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Yankees game today brings a high-pressure American League Wild Card matchup as New York hosts the Boston Red Sox in Game 2 at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees lead the best-of-three series 1-0 after a dominant opening victory, but manager Aaron Boone knows the job is not finished.
New York has a chance to eliminate Boston and move forward, while the Red Sox are fighting to keep their postseason alive. The game is being televised nationally on NBC and Peacock, with Spanish-language coverage available through Universo and Spanish audio on Univision Radio.
Yankees Game Today Has a Critical Pitching Showdown
The Yankees will send Max Fried to the mound, hoping the left-hander can deliver another strong performance against a familiar opponent. Fried owns a 1.93 career regular-season ERA in seven starts against Boston, and he held the Red Sox to one run over 11⅔ innings across two starts this season.
Fried also produced eight scoreless innings at Fenway Park on April 22. His most recent outing against Boston came on Aug. 29, when he was limited to 63 pitches in his first start after returning from the injured list because of a left elbow bone bruise.
Boston counters with veteran right-hander Sonny Gray, who led the Red Sox rotation with a 2.72 ERA and recorded 20 quality starts during the regular season. Gray is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career at age 36 and will make his first postseason appearance since the 2023 Division Series.
Gray has struggled in his previous time with the Yankees, but his current form gives Boston a credible chance to extend the series. The pitching matchup could be decisive, particularly if both starters control the strike zone early.
Explosive Yankees Offense Looks to Stay Hot
New York’s offense erupted in Game 1, powered by Ben Rice. The first baseman and designated hitter went 4-for-5 with two home runs and six RBIs, immediately becoming one of the biggest stories of the postseason.
Rice also finished the regular season with 41 home runs after hitting six in September. George Lombard Jr. added three hits in his postseason debut, while Austin Wells continued a promising stretch after a solid September.
The Yankees will use a more conventional lineup against Gray, a right-handed pitcher:
- Ben Rice, designated hitter
- Cody Bellinger, left field
- Luis García Jr., first base
- Spencer Jones, right field
- George Lombard Jr., shortstop
- Jazz Chisholm Jr., second base
- Trent Grisham, center field
- Austin Wells, catcher
- Ryan McMahon, third base
Jazz Chisholm Jr. returns to second base after Anthony Volpe started there in Game 1. Boone indicated that Chisholm’s September wrist injury and Volpe’s recent play could lead to a platoon during the series.
Red Sox Face Urgent Lineup and Injury Concerns
Boston’s lineup will look different against Fried, but the most significant change involves Roman Anthony. The leadoff hitter left Game 1 after two at-bats because of discomfort in the right hand and wrist area. The injury is especially concerning because it previously kept him out for nearly four months.
Jahmai Jones moves into the leadoff spot, with Adley Rutschman, Willson Contreras and Wilyer Abreu following him. Boston’s offense has been cold, collecting only three hits in Game 1 and ranking last in Major League Baseball in runs per game, batting average and OPS during the final month of the regular season.
The Red Sox lineup includes:
- Jahmai Jones, designated hitter
- Adley Rutschman, catcher
- Willson Contreras, first base
- Wilyer Abreu, right field
- Ceddanne Rafaela, center field
- Caleb Durbin, third base
- Nick Sogard, second base
- Trevor Story, shortstop
- Nate Eaton, left field
Aroldis Chapman and Garrett Whitlock remain important bullpen weapons for Boston. Garrett Crochet is finally healthy but has not appeared in a game since April 25, making his potential role a major storyline if the contest becomes tight.
Yankees Bullpen Holds a Fresh Advantage
New York avoided using closer David Bednar in Game 1 after building a comfortable lead. Paul Blackburn needed only 18 pitches to record five outs, while John Schreiber completed the ninth inning with 11 pitches.
Rainouts late in the regular season also helped keep the Yankees’ bullpen fresh. Boston did not use Chapman, Whitlock or Crochet in the opener, so both teams enter Game 2 with key relief options available.
A Yankees victory would complete a sweep and send New York into the next round. Historically, teams that take a 1-0 lead in a best-of-three Wild Card Series have won 21 of 24 times, or 88 percent. Home teams have won all nine series in which they took the opening game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the Yankees game today?
Game 2 of the Yankees-Red Sox Wild Card Series is being played at Yankee Stadium and is available through NBC and Peacock.
Who is starting for the Yankees?
Max Fried is scheduled to start for New York. He has a strong career record against Boston and held the Red Sox to one run over 11⅔ innings this season.
Who is pitching for Boston?
Sonny Gray is starting for the Red Sox. He led Boston’s rotation with a 2.72 ERA and recorded 20 quality starts during the regular season.
Is Aaron Judge playing?
No. Aaron Judge remains inactive for the Wild Card Series while rehabbing a strained right soleus.
What happens if the Yankees win?
The Yankees will sweep the Red Sox and advance to the next round of the postseason. A Boston victory would force a decisive third game.
