The New York Yankees host the Cincinnati Reds for a three-game weekend series at Yankee Stadium, looking to build on a series win against the Chicago White Sox. While the Yankees maintain momentum, the Reds arrive in the Bronx missing star shortstop Elly De La Cruz due to a hamstring strain. The series features a pitching showcase, including a Sunday matchup between Gerrit Cole and rising Reds ace Chase Burns.
How do the Yankees and Reds match up for this series?
The Yankees enter the weekend series following a successful homestand where the team scored double-digit runs in two of three games against the White Sox, according to club records. Despite a 35-38 record, the Reds have historically challenged the Yankees, winning three of four series since the 2022 schedule expansion, as reported by league data. The Reds’ offense will lean on rookie first baseman Sal Stewart, veteran Nathaniel Lowe, and JJ Bleday, who has posted a 153 OPS+ across 45 games this season.
JJ Bleday, once the No. 4 overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, currently leads the Reds in offensive production despite a career marked by early inconsistency. His 1.018 OPS in May helped him secure National League Player of the Month honors.
What is the projected pitching rotation for the series?
The series opens Friday with Cam Schlittler facing off against Rhett Lowder. Schlittler has stabilized his performance over his last two starts, despite recent command struggles, according to team analysis. Lowder, the seventh-overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, returns to the mound following a June shoulder injury; he recently allowed only one run over 5.2 innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Saturday’s game features Will Warren against Andrew Abbott. Warren has been a consistent force for New York, as the Yankees have won six of his last seven starts, even when he failed to complete five innings. Conversely, Abbott remains the most durable arm in the Cincinnati rotation, boasting a 3.50 career ERA since his 2023 debut, though his strikeout rate has dipped compared to his 2025 All-Star campaign.
Why is the Sunday finale considered a must-watch?
Sunday’s matchup features Gerrit Cole’s sixth start since returning from Tommy John surgery against Cincinnati’s breakout rookie Chase Burns. Burns, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, holds a 2.01 ERA and currently leads all qualified major league starters with a 92.2% strand rate, according to league statistics. His .191 opponent batting average ranks third in the majors, placing him in direct competition with Schlittler, who holds a .193 mark.
Watch the left-handed hitters during this series. With the “Short Porch” at Yankee Stadium, players like JJ Bleday may see an uptick in power opportunities, especially given his high-contact profile this season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elly De La Cruz playing in the series?
No. According to team injury reports, De La Cruz has been sidelined with a hamstring strain since early June and will not appear in the series.
Where can fans watch the Yankees-Reds series?
All three games of the weekend series at Yankee Stadium will be televised on the YES Network.
How has the Yankees’ rotation performed in recent games?
The rotation has been effective; the Yankees have won each of the last six games started by Will Warren, and Gerrit Cole has provided consistent quality starts since his return from surgery.
Which pitcher are you most excited to see this weekend? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for daily updates on the Bombers.