Rachel: Anthony Volpe just dropped a grand slam and five RBIs in his first game back, the Yankees swept the Rockies 10-3, and now they’re turning their attention to the biggest rivalry in baseball. Welcome to the Beatline Podcast Network, I’m Rachel.
Dave: And I’m Dave. It’s Thursday, September 11th, and we are live from the Bronx. The Yankees sit at 84-62, second in the AL East, and tonight they host the New York Mets for Game 1 of a three-game series.
Rachel: Here is what we are diving into tonight: First, we break down the pitching matchup for this Subway Series opener and who gets the ball. Second, we talk about the Yankees' battered roster, the injuries piling up, and why Anthony Volpe’s return is such a massive spark. And third, we look at the keys to winning this series against a desperate Mets team.
Dave: It’s going to be electric. The energy around Pinstripe Park is palpable after that sweep. Let’s get right into it with Segment One: The Series and the Pitching Probables.
Rachel: Okay, so the headline here is obviously the rivalry, but tactically, who is on the mound for the Yankees? We know Gerrit Cole is in the rotation, and we saw Cam Schlittler dominate recently. Who starts tonight?
Dave: If you look at the rotation depth, Luis Gil is a strong candidate given his recent form, but the Yankees might want to save him for a later spot in the series. I think they go with Will Warren or maybe even pull someone from the bullpen if they are feeling aggressive. But realistically, looking at the rest of the staff, Carlos Rodon has been solid when he's healthy.
Rachel: Wait, Carlos Rodon? He’s been dealing with some injury issues all year. Is he ready to start Game 1 of the Subway Series? That feels like a risky move by Aaron Boone.
Dave: It is a risk, but look at the alternatives. Clarke Schmidt is on the 60-day IL, Ryan Weathers is out too. The rotation is thin. If Rodon is cleared, he gives them a lefty matchup which could be tricky for the Mets lineup, especially if they have right-handed heavy hitters in the order.
Rachel: Right, and the Mets are fourth in the NL East at 68-78. They are fighting for wild card spots, so every game matters. They aren’t going to just roll over. What do you think the Mets will throw? Max Fried is their ace, but he might be saved for Game 2 or 3.
Dave: Exactly. The Mets need to manage their ace carefully. If they start Fried tonight, they are gambling on a short outing because they’ll need him deep in the series. I suspect they go with a veteran arm, maybe someone like David Bednar if they decide to use him as a starter, though that’s unusual. More likely, it’s a mid-tier starter trying to prove themselves.
Rachel: Bednar starting? That would be a bold move. But honestly, with the Yankees' bullpen being stretched thin due to injuries, using a reliever as a starter isn't unheard of in modern baseball. But let’s assume standard rotation moves. Who wins the pitching duel tonight?
Dave: I give the edge to the Yankees’ home-field advantage and the momentum from the Rockies sweep. Even if the Mets starter is good, the Yankees lineup is clicking. I see a low-scoring affair where defense wins it. Maybe 3-2 Yankees.
Rachel: I’m leaning towards a higher scoring game. The Yankees offense, led by Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger, is too potent. I think they exploit any weaknesses in the Mets' secondary starters. I’m going 5-3 Yankees.
Dave: We’ll see. But before we get to the hitters, I want to remind our listeners that this show is completely free, with no ads and no paywall. That freedom only exists because of you. If you love this daily coverage, please chip in via the link in the episode description. It keeps the lights on and the analysis sharp.
Rachel: Thanks for that. Now, let’s talk about the big news from yesterday: Anthony Volpe. He came back from Triple-A, hit a grand slam, drove in five runs. How does that change the dynamic for tonight?
Dave: It changes everything. Jazz Chisholm Jr. is on the 10-day IL with a sprained thumb, so the middle infield was a question mark. Volpe filling that void at shortstop and providing elite contact ability stabilizes the lineup. That grand slam wasn’t luck; it was plate discipline meeting power.
