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Yankees fans will see their team begin another dramatic postseason rivalry without Aaron Judge. New York hosts the Boston Red Sox in Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series on Tuesday at Yankee Stadium, with first pitch scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
The best-of-three series renews one of baseball’s most enduring rivalries for the seventh time since 1999. The first six postseason meetings ended in an even split, adding another layer of pressure to a matchup that already carries enormous historical significance.
Yankees Turn to Cam Schlittler in Critical Game 1
New York will hand the ball to right-hander Cam Schlittler, who followed last year’s postseason breakout with a spectacular regular season. The 23-year-old finished with a 14-6 record, a 1.95 ERA and 239 strikeouts, ranking among the American League’s most dominant pitchers.
Schlittler made headlines last October when he struck out 12 batters across eight scoreless innings against Boston. His performance ended the Red Sox’s season and helped send the Yankees into the American League Division Series. Now, he will try to deliver another commanding start against the same opponent.
“It’s special,” Schlittler said, reflecting on his previous playoff experience against Boston. The Massachusetts native grew up cheering for the Red Sox, but he has embraced his role as one of the Yankees’ biggest weapons in the rivalry.
Boston will counter with rookie left-hander Payton Tolle. The 23-year-old went 9-6 with a 3.03 ERA and led the Red Sox pitching staff with 4.1 wins above replacement. His fastball, which can reach 98 mph, has quickly made him a fan favorite in Boston.
Explosive Lineups Set for Yankee Stadium Showdown
The Red Sox lineup features Roman Anthony, Adley Rutschman and Willson Contreras at the top. Wilyer Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela and Jarren Duran follow, while Trevor Story and Caleb Durbin round out the starting group.
- Red Sox projected lineup: Roman Anthony, Adley Rutschman, Willson Contreras, Wilyer Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela, Nick Sogard, Jarren Duran, Trevor Story and Caleb Durbin.
- Yankees projected lineup: Paul Goldschmidt, Ben Rice, Heliot Ramos, Cody Bellinger, George Lombard Jr., Amed Rosario, Anthony Volpe, Spencer Jones and Austin Wells.
New York adjusted its lineup to feature more right-handed hitters against Tolle. Anthony Volpe starts at second base instead of Jazz Chisholm Jr., while Amed Rosario gets the nod at third base. Ben Rice enters the series with significant power, having hit 41 home runs during the regular season.
Cody Bellinger has also been productive throughout September, while George Lombard Jr. has driven in 16 runs during the month. The Yankees will need those middle-order bats to compensate for the absence of their biggest star.
Aaron Judge Missing From Yankees Wild Card Roster
The most significant news surrounding the Yankees is Judge’s absence. The captain is sidelined by a right soleus strain and will not be part of the Wild Card roster against Boston. Judge reportedly hoped to play, but the injury typically requires multiple weeks of recovery.
His absence removes a major force from the Yankees’ offense and changes the complexion of the series. Judge’s power, leadership and postseason experience are difficult to replace, particularly against a Red Sox team that rallied from a 15 1/2-game divisional deficit earlier this season.
New York won seven of 13 meetings with Boston during the regular season. The Yankees swept three games at Fenway Park in April and took three of four from the Red Sox in late August. Boston, however, answered with a four-game sweep at home from June 25-28, beginning a remarkable turnaround.
Powerful Bullpens Could Decide the Rivalry
Both teams have reliable late-inning options. The Yankees will rely on closer David Bednar, who recorded 35 saves with a 2.50 ERA. Paul Blackburn, Brent Headrick, Tim Hill, Michael Fulmer and John Schreiber give manager Aaron Boone several choices in high-leverage situations.
Boston’s bullpen is led by former Yankee Aroldis Chapman, who remains an elite closer at age 38. Garrett Whitlock is another important late-inning arm, while Brayan Bello can provide length. The Red Sox also activated Garrett Crochet, who had not pitched since April 25.
Boston will be without Tyron Guerrero and Justin Slaten, both important relief contributors. The Yankees are also monitoring Ryan Weathers, who is dealing with a flexor strain.
How to Watch Yankees vs. Red Sox Game 1
Game 1 begins Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET at Yankee Stadium. National coverage will be available on NBC and Peacock, with Spanish-language coverage on Universo and Spanish audio through Univision Radio. ESPN Radio will provide national postseason coverage.
The winner of the series advances to face the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. With Judge unavailable and Schlittler facing a dangerous Boston lineup, the opening game could immediately define this high-stakes postseason battle.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Yankees vs. Red Sox Game 1?
Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series is scheduled for Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET at Yankee Stadium.
How can fans watch the game?
The matchup will air nationally on NBC and Peacock. Spanish-language coverage will be available through Universo and Univision Radio.
Who is starting for the Yankees?
Cam Schlittler will start for New York. He finished the regular season with a 1.95 ERA and 239 strikeouts.
Why is Aaron Judge not playing?
Judge is unavailable because of a right soleus strain. He was left off the Yankees’ Wild Card roster.
