, Tampa Bay, and Boston emerges from the American League, it will truly define the sleeper label this October.

  • Former MLB Player Speaks Candidly on Anthony Volpe’s Dramatic Yankees Return

    Former MLB Player Speaks Candidly on Anthony Volpe’s Dramatic Yankees Return

    Anthony Volpe returned to the New York Yankees on Thursday and immediately authored the kind of performance that can shift a season’s narrative. After more than a month in Triple-A, the former top prospect went 3-for-4, drove in five runs, and launched a grand slam during New York’s 10-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies.

    Volpe Delivers Immediate Impact in Return to Bronx

    The evening marked an ideal homecoming for a player who had endured one of the most challenging stretches of his young career. Volpe had already made his presence felt before stepping to the plate with the bases loaded in the seventh inning. He collected two hits earlier in the game, including an RBI single, before facing Jimmy Herget with two outs and the sacks full.

    Volpe jumped on a 91-mph sinker and deposited it 352 feet over the right-field wall. The ball left his bat at 104 mph, extending the Yankees’ lead to 10-2 and turning a comfortable victory into a rout. It marked Volpe’s second home run of the season and his third career grand slam.

    Yankee Stadium Erupts for Curtain Call

    The moment gained additional significance when Yankee Stadium erupted into chants of Volpe’s name. His teammates encouraged him toward the top step of the dugout, where he delivered a curtain call in front of more than 40,000 fans. Volpe later admitted he essentially “blacked out” during the moment, calling it something he’d remember for a long time.

    Todd Frazier: Demotion May Have Helped Volpe Mentally

    Former MLB infielder Todd Frazier offered a compelling assessment of Volpe’s return on Foul Territory. Frazier suggested the demotion may have benefited Volpe mentally, allowing him to relax and rediscover the confidence that made him such a highly regarded prospect.

    “I think it made him calm… He’s still a pretty good baseball player, people don’t really understand,” said Frazier.

    “Yeah, you’re in a market where it’s that what have you done lately for me attitude. We were all around it… If you’re not pulling weight, it’s gonna be a big problem.”

    Consistency Remains the Key Challenge

    The difficult task now is proving Thursday wasn’t simply one spectacular night. Volpe entered the demotion hitting just .240 with a .325 on-base percentage, a .322 slugging percentage, one home run, and 19 RBIs across 56 major league games. Those numbers continued a pattern of offensive inconsistency that has followed him since his 2023 debut.

    His time in Triple-A, however, provided legitimate reasons for optimism. Across 37 games, Volpe hit .264 with a .906 OPS, 11 home runs, 26 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases. He also expanded his defensive versatility, starting games at shortstop, second base, and third base.

    His bat became especially dangerous late in his stint, when he went 11-for-21 with three homers, three doubles, and five stolen bases over a six-game stretch.

    Path to Playing Time Remains Competitive

    That production helped earn him another opportunity in New York, but his path forward won’t necessarily be straightforward. George Lombard Jr. had already received an opportunity at shortstop, while Jose Caballero had demonstrated his value with strong defense and aggressive base running.

    That makes consistency the ultimate key for Volpe. His talent clearly hasn’t disappeared, and Thursday offered a vivid reminder of why the Yankees believed in him initially. But in New York, potential only buys a player so much time.

  • Aaron Judge Returns, Reviving Yankees’ 2026 World Series Hopes

    Aaron Judge Returns, Reviving Yankees’ 2026 World Series Hopes

    For a franchise that measures success in championships, 17 years is an eternity. The New York Yankees have not won a World Series since 2009, a drought that would be insignificant for most organizations but feels massive for a club that owns 27 championships. Every season since has ended with the same question lingering over the Bronx: Is this finally the year?

    As the 2026 regular season enters its final stretch, the answer remains uncertain. But for the first time in months, the Yankees have regained the one player who could make that dream a reality.

    Aaron Judge Returns to Yankees Lineup

    The Yankees captain was reinstated from the 60-day injured list on Monday and is expected to return to the lineup for Tuesday’s series opener against the Colorado Rockies. It marks the end of a frustrating absence that began when a right rib stress fracture sidelined him on May 31.

