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Here are five things to watch and predictions as theYankees open a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Bronx on Friday…
5 things to watch
Measuring stick series
Sure, it’s just the first series after the All-Star break, but this weekend against the Dodgers should be a measuring stick for the Yankees.
We all remember what happened in the 2024 World Series, and the Dodgers are still the class of not just the National League, but all of MLB. While the Yanks have to compete with other AL teams to even get a chance at their first title since 2009, going up against the team with the best record in baseball (61-36) can show GM Brian Cashman how the Yankees stack up against them and what moves need to be made at the deadline to bridge the gap.
Will Ben Rice continue to mash?
It feels like forever ago that Rice was in one of those 0-fer streaks that major leaguers go through during a 162-game season. But the final week before the All-Star break was impressive for the young slugger.
Over his last seven games, Rice was 11-for-26 (.423) with five home runs and 12 RBI.
With Aaron Judge on the shelf, Rice has stepped up massively to give the Yankees the offense needed to keep pace with the Tampa Bay Rays. New York will continue to rely on the youngster, and that starts this weekend.
Aaron Judge update?
Speaking of Judge, Cashman said that the reigning AL MVP was to undergo more imaging over the All-Star break.
While the club doesn’t expect Judge’s imaging to come back clean, they hope there is enough healing that he can expand his workouts, which would give the team a clearer picture of when he can return.
Obviously, the offense goes as Judge does. And although Rice andCody Bellinger have done their parts, there’s no replacing what Judge brings every game.
Shohei Ohtani Mania
Whenever the Dodgers are in town, Ohtani is the main attraction. And although he had to skip the All-Star festivities due to a knee injury, managerDave Roberts assured everyone that Ohtani will be in the lineup this weekend.
He won’t pitch, but Ohtani’s at-bats will be must-see.
Can Austin Wells stay on the right track?
Wells has had his worst season as a major leaguer, but he’s shown signs that he may be turning things around.
The backstop has just six home runs this year, but two of them came in the final four games before the All-Star break — and he had at least one hit in three of them.
While those are low bars for a potential World Series team, the Yankees and Wells will take it. Can he keep it up this weekend?
Predictions
Who will the MVP of the series be?
Rice went into the break on fire and he’ll come out of it the same.
Which Yankees pitcher will have the best game?
Without knowing the probable starters for the weekend, we’ll go with the closer. Bednar has been nails, not allowing an earned run since May 18.
Which Dodgers player will be a thorn in the Yankees’ side?
Freeman has had a great first half and he’s tortured the Yankees before.
