The New York Yankees will host the Boston Red Sox in the American League Wild Card Series beginning Tuesday in The Bronx, marking a repeat of last year’s matchup between the long-standing rivals. The Red Sox secured their spot Friday by defeating the Chicago Cubs in the first game of a doubleheader, clinching the AL’s second wild card position.
Last season, the Yankees defeated the Red Sox in a dramatic three-game series, highlighted by Cam Schlittler’s dominant performance in the decisive Game 3. However, the Yankees’ momentum stalled thereafter, as they were eliminated by the Toronto Blue Jays in the subsequent Division Series. This year, the Tampa Bay Rays, American League East champions, will await the winner of the Wild Card Series in the AL Division Series.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the intensity of the rivalry and the challenge posed by a Red Sox team that rebounded strongly after a difficult start to the season. “I think it’s kind of been in the works here for the last month or so,” Boone said Friday. “Obviously a tremendous rivalry. A team that’s had a resurgent season after a really difficult start. I think they’re really good. I’ve felt that way all year. Also real confident if we play our game and pitch like we’re capable of, we got a good chance to move on.”
The season series between the two teams was closely contested, with the Yankees narrowly edging Boston 7-6. The Yankees swept a three-game set in April but were subsequently swept in four games during June, a stretch that coincided with the Red Sox replacing manager Alex Cora. Boston’s left-handed pitching staff presents a tactical challenge for New York’s left-leaning lineup, particularly if star outfielder Aaron Judge is unavailable.
Neither team had announced its starting rotation as of Friday. Within the series, Boston’s left-handers Payton Tolle and Jake Bennett showed strong performances against the Yankees, throwing 13 and 12⅓ innings respectively while allowing just one run. Right-hander Sonny Gray also logged 13⅔ innings with three runs allowed.
Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe emphasized the significance of the matchup, calling it “Yankees-Red Sox, that’s what October baseball is.” The potential return of Judge remains a key variable. Additionally, the Yankees are considering whether to activate slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who has not played in five months due to multiple calf strains, to serve as a pinch hitter against Boston’s left-handed pitchers in late innings.
Internal discussions continue regarding the Yankees’ starting rotation for the Wild Card Series. Schlittler, with a 1.95 ERA, may start in Game 2 to preserve his availability for potential starts in the Division Series. If so, lefty Max Fried is likely to start Game 1, with decisions about Game 3 still pending among pitchers Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón.
The Yankees are also weighing lineup decisions in consideration of Boston’s injury situation, including the likely absence of Red Sox righty Willson Contreras due to a bruised hand. Boone noted that the team faces more roster uncertainty this year compared to previous seasons, particularly with six injured players possibly returning in time for the series.
“It feels more so this year than any year where we do have a lot of questions to answer as far as, how do we want to finalize [the roster]?” Boone said. “It does seem like there’s more to work through this year, especially when you consider some of the [injured players] that are potentially knocking on the door as options or not.”
With the series set to begin Tuesday, both teams are poised for a high-stakes renewal of one of baseball’s most storied postseason rivalries.