Rachel: And don’t forget, Ben Rice was also impactful in the Rockies series. We predicted he’d hit a homer, and he delivered. With Giancarlo Stanton still on the 60-day IL, the DH spot is crucial. Where does Ben Rice fit in tonight?
Dave: Rice is likely starting at DH. His swing path is perfect for Yankee Stadium’s short porch in left field. Against the Mets, who might try to pitch around him, he needs to stay disciplined. If they challenge him inside, he has the strength to pull it. But watch for platoon splits; if the Mets bring in a lefty specialist, Rice might be lifted for a pinch-hitter.
Rachel: Speaking of platoon splits, what about Paul Goldschmidt? He’s playing first base for the Yankees now. Does he provide enough power against the Mets' bullpen?
Dave: Goldschmidt is a machine. Even in his later years, his OBP is elite. He doesn’t always hit for huge power, but he puts the ball in play and forces errors. Against a tired Mets bullpen in the late innings, Goldschmidt’s experience is invaluable. He knows how to work counts.
Rachel: Let’s talk about the injuries again, because this list is long. We have Clarke Schmidt, Ryan Weathers, Fernando Cruz, Trent Grisham, Willie Castro, Kyle Freeland, Jose Quintana, Kris Bryant, McCade Brown... wait, some of those are Rockies players? Yes, but the Yankees have their own woes. Stanton is out, Chisholm is out. How does Boone manage this?
Dave: Boone has to be creative. You can’t rely on one guy every night. Look at the roster: Ali Sanchez, Austin Wells behind the plate. George Lombard Jr. had that grand slam earlier. Spencer Jones in right field. The depth chart is tested. If Aaron Judge gets fatigued, Heliot Ramos or Spencer Jones can step up. It’s about versatility.
Rachel: And the bullpen! Michael Fulmer, John Schreiber, Brent Headrick, Tim Hill, Ryan Yarbrough. That’s a lot of arms. Who closes tonight?
Dave: That’s the million-dollar question. Without a clear closer established due to the shuffle, it might be situational. If it’s a high-leverage inning, Schreiber has been effective. If it’s a save situation, they might go with Fulmer for his velocity. It’s a committee approach, which can be risky if the game goes to extra innings.
Rachel: Riskier than usual, for sure. But with the momentum from Volpe and Judge, I think the offense carries the team. Let’s move to Segment Three: Keys to the Series and a Bold Prediction.
Dave: Okay, so what are the keys to winning this series? First, run protection for the top of the order. If Judge and Bellinger get hit by pitches or walk, it sets up the table for Volpe and Rice. Second, bullpen management. Don’t burn out your best arms in Game 1. Save them for Games 2 and 3.
Rachel: I agree on the bullpen. The Mets are desperate, so they might try to steal a game early. The Yankees need to be patient. Don’t chase strikes. Wait for the mistake. And defensively, watch the gaps. With guys like Lombard and Jones in the outfield, range is key.
Dave: Defensive range is critical. If the Mets get runners on, you can’t afford errors. Now, my bold prediction: I think the Yankees take two of three. I predict a 4-2 win in Game 1, driven by strong pitching from the Yankees’ starter and a solo homer from Aaron Judge. Remember, I predicted Judge would hit last time, and he did.
Rachel: I’m sticking with my guns too. I predict the Yankees win the series, and Ben Rice drives in three runs across the three games. He’s finding his groove. But I also think Anthony Volpe hits another multi-hit game. This team is peaking at the right time.
Dave: Agreed. The Yankees are 84-62, sitting second in the AL East. They are built for October. If they can navigate these injuries and keep the offense hot, they are serious contenders.
Rachel: That’s a wrap for today! The Yankees host the Mets tonight, looking to extend their lead in the AL East. Thanks for listening to the Beatline Podcast Network. Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review us wherever you get your podcasts.
Dave: Keep cheering loud, Yankees fans. Up the Yankees!