When & Where To Watch
Tonight vs Royals: Coverage on YES & the YES App begins at 6:00 p.m. with Yankees Batting Practice Today
Tomorrow vs Royals: Coverage on YES & the YES App begins at 6:00 p.m. with Yankees Batting Practice Today
Wednesday vs Royals: YES & the YES App will have the Postgame Show following coverage on Prime, which starts at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday vs Red Sox: YES & the YES App will have the Postgame Show following coverage on FOX, which starts at 7:00 p.m.
Friday vs Red Sox: YES & the YES App will have the Postgame Show following coverage on Apple TV+, which starts at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday vs. Red Sox: Coverage on YES & the YES App begins at 12:00 p.m. with Yankees Batting Practice Today
Sunday vs. Red Sox: Coverage on YES & the YES App begins at 12:30 p.m. with Yankees Batting Practice Today
Pinstriped Pulse
The 82-61 Yankees own the best record in the American League and hold a half-game lead atop the AL East over the Orioles, who will visit the Bronx later this month for the final three matchups between the clubs on the regular season schedule. Gleyber Torres is riding a nine-game hitting streak and is batting .324 in 68 AB since Aug. 21. Luke Weaver recorded the first save of his career on Friday against the Cubs, turning in his ninth scoreless outing in ten appearances since Aug. 16. Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt both returned from the injured list while the Yanks were in Chicago, combining to throw 10.2 shutout innings over their starts at Wrigley Field. Anthony Rizzo received rousing ovations there all weekend in his first trip back to Wrigley since the Cubs sent him to the Yankees at the 2021 trade deadline.
How ‘Bout That
Having already set a new career high in home runs, Juan Soto is just two away from a 40-homer season. If he can get there before game 162 ends, he would become the third player in history to hit 40 homers in their first year with the club. The others? Babe Ruth in 1920 (54) and Jason Giambi in 2002 (41).
Know The Foes
Winners of four straight games following a seven-game skid, the 79-65 Royals currently hold the second AL Wild Card playoff spot and they are within just 2.5 games of first-place Cleveland in the AL Central. Bobby Witt Jr. leads the league in batting with a .336 average, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (.324) and Aaron Judge (.321) the next closest players behind him. Witt Jr. also has 30 homers and 28 stolen bases, making him two steals away from back-to-back 30/30 seasons after he became the first Royals player ever to accomplish the feat last year. Maikel Garcia leads the team in steals with 33. In his 13th MLB season, which excludes a full year he missed due to injury, Salvador Perez has logged his fourth season of 25 homers. The Royals have been active in recent days, acquiring players such as Yuli Gurriel, Robbie Grossman and Tommy Pham for their playoff drive; Gurriel is helping to fill the void left when first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino was lost to a broken right thumb. The 72-71 Red Sox are within four games of a Wild Card spot despite going 11-19 since Aug. 7. Trevor Story returned to action for Boston on Saturday after missing four months with a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
Probable Starters
Carlos Rodón will take the mound opposite Brady Singer tonight in the series opener against the Royals.
Rodón had one of his best outings of the year at the expense of Kansas City when he threw seven innings of one-run ball on June 10. He’s also one of six AL pitchers with at least 14 wins entering Monday – a group that includes Seth Lugo, who Marcus Stroman will start against tomorrow. Luis Gil could win his 14th game of the season in the series finale on Wednesday, when he will be opposed by Cole Ragans. Pitching matchups for the Yankees and Red Sox have yet to be announced.
Bronx Buds
In case you missed it over the weekend, check out YES’ social media pages for an interview between Jack Curry and Coach Bud of the Bronx Buds! YES’ first-ever animated series, Bronx Buds follows Coach Bud’s star players Riv, Bash and Oscar on a baseball adventure throughout New York City, and the first three episodes are available for viewing exclusively on the YES App.
9/9 FOR 99 AUCTION
Yankees coverage this evening will spotlight the 9/9 for 99 Auction to benefit Aaron Judge’s All Rise Foundation. It’s a chance for you to bid on great items and unforgettable experiences to benefit the foundation, which inspires children and youth to become responsible citizens by engaging them in activities that encourage them to reach unlimited possibilities. To bid visit allrise99.givesmart.com