With just ten games left in the 2025 MLB regular season, the New York Yankees find themselves in prime position to secure home-field advantage in the Wild Card round.
The AL East crown is probably heading toward Toronto after their ridiculous late-season surge. The Yankees still have a shot to build some postseason momentum in this critical stretch.
Tonight’s matchup against the Baltimore Orioles kicks off a series-heavy run-in. Seven of those final ten contests come against this division rival.
It’s also a pitching duel — at least on paper — with Yankees ace Max Fried looking to stamp his name atop the wins leaderboard.
Yankees Enter Season’s Final Push with Confidence
The Yankees’ playoff picture is taking shape. Aaron Boone’s squad is focused on shoring up postseason seeding, even if the division title seems out of reach.
Home-field advantage in a one-game Wild Card scenario could be crucial. The schedule gives them a real chance to tighten their grip on that goal.
Baltimore, though, has plenty to play for as well, so these games won’t come easy.
Facing the Orioles in a High-Stakes Series
Seven of New York’s last ten regular-season games are against Baltimore. That much familiarity? It always ramps up the competition.
The Orioles have to make do without star catcher Adley Rutschman. They’ll lean on youthful energy and opportunistic hitting to keep up with a surging Yankees lineup.
Max Fried’s Season of Highs and Lows
Max Fried, the Yankees’ ace, takes the ball tonight with momentum and a bit of history in his sights. He’s 17-5 with a 3.03 ERA over 30 starts.
If he wins tonight, he’ll be the majors’ first 18-game winner of 2025. Fried’s season has been a real study in resilience.
He dominated early, then ran into a blister issue, but he’s bounced back with a sparkling 1.95 ERA over his last five outings.
Baltimore Counters with Young Southpaw
The Orioles turn to Cade Povich on the mound. The young lefty’s year has been uneven, and he enters with a 5.05 ERA.
His control and strikeout rates have improved, but he’s struggled to limit hard contact. With the Yankees’ right-handed power bats, this matchup looks like a tall order for Baltimore.
Matchup to Watch: Yankees’ Lineup vs. Povich’s Arsenal
The Yankees’ order is stacked with sluggers who feast on pitchers like Povich. His low-velocity fastball often proves hittable for power-first hitters.
Look for the heart of the Yankees’ order to attack early in counts and go after mistakes.
- Paul Goldschmidt – Veteran first baseman still delivering elite contact and power.
- Aaron Judge – The reigning MVP has been locked in against lefties all season.
- Cody Bellinger – His bat has been a consistent weapon down the stretch.
- Giancarlo Stanton – Returning as the designated hitter after a short absence.
- Amed Rosario – Starting at second base after a recent home run against Garrett Crochet.
Orioles’ Adjusted Batting Order
With Rutschman out, Baltimore leans heavily on right-handed bats to try and create favorable matchups against Fried.
Ryan Mountcastle leads off, Gunnar Henderson slots third, and rookie catcher Samuel Basallo steps into a high-pressure role behind the plate.
Where and When to Watch
First pitch is set for 7:15 p.m. ET at Camden Yards. Fans nationwide can catch the action on FOX.
Local radio coverage will be available in both the New York and Baltimore markets. For the Yankees, these games are more than just late-season tune-ups — they’re playoff rehearsals against a hungry divisional foe.
Final Thoughts Heading into Game One
The Yankees have momentum on their side right now. They’ve got the schedule, and honestly, the right players to feel good heading into October.
If Fried keeps pitching like he has lately, that’s a serious edge. The middle of the order should find chances to take advantage of Povich’s flaws.
The postseason isn’t here yet, but the urgency? It’s already kicked in. In this rivalry stretch, every pitch is going to feel huge.
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