The New York Yankees enter the May 22 matchup against the Texas Rangers riding high on the strength of a two-game series lead and the dominant return of MVP-caliber play from Aaron Judge. Now 28–19 on the season, the Yankees have reasserted themselves as one of the top teams in the American League, thanks to a potent blend of elite offensive production, veteran pitching, and one of the league’s most reliable bullpens. Judge has been the unquestioned leader of this surge, batting a league-best .401 with 15 home runs and proving once again why he’s one of the most feared hitters in the game. His presence has elevated the rest of the lineup, with key contributors like Giancarlo Stanton, Anthony Rizzo, and Gleyber Torres thriving in supportive roles. New York’s offense has been consistent, scoring in bunches and ranking third in MLB with 5.36 runs per game. They’ll look to continue that pace in the series finale, especially against a tough right-hander in Nathan Eovaldi, who has been Texas’ most dependable starter. On the mound for the Yankees is Carlos Rodón, who continues to trend in the right direction. After an uneven start to his tenure in pinstripes, Rodón appears to be finding his rhythm, with his xERA and xFIP indicating that positive regression is on the horizon. Still, his Achilles’ heel has been the long ball—Rodón has struggled with home run suppression at Yankee Stadium, something that will be closely monitored against a Texas lineup capable of producing sudden offense.

If Rodón can limit hard contact and pitch efficiently through the middle innings, he sets up New York’s elite bullpen to close the door. The bullpen has been one of manager Aaron Boone’s most valuable weapons this season, consistently protecting late leads and ranking among the best in strikeout-to-walk ratio and opponent batting average. Defensively, the Yankees have also held firm, ranking 11th in MLB in runs allowed per game at 4.04 and flashing consistent infield defense and above-average outfield range. With a 52–51 ATS record, they’ve been competitive in nearly every matchup and have found ways to win games even when the offense isn’t firing on all cylinders. The key for the Yankees in this finale will be keeping pressure on Texas early, particularly with Eovaldi on the mound, and capitalizing on any opportunities with runners in scoring position. Given the Rangers’ struggles on the road—especially their 1–5 record ATS in recent away games—New York will be expected to control the tempo and dictate terms from the first pitch. A win here would not only complete a sweep of the defending champions but also solidify the Yankees’ position at the top of the AL East as they build toward a summer stretch where consistency and health will be vital. With Rodón improving and the lineup red-hot, the Yankees appear poised to send a loud message to the rest of the league: the Bronx Bombers are fully back and ready to contend.