Gerrit Cole takes the ball at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, July 22 when the New York Yankees host the Pittsburgh Pirates at 1:05 PM ET. It is a midweek afternoon matchup that pits two of the more established starters in their respective leagues against each other, with Cole squaring off against Pittsburgh right-hander Mitch Keller. Catch the game on YES Network locally or on WFAN 660/101.9 FM on the radio. Spanish-language coverage is available on WADO 1280.

Pitching Matchup: Gerrit Cole vs. Mitch Keller

Cole is the unquestioned anchor of this Yankees rotation. He takes the mound in what should be a quality outing at home, where Yankee Stadium's atmosphere adds another layer of expectation every time he toes the rubber. Cole has been one of the most durable and high-ceiling starters in the American League for years, and afternoon starts at home tend to suit a staff ace well.

Keller is no pushover on the mound for Pittsburgh. He has carved out a legitimate role as the Pirates' frontline starter, showing the ability to mix his arsenal effectively and keep lineups off-balance. The Yankees' lineup will need to be disciplined early against him — Keller is the kind of pitcher who can dictate at-bats when he commands his fastball.

Yankees Lineup: Keys to Watch

Manager Aaron Boone has set a lineup that blends veterans and young talent throughout the order. Here is how New York lines up:

• Trent Grisham, CF
• Ben Rice, 1B
• Spencer Jones, DH
• Cody Bellinger, LF
• Jasson Domínguez, RF
• Jazz Chisholm Jr., 2B
• José Caballero, SS
• Ryan McMahon, 3B
• Austin Wells, C

Spencer Jones at DH batting third is a spot worth watching. The young outfielder has been given a prominent placement in the middle of this order, and how he handles Keller's stuff will tell you something about where his development stands. Jasson Domínguez in the five-hole is another storyline — he has the tools to drive in runs in bunches when he is locked in. Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second brings athleticism and pop to the bottom third of the order, and Austin Wells behind the plate at nine gives New York a catcher who can do damage when pitchers lose track of him.

Pirates Lineup and Threats

Pittsburgh counters with Bryan Reynolds in the three-hole — the most dangerous bat in this Pirates order. Reynolds has the patience and the power to make Cole work deep into counts. Brandon Lowe hitting second brings a professional at-bat, and Ryan O'Hearn in the five spot provides left-handed pop from the DH position. Henry Davis catching for the Pirates will be an interesting subplot, as the former top prospect looks to make his mark at the big league level.

Three Keys to the Game

• Cole's efficiency early: If Cole can get through the Pittsburgh lineup economically in the first three innings, the Yankees' bullpen is in a comfortable spot late.
• Discipline against Keller: Keller rewards impatience. The Yankees need to work counts and force him into hitter's counts to unlock the lineup's middle-of-the-order power.
• Bryan Reynolds vs. Cole: This is the individual matchup that could define the game. How Cole attacks Reynolds — and whether Reynolds gets a ball to drive — shapes Pittsburgh's offensive ceiling on the afternoon.

Prediction

Cole at home in a day game is a strong spot for the Yankees. The lineup has enough firepower to plate runs against Keller, and Cole's experience and stuff give New York the edge in this pitching matchup. Yankees win, 4-2.