Rival Hopping — Series Preview: Phillies at Yankees, July 25-27

In dramatic fashion, the Phillies did not complete their sweep over the Red Sox and are now tasked with Boston’s long-time rival, the New York Yankees.

Wednesday’s night game brought more questions than answers regarding Jesus Luzardo and Rob Thomson’s managerial decisions, but their offense remained a solid foundation.

The 2009 World Series rematch will take place this weekend, though the Yankees have looked far from the dominance they displayed earlier this year. They are 9-11 in their last 20 games and have fallen to second place in the AL East behind the Blue Jays.

Though the Phillies won’t get to face their old-division friend, Max Fried, who was the big offseason acquisition for the Yankees, they’ll get to see a much different lineup than last year’s.

Over the Winter, Paul Goldschmidt, Cody Bellinger, and Trent Grisham signed with New York in hopes of revitalizing their career, which they’ve all managed to do. Bellinger (.841), Goldschmidt (.775), and Grisham (.828) all boast above league-average OPS percentages.

Their bullpen acquisition, Devin Williams, had a tough start to the year but has found a groove lately and picked up his 15th save against the Braves earlier in the week.

Though these numbers excite, it’s obvious the Yankees are playing their worst baseball, and the Phillies are catching them in a cold spot of the season. With that said, they’ll need to keep their foot on the pedal at all times and give them no breathing room, which may be difficult with Taijuan Walker starting Friday.

Jump On Them

Lately, the Phillies’ top of the lineup has provided early runs, largely in part to Bryce Harper but additionally with help from Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber.

These three need to step on their throats early, with their bats, of course.

With the Yankees throwing Will Warren in the first game, who has a 4.91 ERA this season, it gives the big three the best chance to set the tone of the series early.

Like the Phillies, the Yanks have had quite a season with their bullpen. Getting to the bullpen early by knocking Warren around can make it a long series for Williams and his crew of relievers.

Deflate their pitching staff early.

Taijuan Walker

That’s the headline. The other two games will be handled by Zack Wheeler and Ranger Suarez, who can both be trusted with the ball. Walker, however, cannot. And like the first key to the series, the Yankees can get to him early and abuse the bullpen.

Though these keys revolve around the first game of the series, the battle between the backend of the rotation pitchers will set the stage for the rest of the series. Walker needs to bear down in game one and take all breathing room away from the Yankees, who have struggled mightily recently.

With Andrew Painter finally turning in a good start at Lehigh Valley (6 IP, 2 ER, 1 hit, 76 pitches), the pressure is on Walker to perform.

Game Times and Broadcasts

Friday, July 25, 7:05 p.m. ET, Apple TV+, 94.1 WIP, WTTM 1680

Saturday, July 26, 1:05 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Philadelphia, 94.1 WIP, WTTM 1680

Sunday, July 27, 1:35 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Philadelphia, 94.1 WIP, WTTM 1680

Probable Pitching Matchups

Game 1: Taijuan Walker (RHP, 3-5, 3.75 ERA) vs. Will Warren (RHP, 6-5, 4.91 ERA)

Game 2: Ranger Suarez (LHP, 7-4, 2.66 ERA) vs. Marcus Stroman (RHP, 2-1, 5.64 ERA)

Game 3: Zack Wheeler (RHP, 9-3, 2.39 ERA) vs. Carlos Rodon (LHP, 10-7, 3.10 ERA)

By the Numbers

• Records
• Phillies: 58-44
• Yankees: 56-46

• Run Differential 
• Phillies: 63
• Yankees: 106

• Runs Scored Per Game 
• Phillies: 4.60
• Yankees: 5.20

• Runs Allowed Per Game 
• Phillies: 3.98
• Yankees: 4.16

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