Rachel: You just missed a nine-run explosion. The New York Yankees didn't just beat the Diamondbacks yesterday; they put a stake in the heart of their playoff hopes with a dominant 9-2 victory on the road. But before we get to the highlights, let's talk about the elephant in the room.
Dave: That was a statement win, Rachel. Ben Rice hit his thirty-ninth homer, and Gerrit Cole made history. But the real story is that Aaron Judge is back on the IL with a calf strain. This series against Arizona isn't over yet, but the dynamic has shifted completely.
Rachel: Welcome to the Beatline Podcast Network! I'm Rachel, and I'm joined by Dave. We are your daily source for everything baseball, specifically focusing on the New York Yankees as they look to close out this series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Today, we're breaking down the pitching matchup, the bullpen fatigue, and what it means for the postseason if Judge doesn't return.
Dave: Right. So here is the roadmap for today's episode. First, we'll look at the pitching probables and why Gerrit Cole's record-breaking night sets the tone. Second, we'll dive into the lineup changes without Judge, focusing on Ben Rice and Paul Goldschmidt. And third, we'll give you our bold predictions for Game Three tonight. Let's get into it.
Rachel: Okay, Dave, let's start with the big news from last night. You mentioned Gerrit Cole becoming the winningest No. 1 overall draft pick in MLB history. That is huge. How does that impact the momentum heading into tonight's game?
Dave: It's massive. For context, we talked about Cam Schlittler's MVP potential in the last few days, but Cole is playing like an MVP himself right now. He led the Yankees to a five-run first inning yesterday. It wasn't just luck; it was command. He controlled the zone, kept the Diamondbacks off balance, and gave the offense exactly what they needed early.
Rachel: And looking at the roster, we have Max Fried and Carlos Rodon ready to follow up. But tonight, who is on the mound for Arizona? And more importantly, how does the Yankees' rotation match up against their depleted bullpen?
Dave: The Diamondbacks are coming off a losing streak, which puts pressure on their starter to go deep into the game. If they can't get six strong innings, the Yankees' bullpen becomes the difference maker. We've seen David Bednar and Michael Fulmer dominate late. But with Clarke Schmidt recently moved to the bullpen, we're seeing a strategic shift in how Boone manages those high-leverage spots.
Rachel: Wait, hold on. Clarke Schmidt in the bullpen? That's a move we discussed in the preview yesterday. Do you think that was a mistake or a brilliant gamble?
Dave: I think it's a gamble that pays off if you have depth. Schmidt has the stuff to miss bats out of the pen. If he can keep the ball on the ground, he's effective. But if he leaves one up, it gets exposed. The key is pitch count management. You don't want him throwing fifty pitches in relief unless it's a crisis.
Rachel: So, the plan is to lean on Bednar and Fulmer, maybe get a save out of John Schreiber if the lead holds. It’s a loaded bullpen, but fatigue is real. Let's pivot to the other side of the ball. The offense scored nine runs yesterday. Is that sustainable?
Dave: Nine runs is a lot, but it started with that five-run first. Once you build a cushion, the offense relaxes. Ben Rice was the catalyst. His thirty-ninth homer wasn't just power; it was timing. He attacked the mistakes Cole left hanging. That’s the kind of plate discipline that wins games in October.
Rachel: Speaking of October, we need to talk about the injuries. Aaron Judge is out again with a calf strain. Three-time AL MVP, back on the IL. Manager Aaron Boone isn't sure if he'll make the postseason. How does the lineup adjust?
Dave: It forces a reshuffle. We saw Paul Goldschmidt step up at first base, giving the team stability defensively. But offensively, you lose that left-handed power threat. Now, Cody Bellinger and Spencer Jones have to carry more weight in the outfield. It’s not just about hitting home runs; it’s about getting on base and moving runners.
Rachel: And don't forget the rest of the injury report. Tyler Locklear, Ryan Thompson, A.J. Puk, Andrew Saalfrank, Cristian Mena—all on the 60-Day IL. Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Trent Grisham are on the 10-Day. This team is missing a lot of bodies. How do they stay competitive?
Dave: Depth. That’s the only answer. They’ve had to call up guys like Ali Sanchez and Austin Wells to catch. Luis Gil and Will Warren have been relied upon heavily in the rotation. It’s a test of organizational depth. If they can keep the core healthy—Cole, Volpe, Anthony Rizzo (if he’s there)—they can survive the attrition.
