Game Details:
- Matchup: Boston Red Sox (89-73) at New York Yankees
- Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
- Time: 6:08 PM EST
- Venue: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
- TV: ESPN
Pitching Matchup:
- Boston Red Sox: Garrett Crochet, LHP
- New York Yankees: Max Fried, LHP
Moneyline Odds:
- Red Sox: +113
- Yankees: -137
Playoff Baseball Returns to the Bronx with a Classic Rivalry
The stage is set for a monumental clash as the MLB postseason gets underway. In a matchup steeped in history and animosity, the Boston Red Sox travel to the Bronx to take on the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series. As confirmed by the finalized playoff schedule, this classic rivalry will kick off the quest for the World Series in what promises to be an electric atmosphere at Yankee Stadium.
Pitching Duel: A Battle of Southpaws
This high-stakes game features an intriguing matchup of left-handed pitchers. The Yankees will hand the ball to their ace, Max Fried. Known for his command and ground-ball inducing repertoire, Fried is exactly the steady hand a team wants on the mound to open a playoff series at home. His presence is a major reason New York enters as the betting favorite.
The Red Sox will counter with their own formidable southpaw, Garrett Crochet. Boston will rely on Crochet to silence the powerful Yankee bats and keep the home crowd at bay. For the Red Sox, the challenge will be keeping the game close and giving their offense a chance against one of the league’s premier pitchers.
Team Analysis and Injury Report
Both teams have battled through the grind of a long season and are not without their share of bumps and bruises.
The New York Yankees have weathered a season marked by numerous injuries to key players. Throughout the year, names like Gerrit Cole, Giancarlo Stanton, and Anthony Volpe have appeared on injury reports, testing the team’s depth. However, their resilience has led them to this point, and they will look to leverage their potent lineup and home-field advantage.
The Boston Red Sox have also navigated significant injuries. The team suffered a major blow with the season-ending patellar tendon injury to first baseman Triston Casas in May, robbing them of a key power source. More recently, third baseman Alex Bregman has been listed as day-to-day, but according to reports, he is expected to be available for Game 1. Getting contributions from the entire lineup will be crucial for Boston to pull off the upset on the road.
Prediction
This is playoff baseball at its finest: a bitter rivalry, two top-tier lefties on the mound, and everything on the line. The Red Sox (+113) present real value as a road underdog, especially with a quality arm like Garrett Crochet starting. They have the offensive firepower to make any game a contest.
However, the edge goes to the New York Yankees. Playing at home in the postseason is a significant advantage, and having an ace like Max Fried on the hill provides a level of security that is hard to bet against. Expect a tense, low-scoring affair dominated by pitching. In the end, the Yankees’ combination of their top starter and the roar of the Bronx crowd should be just enough to secure a victory in Game 1.
Prediction: New York Yankees 4, Boston Red Sox 2
Sources:
Boston Red Sox Injury Status – ESPN
Red Sox injuries and roster moves
Boston Red Sox Injury Report and Status 2025 – CBSSports.com
Boston Red Sox Injury Status – ESPN (PH)
2025 Boston Red Sox Injury Report | RosterResource | FanGraphs …
Red Sox Injury News Clears Way For Surprise Reported MLB Debut …
Red Sox Injury Update: Justin Slaten concern, Chris Murphy rehab …
Masataka Yoshida ‘Feels a Lot Better’ Amid Latest Red Sox Injury …
Red Sox Injury Update: Triston Casas, Kutter Crawford, Richard Fitts
Alex Cora provides Boston Red Sox injury updates : r/redsox