The San Diego Padres and New York Yankees close out their interleague series on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Yankee Stadium in what promises to be a highly competitive battle between two playoff-hopeful clubs. The Padres arrive in the Bronx with a 19–11 record and have been riding a wave of momentum largely fueled by elite starting pitching and timely power hitting. Their lineup is anchored by Fernando Tatis Jr., who is batting .345 with 8 home runs and continues to be a dual threat with speed and power, while Manny Machado adds veteran poise and a .294 average from the cleanup spot. San Diego’s pitching has been exceptional, led by right-hander Michael King, who enters this matchup with a 4–1 record and a sparkling 2.09 ERA, utilizing a well-mixed arsenal to keep hitters off balance and limit scoring opportunities. The Padres’ overall team ERA of 2.86 ranks among the best in baseball, and their defense has played cleanly behind them, limiting extra opportunities for opponents. From a betting perspective, the Padres are 19–12 against the spread this season, a clear reflection of their consistency in outperforming expectations and keeping games competitive regardless of opponent or venue. The Yankees, on the other hand, bring a 19–13 record into the finale and remain one of the most explosive offensive teams in the majors, leading the league in team batting average and home runs.

Aaron Judge has been absolutely electric, slashing .427 with 10 home runs and 32 RBIs, and has been the focal point of a fearsome lineup that also features Paul Goldschmidt, whose veteran bat has added depth and protection around Judge. Despite their offensive firepower, the Yankees have struggled against the spread at home, going just 3–8 ATS in their last 11 at Yankee Stadium, often winning outright but failing to cover due to closer-than-expected margins or bullpen slip-ups late in games. Their starting pitching, led by Carlos Rodón, has been solid, but the bullpen has shown vulnerability in high-leverage moments, a concern against a Padres team that excels in situational hitting. Defensively, the Yankees have been steady but not elite, and lapses in late innings have occasionally turned leads into losses. Recent head-to-head matchups between these teams have trended under the total in four of the last five meetings, pointing to a pattern of close, lower-scoring games despite each team’s offensive potential. This series finale is shaping up to be a classic clash of styles—San Diego’s elite pitching and smart baserunning against New York’s home-run-heavy attack and high-powered top of the order. If King can navigate the heart of the Yankees’ lineup without damage, the Padres will have a strong chance to escape with a win, especially given their recent trend of covering the run line. The Yankees, meanwhile, will look to jump ahead early and force the Padres to chase, knowing that their bullpen has been shaky protecting slim leads. With playoff positioning already in mind for both squads, Wednesday’s game is not just about taking the series—it’s about sending a message that they can hang with the best in the league.