Yankees and Red Sox Set for Playoff Rematch in AL Wild Card Series
The historic rivals will face each other for the second consecutive year in the postseason.
The New York Yankees will host the Boston Red Sox in the American League wild-card series, beginning Tuesday in the Bronx. This marks the second consecutive year the storied rivals will meet in the postseason.
The rematch was confirmed Friday when the Red Sox defeated the Chicago Cubs to secure the second wild card spot. Last year, the Yankees won the playoff showdown, with pitcher Cam Schlittler delivering a dominant performance in the deciding Game 3. However, the Yankees' postseason run ended in the AL Division Series against the Toronto Blue Jays.
This year, the winner of the Yankees-Red Sox series will advance to face the AL East champion Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS.
The Yankees held a narrow 7-6 edge in the season series against the Red Sox. However, Boston's lineup, featuring a significant number of left-handed hitters, could pose a challenge for the Yankees' predominantly left-handed batting order. The Yankees might also be without star player Aaron Judge, who is currently recovering from a moderate calf strain and is attempting to return in time for the series.