The Yankees and Red Sox will meet in the American League Wild Card Series for the second consecutive year, with New York set to host Boston in a best-of-three matchup beginning Tuesday night in the Bronx.
The postseason rematch became official Friday after Boston defeated the Chicago Cubs in the opening game of a doubleheader, securing the second AL Wild Card spot.
New York won last year’s series, taking the decisive Game 3 behind a dominant performance from Cam Schlittler against the team he grew up rooting for. The Yankees’ postseason run ended in the next round, however, when they lost to the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS.
The stakes will be similar this year, with the winner advancing to face the Tampa Bay Rays in the Division Series. Tampa Bay captured the American League East and will await the winner of the New York-Boston series.
The Yankees narrowly won the regular-season series against Boston, taking seven of their 13 meetings.
Boston will bring a pitching staff featuring several left-handers into the series, creating a potentially significant matchup against a Yankees lineup that relies heavily on left-handed hitters.
That dynamic could become even more important if New York is without Aaron Judge. The Yankees captain is attempting to return from a moderate right calf strain in time for the postseason after missing the team’s final stretch of the regular season.
The start times for the MLB Wild Card round will be announced over the weekend.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.