The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees have reignited their storied rivalry in the 2026 American League Wild Card Series. This best-of-three series commenced on Tuesday, September 29, at Yankee Stadium, marking the seventh postseason meeting between these two franchises and the second consecutive year they've faced off in the Wild Card round.
Game 1 Recap:
In the series opener, the Yankees secured a 1-0 victory over the Red Sox. The game featured a pitching duel between New York's Cam Schlittler and Boston's Payton Tolle. Schlittler delivered a standout performance, leading the Yankees to a narrow win. The game's only run came in the early innings, underscoring the dominance of both pitching staffs.
Key Roster Updates:
Notably, Yankees' captain Aaron Judge was absent from the roster due to a strained right calf. Despite participating in live batting practice prior to the series, the decision was made to keep him off the active roster for the Wild Card round. In his stead, Giancarlo Stanton and Trent Grisham were included, though both started Game 1 on the bench. (apnews.com)
On the Red Sox side, left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet was reinstated to the bullpen after an extended stint on the injured list, providing Boston with additional depth in relief pitching. (apnews.com)
Series Outlook:
With the Yankees leading the series 1-0, the Red Sox face a must-win situation in Game 2 to keep their postseason hopes alive. The next game is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, at 8:00 PM ET, again at Yankee Stadium. Fans can watch the game on NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN. (nbcsports.com)
This series adds another chapter to the historic Red Sox-Yankees rivalry, with both teams vying for a spot in the American League Division Series.