Where to Watch
Probable Pitchers
Preview
The New York Yankees welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates to Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, July 21, for a 7:05 PM ET interleague showdown. Right-hander Will Warren gets the ball for New York against Pittsburgh's Bubba Chandler in what shapes up as an interesting pitching matchup between two arms with something to prove at the major league level. This is a game the Yankees need to treat seriously — every win in the second half of the season matters, and home games at Yankee Stadium carry extra weight when you're trying to build and maintain momentum.
Starting Pitchers: Will Warren vs. Bubba Chandler
Will Warren draws the start for the Yankees, and this is a significant opportunity for the young right-hander. Warren has been working to establish himself as a reliable option in New York's rotation, and a home start against a Pirates club gives him a real chance to put together the kind of outing that builds confidence heading deeper into the season. The Bronx crowd will be behind him from the first pitch — now he has to deliver.
On the other side, Bubba Chandler takes the hill for Pittsburgh. The Pirates pitching prospect has generated legitimate buzz as one of the more intriguing arms in the National League, and he's the kind of young pitcher who can make a lineup look foolish if they come in unprepared. The Yankees cannot afford to sleepwalk through the early innings against him.
Keys to Watch for the Yankees
- Warren's command: If Warren can locate his fastball early and keep Pittsburgh's hitters off balance, he has the stuff to work deep into this game and give the bullpen a breather.
- Attack Chandler early: Young pitchers can be vulnerable before they settle in. The Yankees lineup needs to be aggressive in the first two times through the order and not let Chandler find a rhythm.
- Capitalize at home: Yankee Stadium provides a genuine advantage, particularly for right-handed power hitters. The short porch in right field is always a factor, and Pittsburgh's pitching staff has to respect that.
- Bullpen management: Depending on how Warren performs, Aaron Boone will need to be sharp about when to go to his relievers. Late-game leads have to be protected.
Broadcast Information
Tuesday's game airs on YES Network locally and SportsNet Pittsburgh for Pirates fans. Radio coverage is available on WFAN 660/101.9 FM, with Spanish-language coverage on WADO 1280. Pittsburgh listeners can tune in to Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan.
Prediction
This is a winnable game at home, and the Yankees should treat it exactly that way. Warren has the talent to handle a Pittsburgh lineup that isn't among the most feared in the league. If he pitches into the sixth or seventh inning and the offense does its job against Chandler early, New York closes out a home win. The edge goes to the Yankees, 5–3, with Warren delivering a quality start and the offense doing enough damage in the middle innings to put this one away before Pittsburgh can make it uncomfortable late.