The New York Yankees are back in the Bronx, ready to open a pivotal three-game series against the Oakland Athletics at Yankee Stadium on Friday, June 27, 2025. This weekend matchup comes on the heels of a morale-boosting victory in Cincinnati, where the Yankees salvaged their three-game series against the Reds with a solid 7-1 win on Wednesday night. Fans can catch the Friday opener at 7:05 p.m. ET on the YES Network and NBC Sports California, with streaming options available through fuboTV and MLB.TV for out-of-market viewers.
Manager Aaron Boone faces a slightly complicated roster situation as the Yankees prepare for the series. While the team officially carries 26 players on its active roster, only 25 are currently present with the squad, and possibly just 24 are fully available for Friday’s game. Backup catcher J.C. Escarra, who was scratched from a start earlier in the week in Cincinnati, is unofficially on the paternity list after his wife went into labor just hours before the game. Boone confirmed that Escarra is expected to return to the team on Sunday following the birth of their first child.
In Escarra’s absence, Boone has inserted Ben Rice as the starting catcher for the opener. The rest of the Yankees’ lineup reflects a blend of power and experience, featuring Trent Grisham in center field, Aaron Judge patrolling right field, and Cody Bellinger in left. The designated hitter role is occupied by veteran slugger Giancarlo Stanton, while Jazz Chisholm Jr. mans third base, Paul Goldschmidt covers first, Anthony Volpe anchors shortstop, and DJ LeMahieu rounds out the infield at second base. Notably, young outfielder Jasson Dominguez will be on the bench for this game, providing depth and potential late-inning impact.
On the mound, the Yankees will turn to right-hander Will Warren, who enters the game with a 4-4 record and a 4.66 earned run average. Opposing him will be the Athletics’ righty Mitch Spence, sporting a 2-2 record and a 3.84 ERA. This pitching matchup sets the tone for what promises to be a competitive series between two teams eager to make their mark in the American League standings.
Adding to the Yankees’ momentum is the stellar performance of Max Fried, who has emerged as the staff ace in his first season with New York. Fried recently became the first pitcher in the majors this season to reach double-digit wins, improving to 10-2 after a dominant outing against the Cincinnati Reds. In that game, Fried allowed just one unearned run and four hits while striking out seven, anchoring the Yankees’ 7-1 victory.
Fried's achievement places him in rare company, becoming only the third Yankees pitcher since 1962 to be the first in the majors to reach ten wins in a season. He joins legends CC Sabathia (2011) and Tommy John (1979) in this exclusive club. The left-hander’s impact has been profound, especially after the team lost their ace Gerrit Cole to Tommy John surgery during spring training. Fried, who signed a $218 million, eight-year contract with the Yankees last December, quickly stepped into the spotlight, proving his worth as the team’s frontline starter.
Boone has praised Fried’s consistency and dominance throughout the season. "I told him again today ‘just watching you more and more, I would not have wanted to hit off you.’ He’s got so many weapons out there and there’s just so much movement to all his pitches, he’s been terrific," Boone remarked. Fried’s 1.92 ERA ranks as the third-lowest for a Yankees pitcher in his first 17 starts since earned runs became an official stat in 1913, underscoring his exceptional performance.
Moreover, Fried has been especially dominant following Yankees losses, posting an impressive 8-1 record with a microscopic 0.93 ERA in 10 such starts. His ability to bounce back and deliver quality outings is a testament to his mental toughness and skill. "I mean 10 wins in half a season, it’s not easy to do in any era, especially now. But that’s just a testament to how good and efficient he’s been," Boone added.
Fried’s potential selection as the American League’s starting pitcher for the upcoming All-Star Game in Atlanta remains a tantalizing prospect. Boone acknowledged that the decision is still weeks away but noted that Fried is making a strong case. For Fried, who spent eight seasons pitching in Atlanta before joining the Yankees, such an honor would carry special significance. "I’ve got a handful of starts to go before the break. A lot can happen between now and then. Just focused on the next one in five or six days. I will deal with it when it gets here," Fried said.
The Athletics will look to challenge the Yankees’ momentum with their own pitching and lineup. The three-game series continues with Saturday’s 1:05 p.m. ET game and Sunday’s 1:35 p.m. ET finale, both airing on the YES Network. Fans eager to support their teams can also find Yankees gear, including the latest hats for the 2025 MLB season, available at Fanatics.com, while ticket deals are accessible through SeatGeek.
As the Yankees settle back into their home ballpark, the Bronx faithful will be watching closely to see if the team can build on recent success and keep their playoff hopes alive. With a strong pitching staff led by Fried and a lineup featuring seasoned veterans and promising young talent, the Yankees have the tools to contend. Meanwhile, the Athletics will be eager to disrupt the home team’s rhythm and secure key wins on the road.
Friday night’s opener promises to be a showcase of competitive baseball, with both teams eager to assert dominance early in the weekend series. The Yankees’ roster dynamics, including Escarra’s paternity leave and the strategic insertion of Ben Rice behind the plate, add layers of intrigue to the game. Fans can expect a spirited contest under the lights at Yankee Stadium, where every pitch and at-bat counts as the season races toward the midsummer stretch.
