The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox renew their storied rivalry this week, kicking off a four-game series at Yankee Stadium that carries clear playoff significance. The Yankees own a 1.5-game lead over Boston for the American League’s top wild-card berth, while both teams sit four or more games back of the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East. The Red Sox also hold a half-game edge over the Seattle Mariners for the second wild-card spot.
The series arrives with plenty of recent momentum on the line. New York has rattled off five straight wins, highlighted by an historic nine-homer night against the Tampa Bay Rays. Boston, by contrast, has dropped three straight and is 3-7 over its last 10.
How to watch
Date: Thursday, August 21
Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
Location: Yankee Stadium, Bronx
TV: FOX
Stream: Fubo (Start watching, save $20)
Odds: Yankees -1.5, O/U 8.5
Three things to know about the series
1) Judge could return to the outfield
Aaron Judge has not played in the outfield since July 25 due to a flexor strain in his throwing elbow. He has returned in a limited DH role, with talks that he could resume defensive work this weekend. The two sides even had a public disagreement earlier in the week about his throwing workload, though Judge remains confident he will return to peak form. His season line stands at an impressive .330/.445/.684.
2) May looking to keep Boston moving forward
Dustin May is scheduled to start Sunday, the series finale, marking his fourth appearance since joining the Red Sox. In his first three outings, he owns a 2.87 ERA with improved strikeout-to-walk numbers compared to his time with the Dodgers. May has altered his pitch mix, using his four-seam fastball and cutter more often while dialing back his sinker. He’s a 27-year-old impending free agent, and Boston has benefited from the adjustments he’s made so far.
3) Boston has dominated the season series
The Red Sox have outplayed the Yankees head-to-head this season, winning five of the first six meetings and taking each of the last five matchups. Through those 6 games, Boston has outscored New York by 35-27. The Yankees will have opportunities to even the score in this four-game set and when they meet again for three more games starting September 12.
Additional context and outlook
Both teams are jockeying for postseason positioning, making every game in this series meaningful beyond bragging rights. The Yankees will look to leverage the potential return of Judge to strengthen their lineup while also hoping for continued strong performances from their pitching staff. Boston, riding momentum from recent head-to-head success and veteran leadership, will aim to extend its grip on the wild-card race and build confidence heading into the final weeks of the season.
Possible implications beyond this series
This four-game set could swing the momentum in the wild-card race, particularly with the Yankees seeking to secure home-field advantage in a potential one-game playoff scenario and the Red Sox trying to solidify their place in the second wild-card slot. The later meetings in September also promise to keep the rivalry front and center as the playoff picture becomes clearer.
Summary
The Yankees‑Red Sox clash at Yankee Stadium promises high-stakes baseball, a potential Judge return to the outfield, and a look at how Dustin May’s adjustments might influence Boston’s late-season push. With the wild-card race tightening and both teams well within reach of critical postseason spots, this series should deliver competitive, crowd-pleasing baseball that continues a legendary rivalry.
Note: If you’d like, I can add a brief player-by-player preview for each game or craft a short, reader-friendly recap after the series concludes.