The Boston Red Sox clash with the New York Yankees in the second game of their four-game series on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 7:05 PM EDT at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Following a heated opener on August 21, where the Red Sox hold a 5-1 season series edge, this AL East rivalry game is primed for drama. Fans seeking a winning edge can rely on this expert preview, featuring player insights, pitching matchups, and a prediction—unlock more game-changing tips with our exclusive MLB strategies now!
Boston Red Sox
- 2025 Record (as of August 21): 61-62, 4th in AL East
- Performance Overview: The Red Sox have struggled recently, going 3-7 in their last 10 games with a .229 batting average and 4.25 ERA. Despite this, their offense, led by Ceddanne Rafaela’s 25 doubles, averages 4.5 runs/game, though injuries to key players like Triston Casas and Tanner Houck have hurt.
- Strengths: Versatile hitting (.261 BA) and a strong bullpen when healthy.
- Weaknesses: Depleted pitching staff (4.25 ERA recently) and a 27-34 road record.
- Player to Watch: Ceddanne Rafaela (SS) – His 14 HRs and 25 doubles provide consistent pop, critical against New York’s pitching.
New York Yankees
- 2025 Record (as of August 21): 65-58, 2nd in AL East
- Performance Overview: The Yankees are surging, with an 8-2 record in their last 10 games, boasting a .275 batting average and 3.56 ERA. Aaron Judge’s 40 HRs and Cody Bellinger’s .272 BA fuel a potent offense averaging 5.2 runs/game, though injuries to pitchers like Gerrit Cole weaken their rotation.
- Strengths: Elite power hitting (.451 SLG) and a strong home record (37-25).
- Weaknesses: Pitching depth strained by injuries (Cole, Schmidt out) and occasional bullpen hiccups.
- Player to Watch: Aaron Judge (CF) – His 40 HRs and 92 RBI make him a game-wrecker, especially at home.
Head-to-Head Record
- Historical Context: The Red Sox lead the 2025 season series 5-1, including a 2-0 sweep in June (10-7, 11-7, 2-0). The Yankees are desperate to reverse this trend at home.
- Recent Encounter: On August 21, 2025, the Red Sox edged the Yankees in a close contest, with Roman Anthony’s two doubles pacing the offense.
- Key Insight: Boston’s dominance in the series clashes with New York’s recent hot streak, setting up a battle of momentum versus history.
[](https://www.espn.com/mlb/preview?amp=&gameId=401696817)
Pitching Matchups Table
| Team | Pitcher | Record | ERA | Innings Pitched | Strikeouts | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Sox | Cooper Criswell (RHP) | 5-4 | 4.02 | 85.0 | 72 | 1.30 |
| Yankees | Marcus Stroman (RHP) | 8-7 | 3.95 | 141.2 | 108 | 1.34 |
Strengths and Negatives of Pitchers
- Cooper Criswell (Red Sox)
- Strengths: Solid control (7.6 K/9, 2.3 BB/9) and a sinker that generates ground balls (46% GB rate), effective against power-heavy lineups.
- Negatives: Limited innings (85.0 IP) and recent elbow inflammation (7-day IL) raise durability concerns against Judge and Bellinger.
[](https://www.foxsports.com/mlb/boston-red-sox-vs-new-york-yankees-aug-21-2025-game-boxscore-93083)
- Marcus Stroman (Yankees)
- Strengths: Veteran presence with a reliable sinker (50% GB rate) and strong home splits (3.50 ERA at Yankee Stadium).
- Negatives: 3.95 ERA and 1.34 WHIP suggest vulnerability to Boston’s high-contact bats like Rafaela and Roman Anthony.
Key Players to Monitor
- Boston Red Sox:
- Ceddanne Rafaela (SS): 14 HRs, 25 doubles, a dynamic leadoff threat.
- Roman Anthony (RF): .289 BA in recent games, with 2 HRs and 2 doubles over last 10.
- Rafael Devers (3B): 19 HRs, key power bat despite recent injuries.
[](https://www.espn.com/mlb/preview/_/gameId/401696817)
[](https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401695970/yankees-red-sox)
- New York Yankees:
- Aaron Judge (CF): 40 HRs, 92 RBI, a perennial MVP candidate.
- Cody Bellinger (RF): .272 BA, 24 HRs, scorching hot with two HRs on August 19.
- Giancarlo Stanton (DH): 12-for-22 with 5 HRs in last 10 games, a power surge.
[](https://www.espn.com/mlb/preview/_/gameId/401696817)
[](https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/red-sox-vs-yankees-game-1-prediction-odds-injuries-picks-august-21-2025)
[](https://www.espn.com/mlb/preview/_/gameId/401696817)
Recent Performance
- Boston Red Sox: At 61-62, the Red Sox are 3-7 in their last 10, scoring 41 runs while allowing 48, hampered by pitching injuries and offensive slumps.
- New York Yankees: At 65-58, the Yankees are 8-2 in their last 10, outscoring opponents by 25 runs (52-27), with their offense clicking.
[](https://www.espn.com/mlb/preview/_/gameId/401696817)
[](https://www.espn.com/mlb/preview/_/gameId/401696817)
Critical Factors
- Venue: Yankee Stadium’s hitter-friendly dimensions (4.15 park ERA) favor the Yankees’ power bats like Judge and Stanton.
- Weather: Forecasted at 73°F with clear skies and a light breeze, ideal for a high-scoring game.
- Momentum: The Yankees’ 8-2 surge contrasts with Boston’s 3-7 skid, though the Red Sox’s series lead adds intrigue.
- Betting Odds: Yankees favored at -153, with over/under at 8.5, reflecting their home edge and offensive trends.
[](https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/red-sox-vs-yankees-game-1-prediction-odds-injuries-picks-august-21-2025)
Prediction
The New York Yankees are poised to even the series, capitalizing on their home-field advantage and Stroman’s ground-ball pitching against a depleted Red Sox rotation. Criswell’s recent injury recovery and 4.02 ERA may struggle against Judge, Bellinger, and Stanton, who are thriving. Boston’s offense, led by Rafaela, could keep it close, but New York’s bullpen and power should prevail in a slugfest.
Final Prediction: New York Yankees win, 6-4. Judge homers, and Stroman grinds out six innings.
Best Bets
- Moneyline: New York Yankees (-153) – Home momentum and Stroman’s reliability make the Yankees a solid pick.
- Over 8.5 Runs – Both teams’ recent offensive trends (Yankees 5.2, Red Sox 4.5 runs/game) and Yankee Stadium’s dimensions suggest runs.
- Aaron Judge to Hit a Home Run (+200) – His 40 HRs and hot streak make him a prime candidate against Criswell.
[](https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/red-sox-vs-yankees-game-1-prediction-odds-injuries-picks-august-21-2025)
[](https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/red-sox-vs-yankees-game-1-prediction-odds-injuries-picks-august-21-2025)
[](https://www.espn.com/mlb/preview/_/gameId/401696817)
This preview, based on the latest trends and stats as of August 21, 2025, delivers expert, trustworthy, and engaging content for MLB fans. Watch live on MLBN/Prime Video.
