New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox: Series Preview
The rivalry stakes center stage in the Bronx.
Welcome to rivalry weekend. The New York Yankees will face off against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. After dropping two of three games to the Astros, the Yankees are looking to bounce back with a strong series performance. Boston has been on a roll since the All-Star break, posting a 27-12 record with an impressive team OPS of .796 and a potent offense in August sitting at .810.
Friday's game sees Cam Schlittler facing off against Patrick Sandoval for the Yankees. Schlittler has been a standout performer this season with an impressive 11-6 record, 2.17 ERA, and 0.96 WHIP. He has been dominant in three starts against Boston, recording a 0.96 ERA across 18.2 innings. Sandoval, a left-handed pitcher, returns from Tommy John surgery and will be looking to upset Schlittler with his crafty slider, changeup, and sinker.
Boston's bullpen, missing Garrett Whitlock and Justin Slaten, features veteran Aroldis Chapman, who has been a force with 30 saves and a 1.81 ERA this season.
Saturday's doubleheader features two key matchups. In Game 1, Carlos Rodón will take on Jake Bennett. Rodón has been impressive since returning from the injured list, posting a 3.15 ERA in two starts with 58 strikeouts across 54.1 innings. Bennett, the Red Sox's closer, has a solid 8-6 record with a 3.49 ERA and 67 strikeouts on the season.
The Yankees are expected to activate Max Fried for Game 2, aiming to secure the tiebreaker with a strong performance from their ace. The Red Sox will likely rely on righty Brayan Bello in a bullpen game.
Sunday's matinee features William Warren, who will look to anchor the Yankees' rotation. Warren has made 25 starts this season with an 8-6 record, 4.39 ERA, and 126 strikeouts. His last outing saw him go five innings, allowing two earned runs against the Astros. Facing Boston's offseason signing, Ranger Suárez, Warren will be looking to secure a crucial spot in the series.
Suárez has been less effective in August, giving up nine earned runs in 18.1 innings, but still managed to strike out five batters in his most recent start against the Marlins.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