    For Judge, the return is arriving later than he ever wanted.

    “I wanted to be back June 1, but that didn’t happen,” Aaron recently said.

    Impact of Judge’s Absence on Yankees Season

    His absence fundamentally changed the Yankees’ season. When Judge last appeared in a game, New York owned a 36-23 record and looked like one of the American League’s strongest contenders. Without him, the club went 45-39, remaining competitive but losing much of the offensive firepower that makes it a legitimate championship threat.

    Manager Aaron Boone didn’t hide the impact of losing the three-time American League MVP.

    “We’ve had long stretches where the offense has struggled. I think a big part of that is not having your guy,” Boone said.

    The numbers support that assessment. While the Yankees managed to stay in the playoff picture, they looked far less dangerous without the most feared hitter in baseball anchoring the middle of the lineup.

    That reality makes Judge’s return about far more than a September boost. It may determine whether the Yankees are merely a playoff team or a true World Series contender.

    AL East Race and Wild Card Implications

    As things stand, the Yankees are firmly in the American League playoff race. Entering Judge’s return, New York trails the division-leading Tampa Bay Rays by four games while holding a narrow lead over the Boston Red Sox in the Wild Card standings. That means the Yankees are still fighting on two fronts: chasing an AL East title while also trying to secure the best possible Wild Card position.

    If New York fails to catch Tampa Bay, a postseason showdown with Boston remains one possible outcome. The two rivals are currently separated by only a few games in the standings, making a Yankees-Red Sox Wild Card series a realistic scenario as October approaches.

    However, playoff seeding remains far from settled with several weeks left in the regular season.

    Judge’s MVP-Caliber Production and Defensive Return

    That’s where Judge becomes indispensable. Before the injury, he was once again performing at an MVP level. His combination of power, patience and leadership makes him the engine of New York’s offense.

    Opposing pitchers alter their entire game plan because of his presence. Teammates receive better pitches to hit. The lineup becomes deeper and more dangerous from top to bottom.

    The Yankees also expect Judge to return as their everyday right fielder rather than serving exclusively as a designated hitter. Throughout August, he steadily increased his workload, progressing from batting-practice sessions to live pitching, running bases and outfield drills. Boone has suggested the club may initially limit his innings to help rebuild stamina, but the expectation is that Judge will quickly resume a major role.

  • Yankees Crush Red Sox 16-1 in August 30, 2026 Game Recap

    Yankees Crush Red Sox 16-1 in August 30, 2026 Game Recap

    Austin Wells hit two home runs during a nine-run eighth inning, Heliot Ramos launched a three-run homer in the fifth, and the New York Yankees strengthened their position in the American League wild-card race with a 16-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Sunday.

    The win also clinched the Yankees’ season series against Boston and secured the head-to-head tiebreaker if the teams finish with identical records.

    Yankees break open scoreless game

    Wells opened the eighth inning with a home run against Jovani Moran before connecting on a 49.8 mph slider from infielder Andruw Monasterio for a three-run shot. It marked the seventh time in Yankees history that a player homered twice in one inning, making Wells the sixth Yankee to accomplish the feat.

    Wells became the first Yankees player to hit two home runs in one inning since Gleyber Torres did so against Pittsburgh on Sept. 21, 2022. Paul Goldschmidt also homered in the eighth, while Jose Caballero, starting at shortstop for rookie George Lombard Jr. because of right knee discomfort, hit a three-run homer off Monasterio’s 49 mph slider.

    New York took control of the scoreless game with a five-run fifth inning. Center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela’s glove was ruled to be on the grass when he caught Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s sinking liner, trapping the ball and turning the play into a hit. Boston challenged the ruling, but it was upheld.

    Goldschmidt followed two batters later with a two-run single against Ranger Suarez.

    Ramos delivers key hit for New York

    Ramos hit his first home run since the Yankees acquired him from San Francisco at the Aug. 3 trade deadline. It was also the outfielder’s first home run overall since July 20 and his first multihit game with New York.

