New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox: Series preview

Fresh off a successful stop in Philadelphia, the Yankees are set to begin their most important series to date. In a preview of what will likely be a hotly contested stretch run, the AL East’s two super-teams collide in the Bronx. The Red Sox visit for a three-game set starting tomorrow night. The Bombers took two out of three from Boston the last time they played, but will the pitching matchups favor them again?

Game One: CC Sabathia vs. Eduardo Rodriguez

Late-career Sabathia is the best, isn’t he? The veteran southpaw has found a way to get outs despite his subpar peripherals. The 3.18 ERA is pretty shiny for a 37-year-old. Sabathia faced the Red Sox back in May, and it didn’t go particularly well. He allowed four runs on just four innings pitched. His last two starts have been strong, so hopefully that carries over. Rodriguez, meanwhile, has pitched to a solid 3.86 ERA (3.54 FIP) in 15 starts. The southpaw held the Yankees to one hit over five innings last month. Scoring off him would be ideal.

Game Two: Sonny Gray vs. Chris Sale

Oh, where to begin with Gray? His struggles at Yankee Stadium are well documented. He owns a quality 3.28 ERA on the road, but an unsightly 7.22 ERA at home. To make matters worse, Boston shelled Gray for six runs over three innings in April. Sale, meanwhile, has pitched to his usually high standards. The left-hander’s pitched to a 2.56 ERA (2.48 FIP). The Yankees had Sale’s number of late, but he’s still an elite arm. On paper, the outcome of this game seems obvious. Baseball is weird though, so watch Gray toss a perfect game.

Game Three: Luis Severino vs. David Price

True or false: Severino is the best pitcher in the American League. Each passing outing makes me think that the answer is true. Severino has a dazzling 2.10 ERA (2.21 FIP) and an electric 10.64 K/9 rate. He’s a horse, too, giving the Yankees length in nearly every start. The Red Sox seem to be his kryptonite, however, allowing five and two runs in a pair of starts against Boston. Thankfully Price hasn’t been any better against the Bombers. The Yankees roughed him up for four runs in an inning before driving him from the game. He then dodged a start in the Bronx due to a Fortnite related mishap. The veteran lefty is having a pretty good year — 3.66 ERA (3.71 FIP) — but I will never not find his struggles with the Yankees funny.