With both of their seasons and rivalry bragging rights on the line. the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees are going all-in on their Wild Card Game 3 lineups.
The Red Sox put forth their best offensive starting lineup of the series to face 24-year-old Yankees rookie, Cam Schlittler. Jarren Duran has moved back to the leadoff spot, red-hot Masataka Yoshida will bat cleanup, and the ever-clutch Ceddanne Rafaela will follow him, batting fifth.
Duran has batted lower in the lineup in the Sox's first two series in the Bronx because Max Fried and Carlos Rodón are both lefties. Duran only batted .211/.260/.340 against southpaws in the regular season. Schlittler is a righty, which is a far better matchup for the outfielder.
Wilyer Abreu is back in the starting lineup after entering as a pinch hitter in Games 1 and 2. Abreu has also struggled against left-handed pitchers this season, to the tune of a .230/.299/.377 slash line compared to a .250/.321/.487 against righties. He's one of Boston's best defenders, and his skill and arm give it the best chance at limiting damage on balls hit to right field.
Red Sox use their best offensive starting lineup yet against Yankees and rookie righty Cam Schlittler in Wild Card Game 3
Game 3. pic.twitter.com/quNwRVeVOc
— Red Sox (@RedSox) October 2, 2025
Nathaniel Lowe will start for the first time with Schlittler on the mound. His experience at first base will take some weight off Romy Gonzalez, who's gone 0-for-6 at the plate in the first two games of the series. Lowe is one of the few players on the Sox's roster with postseason experience, and he could be critical to helping them succeed in a winner-takes-all matchup.
Connelly Early will start on the mound for Boston. The 23-year-old is a rookie, like Schlittler, but he's only made four big league appearances in his young career. Early has posted a 2.33 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP, 29 strikeouts and four walks over 19.1 innings. Schlittler's clocked a 2.96 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP, 84 strikeouts and 31 walks in 73 innings.
Not only will the Red Sox use their best offensive lineup in Game 3, Schlittler's small sample size of starts present them with their best opportunity to score some runs. Early also doesn't have many starts under his belt — he's the youngest Red Sox pitcher to start a playoff game since Babe Ruth in 1916 — and he'll need plenty of run support to stay in the game for as long as possible to avoid turning to the tired bullpen too quickly.
It all comes down to this game for Boston and New York. Whichever team wins tonight will advance to the ALDS to face the division-rival Blue Jays, who are well rested after a bye.