For the second consecutive year, the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are in position square off in the Wild Card Round as the No. 4 and 5 seeds in the American League. Last year, that series ended with the Bronx Bombers emerging victorious in a winner-takes-all Game 3, with home-field advantage surely helping their cause.
As things stand right now, the Yankees would have the benfit of their home turf once again. But the Red Sox — who recently eclipsed their chief rivals for the highest run differential in the AL — have closed the gap in the standings this month, and now may be the beneficiaries of some unfortunate news out of New York.
Giancarlo Stanton was already ruled out for the rest of the season (most likely) this weekend after he strained his calf while running to test out his other, previously strained calf. It's the kind of injury update you'd expect to hear about your 60-year-old father rather than a professional athlete, but Stanton has been a medical marvel for some time.
Now, starting pitcher Ryan Weathers is heading to the injured list with a dreaded forearm strain. Though the Yankees expect him back for the playoffs, it's likely that he won't be able to contribute much, if anything, down the stretch.
Ryan Weathers will not throw for 2-4 weeks. Aaron Boone said “there’s a great chance” that Weathers will return this year “in some capacity,” which suggests a bullpen role.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) August 23, 2026
Red Sox's positive injury updates could prove the difference in AL Wild Card chase
Of course, the best chance for the Red Sox to make up ground in this race is this upcoming weekend, as they'll head to Yankee Stadium for a four-game set that will have a lot of sway over the ultimate outcome of the playoff picture. The Sox currently lead the season series 5-4, and if they win this upcoming series, they'll have the head-to-head tiebreaker.
It's a fortunate break that Weathers won't be able to pitch during this meeting, since he's been on fire recently; in the second half, he's authored a 2.27 ERA in 39.2 innings. With Max Fried also on the shelf, the Yankees are down two of their three left-handed starters.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox have started to get some positive injury updates of their own: Garrett Crochet plans to come back at the end of the season in a bullpen role, while Roman Anthony is on a rehab assignment and could rejoin the club in New York. The latter's presence could prove game-changing, consider he's already displayed a knack for breaking the Yankees' hearts.
With better momentum on the health side of things compared to their rivals, the Sox should be feeling confident heading into the weekend. Winning this upcoming series will be crucial for the playoffs; over the past five years, the Red Sox are 19-16 when playing the Yankees at home, and 17-18 when they’ve gone on the road.
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