Here are five things to watch and predictions as the Yankees continue their West Coast road trip by taking on the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-game series starting on Friday…
Preview
World Series rematch
A lot of baseball fans had this series circled on their calendars. It’s a rematch of the 2024 World Series, which the Dodgers won in five games. Of course, it’s how they won that made the series a classic for Dodgers fans and a nightmare for the Yankees faithful.
While this isn’t the World Series, this weekend will be a good barometer of where both teams are at this point in the season. For the Yanks, it’s a very different team. It’ll be intriguing to see how this new-look Yankees team plays against a Dodgers team that has been a bit of a disappointment, considering their high spending this offseason.
The Yanks also have a chance to stick it to the Dodgers, who criticized New York’s World Series team.
Can Aaron Judge leave error in the past?
Speaking of last year’s World Series, Judge had one to forget.
Although he was just 4-for-18, Game 5 saw him smash a home run that was going to cap off a great win. Unfortunately, Judge’s error in center field sparked the Dodgers’ comeback and helped cause the Yankees’ elimination.
How will Judge play against the Dodgers? Could he leave that error in the past? The fans will surely get on the reigning AL MVP, and the best way to silence them is with his bat.
Can Yankees get to Yoshinobu Yamamoto?
The Yankees were in hot pursuit of Yamamoto during the 2023 offseason, but the right-hander chose the Dodgers. Now, in his second season, the 26-year-old has dominated the league, with a 1.97 ERA.
In his rookie campaign, he owned the Yankees. In his one regular season start, he allowed just two hits in seven scoreless innings. In his start against the Yanks in the World Series, he allowed only one run on one hit in 6.1 innings pitched.
The Yankees will see Yamamoto this weekend, and New York will want to get to him in this matchup. If for nothing else, to prove they can if they were to meet again in October.
Max Fried’s biggest test yet
Fried continues to be near perfect with the Yankees. He’s 7-0 and has a minuscule 1.29 ERA entering Friday’s start, but the series opener against the Dodgers will be a test for Fried.
Fried has 10 career starts against the Dodgers and has a 3.18 ERA, which includes a 3.21 ERA at Dodger Stadium. Last season as a member of the Braves, Fried allowed seven runs in 13 innings against the Dodgers, so the reigning champs know the southpaw very well. The Yankees need their ace to pitch well to have a chance to win this series.
Ryan Yarbrough or Carlos Rodon?
For the series finale, the Yankees have yet to announce their starter. Yarbrough pitched on Monday while Rodon pitched Tuesday, which means either starter could start on Sunday.
Manager Aaron Boone has a decision to make, but both have been excellent of late. Yarbrough has allowed just five runs in his four starts (20 innings) since moving into the rotation from the bullpen. Rodon has dominated, allowing five runs over his last four starts (24 innings) and striking out 33 batters over that span.
The Yanks have a great chance to win with either one on the mound.
Predictions
Who will the MVP of the series be?
Aaron Judge
The Yankees captain usually steps up when the team needs him, and they’ll need him this weekend.
Which Yankees pitcher will have the best start?
Max Fried
Until proven otherwise, Fried is the safest bet.
Which Dodgers player will be a thorn in the Yankees’ side?
Freddie Freeman
The World Series MVP burned the Yanks last October and he can do so again. The 35-year-old is having an amazing season, batting .359 with a 1.044 OPS, nine home runs, and 36 RBI