    Ramos entered Sunday 7-for-59 in his first 20 games with the Yankees. His biggest hit since joining the club helped New York improve to 78-59, move four games ahead of Boston at 74-63 and win seven of the teams’ 13 meetings.

    Yankees starter Will Warren improved to 9-6 after allowing Nick Sogard’s RBI single in the eighth inning among six hits over seven-plus innings.

    New York has won 10 of its past 14 games and scored a season-high 16 runs. The Yankees also collected 18 hits, their second-highest total of the season.

    Suarez allowed season highs of six runs and nine hits in 5 1/3 innings, while Monasterio surrendered five runs.

    Up next

    Red Sox: Left-hander Payton Tolle (8-6, 3.09 ERA) starts a three-game series against Seattle on Monday at Fenway Park.

    Yankees: Right-hander Elmer Rodríguez (0-2, 4.70 ERA) opens a three-game series against the Angels in Anaheim on Monday.

    Source: www.espn.com

  • Roman Anthony, Trevor Story to Rejoin Red Sox for Finale Against Yankees

    Roman Anthony, Trevor Story to Rejoin Red Sox for Finale Against Yankees

    Roman Anthony and Trevor Story are expected to return to the Boston Red Sox for Sunday’s series finale against the New York Yankees, giving Boston two key reinforcements as the club pushes toward the postseason.

    Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy confirmed Saturday that Anthony and Story are set to come off the injured list after extended absences, although Boston had not finalized the corresponding roster moves.

    “They’re coming,” Tracy told reporters Saturday, according to MLB.com. “Not sure what we’re doing yet [with the roster], and we’ll figure that out.”

    Anthony and Story were removed early from their minor league rehab game Saturday with Triple-A Worcester. The two players were later seen leaving the ballpark together with their bags packed.

    Red Sox welcome back injured stars

    Boston has recovered from a slow start and moved into postseason contention without Anthony and Story. All-Star first baseman Willson Contreras said the team is eager to have both players back in the lineup.

    “I think it’s really important for us to get those guys back,” Contreras said. “We need them.”

    Anthony has been out since May 4 because of persistent wrist and finger injuries. The former top prospect had one home run and a .675 OPS in 30 games before landing on the injured list, but he displayed his typical power during his rehab assignment, recording two home runs and a .967 OPS in eight games.

    Story last played for Boston on May 14. The two-time All-Star underwent sports hernia surgery on May 22.

    The Red Sox were 18-25 when Story was injured but have since revived their season through contributions from several players across the roster. Boston enters Sunday with a 74-62 record, six games ahead of the Cleveland Guardians (68-68) for the American League’s second wild-card spot and three games behind the Yankees (77-59), who currently hold the top wild card.

    Boston faces roster decisions

    Anthony is expected to return to his previous role rotating between left field and designated hitter. Story’s return presents a more complicated roster decision after he posted a .547 OPS in 41 games before his injury.

    Andruw Monasterio, Nick Sogard and Tsung-Che Cheng have shared shortstop duties during Story’s absence.

    Contreras emphasized the importance of acknowledging the players who helped Boston remain in contention while Anthony and Story were sidelined. He also noted that the Red Sox must decide which players to remove from the 26-man roster to activate both returning stars.

    “I think those are tough decisions to make,” he said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen [Sunday], but we do have to recognize the job that the guys are doing for this team, and we couldn’t have done what we’ve done without them.”

  • Aaron Boone Confirms Cody Bellinger Will Miss Game 2 Against Red Sox

    Aaron Boone Confirms Cody Bellinger Will Miss Game 2 Against Red Sox

    New York Yankees left fielder Cody Bellinger has struggled since returning from the 10-day injured list, recording just four hits in his last 23 at-bats across five games.

    Bellinger missed nearly a month while recovering from a Grade 2 left hamstring strain suffered while running the bases in July. Despite the recent slump, his second season with the Yankees has been successful overall.