Rachel: Survival, or thriving? Because yesterday, they thrived. Let's move to Segment Two. We need to talk about the specific matchups. Who are the key hitters we should watch tonight?
Dave: Ben Rice is the guy. He’s hot. But also, look at Anthony Volpe. His speed on the bases creates problems for any defense. If the Diamondbacks are tired from their losing streak, Volpe can steal bases and score from second. It’s about adding cheap runs.
Rachel: Right, and defensively, Jose Caballero and George Lombard Jr. at shortstop provide versatility. But against Arizona’s weakened outfield, do you think the Yankees will push the pace even more?
Dave: Absolutely. Heliot Ramos and Cody Bellinger in the corners need to be aggressive. If they can force errors from a tired outfield, that’s free runs. Also, check the platoon splits. If the Diamondbacks bring in a lefty reliever, Paul Goldschmidt at first or Ben Rice in the DH could exploit that.
Rachel: Let's talk about the ABS challenge system tracker. We mentioned earlier that batters and umpires are being ranked. Does this affect how the Yankees approach at-bats?
Dave: It adds a layer of strategy. Umpires have tendencies. Some strike zones are tighter than others. If the Yankees know a particular umpire is strict on the inside corner, they might lay off those pitches and wait for the meat of the plate. It’s subtle, but it adds up over a long season.
Rachel: So, tactical adjustments based on umpiring. Got it. Now, let's address the elephant in the room again. Aaron Judge. Passan wrote that the Yankees are 'in flux.' What does that mean for the clubhouse?
Dave: It means uncertainty. When your leader is out, morale can dip. But the Yankees have a culture of resilience. They’ve dealt with Giancarlo Stanton’s absence before. They’re handling Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s injury. This is just another hurdle. The focus shifts to the next man up. And right now, the next man up is performing.
Rachel: Resilience is the word of the year for this team. Before we get to our final segment and predictions, we need to take a quick moment. This show is produced every single day, fresh and free, because of supporters like you. Behind the scenes, it takes a village to pull together stats, write scripts, and edit audio daily. Your support keeps us going. If you enjoy our coverage, please check out the link in the episode description to help us keep bringing you this content every day. Thank you for listening.
Dave: Thanks, everyone. Okay, let’s get to the bold prediction. We’re looking at Game Three tonight. Yankees at Arizona. The Diamondbacks are reeling. The Yankees are riding high. Where do you see this going?
Rachel: I’m sticking with my sweep prediction from the last two episodes. I told you both I’d predict a 2-0 series win for the Yankees. Yesterday proved it. Ben Rice drove in runs, Cole dominated. I think tonight, we see another strong offensive showing. Maybe 5-3, Yankees win. I’m confident.
Dave: I have to disagree slightly. I predicted a split earlier. But after yesterday’s performance, I’m adjusting. I think the Yankees win tonight, but it’s gritty. The Diamondbacks will try to drag it into extra innings. I see a 4-3 win for New York. Ben Rice hits another homer, and David Bednar closes it out in the ninth.
Rachel: A 4-3 win sounds about right for a gritty finish. Dave, you said Bednar closes it. Do you think Clarke Schmidt gets a save if the lead is small?
Dave: Maybe. If Schmidt goes three scoreless innings, Boone might trust him. But Bednar is the closer. He’s the guy you go to when the game is on the line. I think Schmidt gets one inning, then Bednar finishes it. It’s about managing arms carefully as we head toward October.
Rachel: Managing arms, yes. But also, keeping the momentum. The Yankees are 89-64, sitting second in the AL East. Every win matters for seeding. Tonight is crucial. What’s the one thing the Yankees must do to secure this series?
Dave: Pitching efficiency. Don’t waste pitches. Get outs on ground balls. Keep the game low-scoring until the bullpen can take over. If they turn it into a slugfest, Arizona has a chance. But if they control the tempo, the Yankees win easily.
Rachel: Control the tempo. Love it. So, final thoughts. Yankees win tonight, 4-3. Ben Rice continues his hot streak. Gerrit Cole’s legacy grows. And Aaron Judge watches from the sideline, waiting for his chance. Anything else to add before we sign off?
Dave: Just remember, the playoff picture is tightening. Fatal October flaws are already being discussed. The Yankees can’t afford them. Stay sharp, stay focused. We’ll be back tomorrow with more analysis.
Rachel: That’s all for today on the Beatline Podcast Network. Thanks for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us wherever you listen. Share this with a fellow Yankees fan. Go Yankees!