Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Time: 6:08 p.m. ET

Location: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY

TV: ESPN

With their backs against the wall, the New York Yankees host their archrivals, the Boston Red Sox, in a must-win Game 2 of the American League Wild Card Series. After a stifling performance from Boston’s pitching in the opener, the Yankees face elimination on their home turf, turning to a veteran arm to save their season.

Pitching Matchup: Brayan Bello (RHP) vs. Carlos Rodón (LHP)

The Yankees hand the ball to veteran lefty Carlos Rodón, whose primary task is simple: keep the season alive. New York is investing in Rodón’s experience and power arm to shut down a Red Sox lineup that did just enough to win Game 1. In the biggest start of the Yankees’ season, the pressure will be immense for Rodón to deliver a dominant performance and hand the game over to the bullpen with a lead.

The Red Sox will counter with young right-hander Brayan Bello. With a 1-0 series lead, Boston is in the enviable position of playing with house money. Bello has the opportunity to be the hero and send his team to the ALDS with a strong outing. He will look to build on the momentum from Game 1 and silence the Yankee Stadium crowd early.

Series Recap: Boston Takes Game 1

Boston drew first blood in this historic rivalry’s latest chapter, securing a 3-1 victory in Game 1. Red Sox starter Garrett Crochet was masterful, stifling the Yankees’ bats and leading his team to a crucial road win. The Red Sox offense, led by key contributions from Masataka Yoshida, provided just enough run support to seize control of the best-of-three series.

Odds and Analysis

• Moneyline: Red Sox +151 | Yankees -186

Despite being down 0-1, the Yankees enter Game 2 as significant favorites. The odds reflect confidence in their ability to bounce back at home with their veteran starter on the mound in a do-or-die scenario.

The Yankees’ offense, a formidable unit that has navigated an injury-plagued season, was uncharacteristically quiet in the opener. The key for New York will be waking up the bats and providing Rodón with run support. The pressure is entirely on the home team to force a decisive Game 3.

For the Red Sox, the path is clear: continue what worked in Game 1. They have all the momentum and need just one more victory to advance. If Bello can keep the Yankees’ hitters off-balance, Boston has a fantastic chance to pull off the upset and end their rival’s season.

Prediction

While the Red Sox have the momentum and offer tempting value as an underdog, this feels like a classic “backs against the wall” performance for the home team. The desperation of an elimination game, combined with the energy of the Yankee Stadium crowd and a veteran in Carlos Rodón on the mound, gives New York the edge. Expect the Bronx Bombers’ bats to come alive and do just enough to survive.

Prediction: Yankees 5, Red Sox 3

Sources:
Boston Red Sox Injury Status – ESPN
Red Sox injuries and roster moves
Boston Red Sox Injury Report and Status 2025 – CBSSports.com
2025 Boston Red Sox Injury Report | RosterResource | FanGraphs …
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