The New York Yankees head to Anaheim for a Tuesday night matchup against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium, with first pitch scheduled for 9:38 PM ET. Gerrit Cole gets the ball for New York opposite Angels right-hander Grayson Rodriguez in what shapes up as a compelling pitching duel late in the regular season. Yankees fans can catch the action on YES Network and WFAN 660/101.9 FM. With September baseball underway, every game carries weight in the standings, and this road trip west is no exception.

Pitching Matchup: Gerrit Cole vs. Grayson Rodriguez

Gerrit Cole anchors this start for the Yankees. The veteran right-hander remains one of the most reliable arms in the American League and gives New York exactly the kind of presence you want in a September road game. Cole's ability to eat innings and limit damage against a lineup he has faced before will be central to how this game unfolds.

Rodriguez lines up as the opposing starter for Los Angeles. The right-hander is a talented arm capable of keeping hitters off-balance, and the Yankees offense will need to work counts and find gaps early before Rodriguez settles in. This is a matchup worth watching from the opening pitch.

Angels Lineup to Watch

The Angels will send out a lineup that includes some notable names. Mike Trout bats second and hits from the center field spot — his presence alone demands respect regardless of any other context. Zach Neto leads off at shortstop, and Vaughn Grissom slots in at cleanup at first base. Oswald Peraza, a name familiar to Yankees fans, starts at third base for Los Angeles.

• Zach Neto (SS): Leadoff threat who can set the table quickly
• Mike Trout (CF): Batting second — Cole cannot afford to let him beat him with runners on base
• Vaughn Grissom (1B): Cleanup hitter the Yankees bullpen must be ready for late in the game
• Oswald Peraza (3B): Former Yankee farmhand now in the Angels lineup

Keys to the Game for New York

• Cole's command: If Cole is locating his fastball and burying his breaking ball, the Angels lineup will struggle to generate consistent traffic. A quality start — six-plus innings, three or fewer runs — sets the Yankees up to win.
• Early offense against Rodriguez: The Yankees need to attack Rodriguez before he finds his rhythm. Making him work deep into counts and forcing his pitch count up early opens the door to the Angels bullpen.
• Neutralize Trout: Cole has faced Trout throughout his career. Keeping Trout in the ballpark and off the bases is the single most important individual matchup in this game.
• Road discipline: Angel Stadium is not a hostile environment, but winning on the road in September requires sharp execution. Avoiding errors and situational hitting mistakes will matter.

Prediction

Cole on the mound in a September road game is exactly the kind of assignment the Yankees need their ace to handle. The Angels lineup is capable, particularly with Trout in the two-hole, but Cole's experience in high-leverage situations gives New York the edge here. Expect a tight, pitcher-friendly game that the Yankees win by a run or two. Yankees 4, Angels 2.