The Yankees have recently confirmed who will take the mound for the best-of-three American League Wild Card Series against the Red Sox.
Cy Young frontrunner Cam Schlittler will take the mound for Game 1 in the Bronx to kick off the MLB season. Max Fried will hopefully help the Yankees advance to Game 2, and if needed, Gerrit Cole will close out the series on Thursday.
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This rotation isn’t too far from our previous predictions on who the roster is making this season, and it could be the best chance for the Pinstripes. Hypothetically, if the Yankees beat Boston in the last Wild Card Series, Schlittler will be available to pitch for Game 2 against the Rays in the ALDS.
The 25-year-old made his debut in Game 3 of the 2025 Wild Card Series against the Red Sox and had a breakout performance in a 4-0 victory, allowing five hits and striking out 12 in eight shutouts. He made his second appearance against the Blue Jays in Game 4 of the ALDS, allowing eight hits and four runs in 6.1 innings.
Friedlander, who finished the regular season with a 2.80 ERA and 0.99 WIP, has strong numbers against Boston, combining with the Yankees. Against the Red Sox in six games, including the postseason, Friedlander posted a 1.24 ERA and 1.16 ERA with 41 strikeouts in 36.1 innings. A 2021 World Series contender with Atlanta, who was the best defensive clincher, he tossed 6.1 shutout innings against Boston in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series last year.
Cole, who was limited to 22 games and finished the regular season with a 3.61 ERA and 1.10 WHIP, will look to make a run for the Yankees in the last run of the Wild Card Series. If the Yankees sweep Boston in two games, he could be the starter for Game 1 of the ALDS. Fourth starter Carlos Rodon — who has earned a well-deserved possible start in his own right with a 1.89 ERA in his last seven starts — would be in the game if this streak continues to three games, though it’s possible that the southpaw could also get used to the bullpen at some point. Obviously, the Yankees have to worry about Boston’s past first before they can fully focus on anything else.
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You definitely don’t want to stray from Schlittler’s face against either rookie standout Payton Tolle or veteran right-hander Sonny Gray in a sure-fire matchup to kick off a potential football season. First pitch is scheduled for 8pm EST on Tuesday from Yankee Stadium.
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