The New York Yankees are set to host the Arizona Diamondbacks for the series opener of this interleague matchup on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET, and fans can catch the game live on TBS.
Coming off a stunning three-game sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers, where they scored a whopping 36 runs, the Yankees are riding high into this matchup. The Diamondbacks, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back after a split series against the Chicago Cubs.
This game marks the highly anticipated debut of Corbin Burnes for the Diamondbacks, who will be facing off against the Yankees' Will Warren. Burnes, an offseason acquisition, is one of the top pitchers in the league, boasting an impressive record from the previous season.
Last year, Burnes posted a 15-9 record with a 2.92 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP over 32 starts, ranking in the top quarter of the league in multiple pitching categories. He has historically performed well against the Yankees, holding a 1.42 ERA over three meetings. "That’s the pitch that’s gotten me where I’ve been the last couple of years," Burnes noted, referencing his signature cutter, which he developed during the pandemic.
On the other side, Will Warren, who is regarded as the Yankees' fifth-best prospect, had a challenging 2024 season, finishing with a 0-3 record and a 10.32 ERA in six appearances. Despite his potential, Warren's struggles raise concerns heading into this matchup, especially against a formidable Diamondbacks lineup.
The Yankees have been making headlines with their new torpedo-shaped bats, which have contributed significantly to their offensive explosion. In their first three games of the season, they matched an MLB record with 15 home runs, a feat previously achieved by the 2006 Detroit Tigers. Aaron Judge has been a standout performer, hitting four home runs in the opening series alone.
"That’s just trying to be the best we can be," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said, reflecting on the team's offensive strategy. The new bat design has sparked discussions around the league, with players like Cody Bellinger and Jazz Chisholm also finding success with this innovative equipment.
The Diamondbacks are no slouches at the plate either, ranking among the league leaders in runs, hits, and batting average. Both teams have shown impressive offensive capabilities early in the season, making for an exciting matchup. The Diamondbacks' lineup includes power hitters who can capitalize on any mistakes made by Warren.
As the Yankees look to maintain their unbeaten start, the Diamondbacks are eager to prove their worth with Burnes on the mound. Arizona's manager, Torey Lovullo, expressed confidence in his ace, stating, "It’s like swatting a fly — with your hand," emphasizing the difficulty hitters face when trying to connect with Burnes' cutter.
With the stakes high and both teams showcasing their strengths, fans can expect a thrilling game at Yankee Stadium. The Diamondbacks are favored at -110 on the moneyline, while the Over/Under is set at 8.5 runs. This matchup promises to be a battle of pitching prowess against explosive offensive talent.
In conclusion, the stage is set for an exciting series opener as the Yankees and Diamondbacks clash in the Bronx. Will Burnes live up to the hype in his debut, or will the Yankees' bats continue their onslaught? Only time will tell as these two teams vie for early-season supremacy.