MLBSep 26
Yankees, Red Sox renew October rivalry with ALDS berth at stake
New York hosts Boston in a best-of-three wild-card series, with the rivals level in postseason matchups and the Red Sox awaiting clarity on Willson Contreras.
· 2 min read
On this page2 sections
Rivalry returns to Yankee Stadium
The Yankees and Red Sox will open their latest postseason chapter Tuesday at Yankee Stadium, where a best-of-three wild-card series will determine who advances to face Tampa Bay in the American League Division Series. This will be their seventh playoff meeting, with the clubs tied 3-3 in previous postseason matchups. New York took last year's wild-card series, adding to its AL Championship Series victories in 1999 and 2003. Boston's successes include its comeback from a 3-0 deficit in the 2004 ALCS, the 2018 ALDS and the 2021 wild-card game. Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed respect for Boston's turnaround while emphasizing his confidence in New York's chances if its pitching and overall execution meet expectations.
Boston's turnaround faces another test
The Red Sox reached this point after a season that changed direction dramatically. Boston dismissed manager Alex Cora and five coaches on April 25 following a 10-17 start. Chad Tracy moved up from Triple-A Worcester as interim manager and received a three-year contract Tuesday. Boston remained last in the AL East at 32-46 through June 24. A four-game home sweep of the Yankees then launched a 32-5 run featuring the club's first 15-game winning streak since 1946. The Red Sox secured the second wild card by overcoming a three-run deficit against the Cubs in a doubleheader opener. They now face uncertainty over Contreras, their leader with 27 home runs and 81 RBIs, after a pitch struck his right hand on Sept. 17.
Analysis, not a wagering instruction. Confirm every number on the sportsbook. 21+.
