Yankees vs Red Sox 2025 Showdown: Start Time, Live Stream Details, Pitching Duel & Series Stakes

The Bronx–Boston rivalry ignites again tonight as the New York Yankees visit Fenway Park for the first time in 2025, opening a three-game set that could reshape the American League East pecking order. Momentum entering Fenway Boston took the most recent clash on June 8, launching five home runs to outslug New York 11-7 and split a weather-shortened series in the Bronx. Two nights earlier the Yankees had jumped ahead with a five-run first inning fueled by an Anthony Volpe leadoff blast before holding on 9-6. The split kept both clubs bunched within three games of first-place Baltimore, adding urgency to this weekend’s showdown. Pitching matchup: Crochet vs. Yarbrough Boston hands the ball to left-hander Garrett Crochet (6-4, 2.35 ERA), whose 96-mph fastball and league-best 13.2 K/9 rate have vaulted him into early Cy Young chatter. New York counters with crafty southpaw Ryan Yarbrough (3-1, 4.17 ERA), acquired in April to stabilize the back end of the rotation and bridge to a bullpen anchored by Clay Holmes. The lefty-lefty matchup tilts platoon advantages toward right-handed sluggers Aaron Judge (18 HR) and Juan Soto (167 wRC+) for the Yankees, while the Red Sox will lean on breakout catcher Kyle Teel (.302 AVG) and former Yankee Alex Verdugo. Key storylines to watch • Volpe’s status: The Yankee shortstop exited the June 6 game after taking a 96-mph fastball off the elbow; he returned Wednesday and is expected to start at short, but any lingering discomfort could test New York’s infield depth. • Stanton’s looming return: Giancarlo Stanton (left hamstring) began a rehab assignment Thursday and could be activated as early as Sunday, adding more thunder to an already potent Bronx lineup. • Boston’s bullpen shuffle: Kenley Jansen’s recent bout of back tightness opens ninth-inning opportunities for Chris Martin, whose 0.85 ERA is the lowest among AL relievers with 25+ innings. • Division stakes: Entering Friday, the Yankees and Red Sox trail Baltimore by 2.5 and 3.0 games respectively. A sweep in either direction would drastically tighten—or widen—the gap. How to watch & stream First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET on YES Network (NY), NESN (New England) and MLB.TV (out-of-market). Cord-cutters can stream via Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV and the MLB app; most services offer free trials that cover the entire series. Betting nugget Boston opened as a slight ‑115 money-line favorite behind Crochet’s strikeout upside, but early wagering has pushed the total from 8.0 to 8.5 runs amid breezy 10 mph winds toward the Green Monster. Bottom line Whether you’re chasing AL East standings, scouting playoff previews or simply craving the electricity that only Yankees vs. Red Sox delivers, this weekend at Fenway promises classic drama, high-octane offenses and potential history with every pitch.