Overview
- The Astros beat the Yankees 5-1 on Thursday, handing New York the series loss and leaving the club with little momentum heading into the four‑game set with the Red Sox.
- An MRI showed reliever Fernando Cruz has a partial UCL tear, and the team says he will attempt rehab though surgery now appears likely and could end his season.
- Cam Schlittler is scheduled to start the opener against Boston and remains one of the Yankees’ most reliable pitchers this year as the club shifts more innings onto its starters.
- The Red Sox arrive riding a major second‑half surge that has closed the standings gap, so the Bronx series has clear playoff and tiebreaking implications for both clubs.
- Across the league, heavy late‑season reliever use is straining bullpens — notably the Blue Jays’ relievers have very high appearance totals — and recent trades have reshaped depth charts, including Tarik Skubal returning to Comerica Park as a Dodger.