The New York Yankees (81-65) head up I-95 to Fenway Park to face the Boston Red Sox (81-66) in a pivotal divisional series as the regular season enters its final stretch.

The two teams are separated by just half a game in the standings. New York trails the Toronto Blue Jays by three games in the AL East but currently holds the top Wild Card spot, with Boston just behind.

The outcome of this series could swing the playoff picture dramatically: the Yankees could stretch their Wild Card lead to 3.5 games, or the Red Sox could leapfrog them. There’s also potential for movement in the AL East race, with New York possibly drawing even with Toronto or Boston tightening the gap.

The Blue Jays, however, are entering what should be an easy series against the Baltimore Orioles. So the odds are higher for movement in the Wild Card race, which is getting more crowded.

The Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners are tied atop the AL West and also for the final Wild Card slot, just 2.5 games behind the Yankees. The surging Texas Rangers are 4.5 games back. That means neither New York nor Boston can afford to stumble with September winding down.

For the Yankees, this is their last tough series on the schedule. Their final 13 games come against sub-.500 teams — the Minnesota Twins, Orioles, and Chicago White Sox — providing a path to make one last push for the division.

Boston, on the other hand, closes the season with showdowns against division leaders Toronto and Detroit. The Red Sox have been resilient so far without rookie leadoff man Roman Anthony, but sustaining that momentum against such competition remains a tall task.

As for tonight, Luis Gil gets the ball for New York. After a rocky return from the IL in early August, he has steadied nicely, going 3-1 with a 2.25 ERA in his last six starts. He held Boston to one run over five innings in their last meeting.

Lucas Giolito makes the start for Boston. He’s been reliable with a 10-3 record and 3.38 ERA, and even better lately with a 2.53 ERA over his last seven starts. But he has struggled against stronger offenses, including the Yankees, who tagged him for three runs in 4.2 innings last month.

Prediction

Expect a close, hard-fought game, with the Yankees’ offense doing just enough to get to Giolito again. But with New York’s bullpen as unpredictable as ever, no late lead feels safe. Expect the unexpected.

Prediction: Yankees 5, Red Sox 3

Starting Lineups

New York Yankees

1. Trent Grisham — CF

2. Aaron Judge — DH

3. Ben Rice — 1B

4. Cody Bellinger — RF

5. Giancarlo Stanton — LF

6. Jazz Chisholm Jr. — 2B

7. Austin Wells — C

8. Jose Caballero — SS

9. Ryan McMahon — 3B

Starting Pitcher: Luis Gil (RHP) — 3‑1, 3.31 ERA

Boston Red Sox

1. Jarren Duran — LF

2. Alex Bregman — 3B

3. Trevor Story — SS

4. Nathaniel Lowe — 1B

5. Masataka Yoshida — DH

6. Carlos Narvaez — C

7. David Hamilton — 2B

8. Nate Eaton — RF

9. Ceddanne Rafaela — CF

Starting Pitcher: Lucas Giolito (RHP) — 10‑3, 3.38 ERA

How to Watch Yankees vs. Red Sox

First pitch for tonight’s game between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox is set for 7:10 PM Eastern at Fenway Park in Boston.

This game will not air on YES, NESN, or any national cable channel. It’s streaming exclusively on Apple TV+, as part of its “Friday Night Baseball” package.

Apple TV+ subscriptions start at $9.99/month, but if you’ve purchased a new Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you may be eligible for a three-month free trial that’ll enable you to watch tonight’s game for free.

This offer may be available even if it’s been some time since you’ve bought your Apple device — as long as you’ve never activated the offer before.

Apple TV+ also offers a seven-day free trial to eligible customers you can take advantage of.

New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox

Date: Friday, September 12, 2025

First Pitch: 7:10 PM Eastern

Venue: Fenway Park, Boston, MA

TV/Streaming: Apple TV+ only