Hope abounds for the Yankees in their game 2 matchup with the Boston Red Sox in Boston. The Yankees hope Carlos Rodon will pitch more like an ace in the second game against the Red Sox and their controversial starting pitcher, Hunter Dobbins. Dobbins pitched well against the Yankees six days ago, but before the game, he said he would rather retire than play for the Yankees.
The best way the Yankees can contend with that bulletin board material is for Rodon to turn the hope into reality by setting the Red Sox down quietly. Do you think Rodon will pitch well in the second game against the Red Sox?
A Preview of the Pitching Matchup: Yanks Hope Rodon Pitches Well
The pitching matchup for this game is Rodon, with the hope that he pitches better in this second game against the Red Sox, against Dobbins. This is the same pitching matchup that happened at Yankee Stadium six days ago. In that game, Dobbins pitched well but was beatable. Rodon was terrible, regressing to his form of last year. He and the Yankees hope he pitches better in this second game.
Rodon, after his bad outing last week, is 8-4 with a 2.87 earned run average. After his poor last outing, his earned run average increased, and there is hope that he will pitch better in this second game. Rodon will look to bounce back in this start. Rodon is an experienced starter with almost 85 innings pitched this season. He is in the third year of a four-year contract. If he wants the Yankees to renew his contract, he must beat the rival Red Sox.
Dobbins gave the Yankees bulletin board material by saying he would rather retire than play for the Yankees. He is a lifelong Red Sox fan, so his attitude is understandable. Nevertheless, his quote was not necessary. It did, however, show bravado. Dobbins won against the Yankees, and he is now 3-1 with a 4.20 earned run average. The rookie is having a good season. The Yankees hope they can do better than they did against him six days ago.
Injuries Play a Key Role
Injuries are going to play a key role in this series and this game. Foremost, the Yankees hope to get slugger Giancarlo Stanton back on Saturday or Sunday. Other injured Yankees include, of course, Gerrit Cole, who is likely out until the middle of next season. The Yankees’ closer, Luke Weaver, is also hurt. Though he will throw a bullpen session on Saturday. Luis Gil is also out for the Yankees, probably until next month. JT Brubaker and Jake Cousins are also hurt for the Yankees.
The Red Sox also have significant injuries that have resulted in them calling up some of their top prospects. The long-term injuries to Alex Bregman and Triston Casas have affected their lineup. Also hurt for them are pitchers Tanner Houck, Justin Slaten, Patrick Sandoval, Josh Winckowski, Kutter Crawford, and Chris Murphy. Left Fielder Masataka Yoshida is also hurt. That is why we see Marcelo Mayer, Kristian Campbell, and Roman Anthony.
Conclusion
This will be an opportunity for the Yankees to capitalize on their sweep of the Royals. However, the Red Sox have only lost one of their last five games. It will also be an opportunity for the Yankees to put some distance between themselves and the Red Sox, righting the wrongs of last weekend. Yarbrough needs to pitch much better than he did in his last start against the Red Sox.
