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Boston (1-1) at NY Yankees (1-1)
- When: Oct 2 2025, 8:08 PM
- Where: Yankee Stadium, Bronx
- Where to watch: ESPN
Boston vs NY Yankees MLB Playoff Preview & Pick
Moneyline: NY Yankees -178
Spread: NY Yankees -1.5 (+125)
Total: 7.5
New York Yankees: Chisholm Back in the Mix for the Decider
The Yankees (-178 ML favorites, Total 7.5) will lean on their playoff-tested lineup and the return of Jazz Chisholm Jr. as they aim to punch their ticket to the AL Division Series. Chisholm’s defensive gem and clutch baserunning saved New York in Game 2, and his high-energy presence is exactly what Aaron Boone wants on Thursday. Rookie right-hander Cam Schlittler, a Boston-area native, will get the start. He’s been lights out since joining the rotation, posting a 2.96 ERA in 14 starts, including a recent 9-strikeout masterpiece over Baltimore.
Prediction: Expect the Yankees’ lineup to grind out quality at-bats against Boston’s rookie starter. With their bullpen reset, New York should have enough to take control early and ride it out.
Player Prop Pick (Yankees): Jazz Chisholm Jr. Over 1.5 Hits + Runs + RBIs – His speed and clutch factor make him a difference-maker at the plate and on the bases.
Boston Red Sox: Early Thrown into the Fire
Boston will counter with rookie Connelly Early, who’s making the biggest start of his young career. Early posted a 2.33 ERA over four MLB starts but now faces Yankee Stadium in a winner-take-all. The Red Sox bullpen has been stretched thin after deploying six relievers in Game 2. For Boston to stay alive, Trevor Story must continue his clutch hitting after his two-run single and solo homer kept them in Game 2.
Prediction: Boston will have to be aggressive early against Schlittler and hope Early can last enough innings to avoid overexposing the bullpen. Without Lucas Giolito, it’s a tall task to quiet New York’s bats.
Player Prop Pick (Red Sox): Trevor Story Over 1.5 Total Bases – He’s been Boston’s most dangerous hitter in this series and is a constant threat to deliver extra-base hits.
Expert Prediction & Betting Angle
The Yankees are in the driver’s seat with the more seasoned roster, deeper bullpen, and a rookie starter who’s been lights out in pressure moments. Boston has heart, but they’re running on fumes and facing an uphill battle with a thin bullpen and an inexperienced arm on the hill. The total sits at 7.5, which feels about right for a tightly contested elimination game, but the edge lies squarely with New York.
Score Prediction: Yankees 5, Red Sox 3
Pick: NY Yankees -1.5 (+125)
Total: Over 7.5 (+100)
- MLB Playoff Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
