NEW YORK — The fierce rivalry between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox resumes Thursday with the start of a four-game series at Yankee Stadium, carrying significant implications for the playoff race. The Yankees hold a slim 1.5-game lead over the Red Sox for the top wild card position in the American League. Meanwhile, both teams trail the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East, with Boston clinging to a half-game advantage over the Seattle Mariners for the second wild card spot.
The Yankees are riding a five-game winning streak, highlighted by an extraordinary performance against the Tampa Bay Rays earlier this week, where they hit nine home runs. In contrast, the Red Sox have struggled recently, having lost three consecutive games and posting a 3-7 record over their last ten outings.
Fans can catch the series opener at 7:15 p.m. ET on FOX or via streaming on Fubo. This matchup will set the stage for intriguing baseball, especially with the two clubs eyeing crucial victories as they aim for postseason contention.
Yankees star Aaron Judge, who has been limited to designated hitter duties since July 25 due to a flexor strain in his elbow, could make a return to the outfield this weekend. Manager Aaron Boone indicated the possibility of Judge playing defensively, although the specifics of his throwing ability remain uncertain. Judge found himself at odds with Boone earlier this week regarding the expectations for his return, stating his confidence in regaining full strength.
Judge’s season batting line is impressive, with a slash line of .330/.445/.684, indicating his critical role in the Yankees’ offensive lineup as they seek to maintain their lead in the wild card race.
On Sunday, Boston will send right-hander Dustin May to the mound in the series finale. May, now in his fourth start with the Red Sox, has shown promise since joining the team, posting a 2.87 ERA during his short tenure. The 27-year-old has made adjustments to his pitching style, emphasizing his cutter more frequently, which he noted was part of the Red Sox strategy.
The Red Sox may have the lesser record at this point in the season, but they have been dominant in this season’s matchups against the Yankees. Boston has won five of the first six meetings this year, with the most recent five contests all going in their favor. Collectively, the Red Sox have outscored the Yankees by an aggregate score of 35-27.
This series offers the Yankees a chance to balance the scales, with additional games scheduled in September, ensuring that the rivalry will remain as intense as ever throughout the remainder of the season.
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