    After re-signing with New York during the offseason on a five-year, $162.5 million contract worth $162.5 million, Bellinger earned an All-Star selection for his first-half performance and was named All-Star Game MVP.

    Yankees manage Cody Bellinger’s workload

    The Yankees played a doubleheader against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday in a series with major postseason implications. If the teams require a tiebreaker, the club that wins the regular-season series will receive home-field advantage.

    New York lost the first game 6-0. Bellinger recorded a hit, but it was not enough to prevent the shutout loss.

    For the second game, manager Aaron Boone removed Bellinger from the starting lineup and inserted rookie Spencer Jones in his place. However, the decision was part of the Yankees’ plan for Bellinger’s return.

    Speaking with reporters earlier in the week, Boone had already said that Bellinger would play only one of the two games in the series, according to Gary Phillips of NY Daily News Sports.

    The Yankees do not want to push Bellinger too quickly as he continues rebuilding his game speed following the left hamstring injury. Jones gives New York a reliable short-term replacement, while Bellinger remains available off the bench as a potential left-handed pinch hitter in Game 2.

    Related: Yankees Facing Decision After Aaron Judge Request

    This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug. 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

  • How to Watch Red Sox vs. Yankees: TV Channel, Live Stream, and Game Time

    How to Watch Red Sox vs. Yankees: TV Channel, Live Stream, and Game Time

    The Boston Red Sox visit the New York Yankees on Saturday, August 29, 2026, in Game 2 of a doubleheader at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET.

    New York enters Saturday with a 76-58 record (.567), while Boston is 73-61 (.545). The Yankees began the day with 184 home runs, the second-highest total in Major League Baseball behind Washington’s 190.

    How to Watch Red Sox vs. Yankees

    • When: Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 7:15 p.m. ET
    • Where: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
    • TV: FOX
    • Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOX Sports

    Raymond Burgos is listed as Boston’s probable starter, while Max Fried is lined up to start for New York. However, Boston had not announced its Game 2 starter in the additional team information provided for the matchup.

    Players to Watch

    Ben Rice, Yankees

    Rice is New York’s biggest power threat in the FOX nightcap. He is batting .255 with 35 home runs and 83 RBI, giving Boston one hitter it cannot afford to challenge carelessly.

    His assignment does not change. If Rice gets a pitch to drive with runners aboard, he can quickly change a close rivalry game. That power makes him the priority in any high-leverage at-bat.

    Jazz Chisholm Jr., Yankees

    Chisholm gives the Yankees a source of pressure beyond the home run. He has 18 homers, 53 RBI and 38 stolen bases, forcing Boston to account for his speed as soon as he reaches base.

    That could matter even more in the second game of a doubleheader, when both bullpens may be carrying extra work. If Chisholm creates a scoring chance without needing another hit, New York gains an edge. Boston cannot lose track of him between pitches once he is aboard.

    William Contreras, Red Sox

    Contreras is Boston’s most complete middle-of-the-order threat. He is batting .278 with 26 home runs, 78 RBI and a .908 OPS, combining power with the plate discipline to extend an inning.

    New York cannot give him traffic and a favorable count. If Contreras reaches base or drives in runners, the Red Sox have the production they need to match the Yankees in the nightcap. His patience also gives Boston a way to make New York work.

    Ceddanne Rafaela, Red Sox

    Rafaela gives Boston contact, extra-base power and speed in the same spot. He is batting .287 with 16 home runs, 66 RBI and 17 stolen bases.

    His ability to put the ball in play can help Boston create pressure before Contreras and the rest of the middle order come up. With Fried lined up for New York and Boston yet to announce its Game 2 starter, Rafaela’s versatility gives the Red Sox several ways to build an inning throughout the game.

    Red Sox vs. Yankees Odds and Schedule

    Learn more about the Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees game and check the full MLB schedule on FOX Sports.

    Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.

    Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience.

