New York Yankees vs. Houston Astros: James Paxton vs. Brad Peacock

The Yankees put on a power display despite the rain last night, and decided to bring back another slugger for tonight’s game. Aaron Judge will make his return to the lineup for the first time since April 20, when he strained his oblique and had to sit through a lengthy rehab. The Yankees did their best to stay afloat without the leader of their youth movement, and have picked up even more power since he went down by adding Edwin Encarnacion. The return of Judge means that the Death Star Brian Cashman talked about in the offseason is finally operational.

Brad Peacock will get the honor of being the first one to try and maneuver through this lineup, and it’s an unfortunate time for him. Peacock cruised through May, but has gotten into trouble with the long ball in his last two starts. Four of his nine home runs allowed this year have come during this stretch, and the way the Yankees’ bats are swinging recently bodes poorly for Peacock.

On the other side, James Paxton will hold down the fort for New York. Paxton picked up his first victory post-IL last time out, going six innings of two-run ball against the White Sox. The Astros roughed up Paxton the last time they faced him, but that was way back on April 10, so he’s got a good chance for redemption this time around.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m EST. You can catch the game on WPIX or out of market with mlb.tv, or listen to the broadcast with WFAN 660/101.9 FM or WADO 1280.