The Yankees are heading to the playoffs. In a season of uncertainty (particularly around injuries), that much is certain after last night’s series-opening comeback victory officially punched their ticket for the ninth time in the last 10 seasons. Everything beyond that, though, is still unknown.
While their playoff spot (and likely the top wild card based on the standings) is secure, the team has made it clear that their aspirations are still to win the AL East, which they trail by 3.5 games with
12 to go. Until they get their hands on the Tampa Bay Rays next week in the Bronx, their playoff journey won’t be set in stone, but games like these are important to ensure that what they do that week can directly control their fate.
Looking to lock up another series win in Minnesota will be Max Fried, who’s probably hoping to go deeper than his last start against Colorado. He labored through 3.1 innings of work and was removed due to pitch count, but should be pretty close to full-go tonight as he continues to build up. Entering play, he has a 2.73 ERA (155 ERA+) and 2.73 FIP across 99 innings in 18 starts. He did not face the Twins in early July at Yankee Stadium, having been on the injured list with the bone bruise in his elbow.
Making the start for Minnesota will be Bailey Ober, who will be toeing the slab for the 23rd time this season. The 31-year-old has been one of their most consistent starters for half a decade now, despite becoming a completely different pitcher as he’s aged. He went from someone who had a very good strikeout rate to one of the lowest among starting pitchers, currently sitting with just 85 strikeouts in 117.2 innings with a 4.28 ERA (98 ERA+). Impressively, he’s only managed to make one career start against the Yankees, allowing three runs in five innings in 2024.
Finesse has always been the way he’s gotten batters out, but it’s particularly true as his fastball velocity and, subsequently, usage have cratered over the years, now sitting at just 88.1 mph on average. He has good command and limits hard contact, but has a big issue with allowing barrels due to middling stuff. Against lefties, it’s changeups and four-seamers with a few sliders mixed in, while he throws them much more evenly against righties alongside a sweeper and sinker.
How to watch
Location: Target Field, Minneapolis, MN
First pitch: 7:40 pm ET
TV broadcast: YES, Twins.TV
Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 (NYY), TIBN, The Wolf 102.9 FM, LosTwins.com (MIN)
Online stream: MLB.tv (out-of-market only), Gotham Sports App
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