The New York Yankees will meet their arch-rivals, the Boston Red Sox, one last time before the playoffs next month. It will be a very crucial series against the arch-rivals because the NY side has only an 1.5 games advantage over the Baltimore Orioles. Clearly, the situation at the American League East division is very exciting as the top two teams are very close to each other in the standings. Who will eventually win the AL East division this year? Only time can tell. Last year, it was the Baltimore Orioles who were by far the most superior team in their division. On the other hand, the Yankees had finished with a terrible 82-80 record.
Moreover, it was their worst season in the last 30 years. For the first time since 2016, the Bronx Bombers had failed to make the postseason. Clearly, from that stage to the present day, Aaron Boone’s side has redeemed themselves pretty well. Now, can they redeem themselves after the terrible 2023 season with a World Series win this year? Again, only time can answer that. To solidify their place at the top of the AL East, they must win as many games as they can in the remainder of the regular season.
Yankees’ Probable Starters Against The Red Sox
Aaron Boone might thank the Red Sox for winning with a walk-off against the Orioles on Wednesday, as it helped the Yankees enjoy a 1.5-game lead. In fact, the NY side had a pretty big win against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday. Moreover, it is so uncanny that the Bronx Bombers won 4-3 against the Royals also with a walk-off. That came off the bat of the third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. While the Yankees and Orioles are fighting for the AL East and, in fact, the whole AL Crown, the Boston Red Sox are 10 games behind in their division.
However, the Red Sox still have a chance to make the postseason with a final wild card spot, but they are still four games back. Hence, the upcoming series between the Yankees and Red Sox will be very crucial for both teams. According to The Sporting News, Aaron Boone might let Nestor Cortes, the LHP to start on Thursday, and the RHP Clarke Schmidt on Friday. The Yankees ace pitcher Gerrit Cole might be back on Saturday for Game 3, and the LHP Carlos Rodon might start on Sunday. Moreover, the manager has faith in these hurlers that they can get the job done.
Starters Have Been A Bit Shaky This Year
Nestor Cortes has really struggled this season. As a result, Boone has dropped him to the bullpen. But the manager is willing to be “Creative” with the closer role since Clay Holmes had his 11th blown save. Moreover, Cortes has a 9-10 record with a 3.97 ERA. Then, Clarke Schmidt has a 5-3 record, with a 2.34 ERA.
But the ace pitcher must get into his finest form if the Yankees need to do something special in the playoffs. So far, Gerrit Cole has a 6-4 record in 2024, with a 3.36 ERA. On the other hand, Carlos Rodon has a 14-9 record, with a 4.21 ERA. These pitchers must help the Yankees win against the Red Sox in a crucial four-game series.
Stay tuned to Sports News International for more such updates about your favorite MLB team.