The New York Yankees host the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday, July 26, 2025, looking to build momentum in a crucial part of their schedule as they battle to remain in the playoff race in the ultra-competitive American League East. With a 56–47 record, the Yankees sit behind the division-leading Boston Red Sox and are currently clinging to a Wild Card spot, but their recent inconsistency—particularly on offense and in the back half of the rotation—has raised concerns. They return home from a tough road series in Toronto where they dropped two of three, and their 28–22 home record suggests a modest edge at Yankee Stadium, though not a dominant one. Starting Saturday’s matchup is Marcus Stroman, who brings stability and veteran leadership to the rotation after missing time earlier in the season with an oblique strain. Since returning, he’s posted a 3.00 ERA, improved his strikeout-to-walk ratio, and shown the ability to keep the ball in the park—an important factor given the Phillies’ powerful lineup. Offensively, the Yankees continue to rely heavily on Aaron Judge, who remains one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball and is currently pacing the AL in OPS, home runs, and slugging percentage. Cody Bellinger has settled into the cleanup role nicely, offering clutch hits and improved plate discipline, while Giancarlo Stanton, though streaky, has flashed power potential with opposite-field home runs and hard contact when healthy.

Gleyber Torres and Anthony Volpe have chipped in, but New York’s offense tends to run hot and cold, often struggling to manufacture runs without the long ball. In high-leverage situations, the Yankees have often leaned on the bullpen, anchored by Clay Holmes, Ian Hamilton, and Wandy Peralta, though overuse has been an issue with recent starters failing to go deep into games. Saturday’s matchup will require Stroman to be efficient early and hold the Phillies’ top three hitters—Turner, Schwarber, and Harper—in check to keep the game manageable before Boone turns it over to his relievers. Defensively, the Yankees have improved slightly after midseason struggles with errors and misplays, and the outfield—especially with Judge and Bellinger—has become more reliable. Betting-wise, New York is just 47–56 against the spread this year, underperforming relative to expectations and especially shaky as a slight underdog at home. The total for the game is set at 9.5, and while both teams lean toward the under in general, the combination of high-powered bats and average back-end pitching suggests the potential for early scoring volatility. Boone will need to be strategic with bullpen matchups and may use Holmes earlier than usual if the Phillies threaten in the sixth or seventh. Ultimately, the Yankees must deliver a complete game to take down a Phillies team that’s surging and far more balanced, and that starts with Stroman giving them length, Judge producing a signature at-bat, and the bullpen locking down the late innings without allowing momentum to shift. If the Yankees can execute their game plan, take advantage of Taijuan Walker’s inconsistencies, and convert with runners in scoring position—an area they’ve underperformed in—they’ll have a real shot to even or win the series at home.