For better or worse, the Twins have long acted as an oasis for the Yankees, whether as a continuation of good times or a life raft during bleak ones. Entering this series in the Bronx, the Yankees had started August with a horrific 2-8 record and, briefly on Sunday, fell out of a playoff spot, albeit regaining it 30 minutes later. Given an opportunity to get back on the right track against the Trade Deadline’s most aggressive seller, the Yankees have played two clean, steady games of baseball and secured
the series victory last night.
Now, tonight, they go for their seventh sweep of the season and first since July 8-10 against the Mariners. The Yankees are 6-1 when attempting to close out a three-game sweep this season, with their lone failure coming in Pittsburgh in early April.
Cam Schlittler gets the nod for the Yanks, as the rookie fireballer makes his sixth career start. He’s followed the same script in pretty much all of his five previous, flirting with disaster before gritting his teeth to get through five innings and doing enough to keep the team in the game. Ultimately, that’s led to a 4.38 ERA and 5.90 FIP while allowing a ton of baserunners and too much hard contact. He’ll have an opportunity to take the next step against a Twins team pitching their ace and with a meddling offense.
Joe Ryan, the only Twin who was put in realistic trade rumors last month that stayed in Minnesota, has been spectacular this season. The former Rays draft pick was acquired in 2021 in the now-extremely lopsided Nelson Cruz trade and has put it together in 2025 after some ups and downs the previous three seasons, posting a 2.79 ERA (152 ERA+) and 3.19 FIP, making the all-star team, and will likely get down-ballot Cy Young consideration. The 29-year-old gives up harder contact than most star pitchers, but makes up for it with pristine command and plenty of Ks. He throws his four-seamer 51 percent of the time, but uses a six-pitch mix, including a devastating sweeper that has eaten hitters alive in 2025.
Something to watch with Ryan is that the Twins don’t push him very often. He’s only thrown 90 pitches in one of his last five starts despite quality outings and hasn’t thrown more than 101 pitches in a game since last August. With Minnesota resigned to building towards 2026, it’s fair to think Ryan might not be pushed very hard tonight. He has a 3.86 ERA in four career starts against the Yankees.
Giancarlo Stanton will be starting a third consecutive game in right field for the first time since 2022. He’ll bat fourth, as Judge (happy nine-year anniversary, cap) bats second at DH. Jasson Domínguez sits for the third day in a row due to this complicated logjam. Ben Rice will start at first base as a better matchup against a tough righty, as Austin Wells will catch for the first time this series.
Trevor Larnach will lead off for the Twins, followed by the All-Star Byron Buxton and red-hot rookie Luke Keaschall. We’ll see the first of the free-swinging Matt Wallner this series, batting sixth. Former Blue Jay Alan Roden is starting in left field and batting eighth.
Make sure to note the Yankees’ tweet at the end of the post, as this game will not start on time due to rain in the area. We’ll keep an eye out for any information. (Update: First pitch is scheduled for 8:55 p.m. ET.)
How to Watch:
Location: Yankee Stadium — Bronx, NY
First Pitch: 7:05 p.m. EDT 8:55 p.m. EDT
TV broadcast: Twins.TV Presented by Progressive (MIN)
Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 | TIBN, WCCO 830, The Wolf 102.9 FM, Audacy (MIN)
Online stream: Amazon Prime Video, MLB.tv (out-of-market only)
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