    Source: www.foxsports.com

  • David Bednar Is Making Yankees Fans Forget How Shaky the Ninth Inning Used to Feel

    David Bednar Is Making Yankees Fans Forget How Shaky the Ninth Inning Used to Feel

    The Yankees had a one-run lead to protect Thursday night, and David Bednar made sure it was enough. He needed just 12 pitches to finish New York’s 1-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox and record his 31st save.

    There was a time when the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium felt like a long walk toward a disappointing ending. Bednar has changed that feeling. When he jogs in from the bullpen, the crowd expects him to take control and close out the game.

    David Bednar has stabilized the Yankees’ ninth inning

    Bednar’s numbers support that growing confidence. He owns a 2.31 ERA across 58.1 innings, with 65 strikeouts, 18 walks and a 0.98 WHIP. He has converted 31 of 34 save opportunities, providing the dependable late-inning work a contender needs.

    Thursday’s appearance was as efficient as it gets: three batters, no runs and game over. Those outings may not always produce the loudest reaction, but they allow the rest of the Yankees to play with greater confidence in close games.

    Aug. 28, 2026: Yankees catcher Austin Wells reacts with pitcher David Bednar after the win over the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Credit: Tom Horak-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect.

    Bednar is not trying to make the closer’s job look difficult. He attacks the strike zone, works quickly and gives catcher Austin Wells the opportunity to finish the inning with the best pitch available.

    That reliability matters, particularly during the late-season push. The Yankees already face significant pressure in every close game. They do not need their closer creating another problem when a lead is on the line.

    The Yankees have a closer they can trust

    The postseason will present more demanding situations than a one-run August game against Boston. Bednar will allow runs again because every closer does. What he has earned, however, is the benefit of the doubt when the game reaches the ninth inning.

    For now, the Yankees have a reliever who can turn a narrow lead into a handshake line. That is the job, and Bednar is doing it well.

    Source: sports.yahoo.com

  • Aaron Judge’s Potential Return Plan Could Be the Gamble the Yankees Need for Another World Series Run

    Aaron Judge’s Potential Return Plan Could Be the Gamble the Yankees Need for Another World Series Run

    The New York Yankees enter the final month of the regular season with a comfortable position atop the American League wild-card race, putting them on course for October baseball in the Bronx.

    However, manager Aaron Boone’s team has had to navigate a difficult summer, largely because of the prolonged absence of three-time MVP Aaron Judge. Judge has been sidelined since May 31 with a severe stress fracture in his right first rib, leaving a major hole in the Yankees’ lineup. Before the injury, he hit 17 home runs and posted a .907 OPS in his first 59 games of the season.

    Yankees Face Lineup Decision Ahead of Aaron Judge’s Return

    While the supporting cast has worked to keep New York competitive, the team’s hopes of making another World Series run depend heavily on getting its captain back before the postseason begins.

    As the Yankees prepare for Judge’s expected return in September, the club faces a roster dilemma involving trade-deadline acquisition Luis García Jr. García has made an immediate impact in the Bronx, giving Boone a much-needed offensive boost during the most challenging part of the summer.

    If the Yankees protect Judge by using him exclusively as the designated hitter because of concerns about his ribs, they could leave one of their hottest hitters without a regular place in the starting lineup.

    The best way to keep García’s bat in the lineup while restoring Judge to the starting nine would be to return Judge to right field. Although protecting a player recovering from a serious injury remains a priority, putting Judge back in the field also makes strategic sense.

    Judge is not a defensive liability. He has consistently ranked among Major League Baseball’s best defensive right fielders and provides a Gold Glove-caliber presence that can influence how opposing teams approach the bases.

    Completely shielding a superstar from physical contact is also impossible in professional baseball. Judge could absorb an awkward jolt while sliding into a base or suffer a similar impact while tracking a ball in the gap. The Yankees therefore must balance careful injury management with the need to maximize their offensive firepower.

    New York may prefer to use a slightly rusty Judge in right field rather than limit him to designated-hitter duties, which would disrupt the lineup and potentially force García out of the starting nine. That September decision could determine whether the Yankees remain playoff contenders or emerge as World Series champions.

    Source: www.marca.com