The New York Yankees head to Citizens Bank Park on Friday, July 24, 2026, for a 6:45 PM ET showdown against the Philadelphia Phillies. Will Warren gets the ball for New York against Phillies left-hander Jesús Luzardo. It is a meaningful mid-summer test on the road in one of the National League's most hostile environments, and how the Yankees handle Philadelphia's top-of-the-order firepower will go a long way toward determining the outcome. The game airs on Apple TV and can be heard locally on WFAN 660/101.9 FM.

Will Warren vs. Jesús Luzardo: The Pitching Matchup

Warren gets the starting assignment for the Yankees and will need to be sharp from the first pitch. Citizens Bank Park is no place to leave breaking balls hanging or to fall behind in counts, and Philadelphia's lineup gives a starting pitcher no margin for error.

On the other side, Luzardo takes the mound for the Phillies. The left-hander presents a genuine challenge for a Yankees lineup that will need to stay disciplined and manufacture traffic against a pitcher who can work both sides of the plate.

Philadelphia's Lineup Is a Genuine Threat Top to Bottom

The Phillies are sending out one of the more dangerous batting orders Warren will face this season. Trea Turner leads off at shortstop, giving Philadelphia an elite on-base threat with plus speed right out of the gate. Kyle Schwarber hits second as the designated hitter — a power bat batting unusually high in the order that demands attention. Then comes Bryce Harper at first base, the anchor of this entire offense and someone Warren absolutely cannot let beat him in a big spot.

Brandon Marsh follows in the four hole in left field, and Alec Bohm rounds out the top five at third base. That is a daunting stretch of five legitimate hitters before the lineup even gets to Bryson Stott, J.T. Realmuto, Gabriel Rincones Jr., and speedy center fielder Justin Crawford. There is no soft underbelly here. Warren will need to mix his arsenal well and keep the Phillies off the bases early.

Keys to Watch for the Yankees

• Warren's command early: Getting through the Phillies' top three of Turner, Schwarber, and Harper cleanly in the first two innings sets the tone for the entire evening. Walks are particularly dangerous against this club.
• Handling Schwarber's power: Schwarber is a left-handed masher who punishes mistakes in the strike zone. Warren must be disciplined about how he attacks the DH slot.
• Yankees lineup vs. Luzardo: New York's hitters will need to work pitch counts and look for opportunities to do damage when Luzardo leaves pitches over the plate. Patience at the dish against a quality left-hander is non-negotiable.
• Bullpen availability: If Warren runs into trouble, the Yankees' relief options and how manager Aaron Boone deploys them could determine whether New York steals a win in South Philly.

Prediction

This is a tough road spot. Citizens Bank Park is loud and Philadelphia's lineup punishes starting pitchers who do not execute. Warren has the ability to keep the Yankees in the game if his command is there, but Luzardo is a difficult assignment for a visiting lineup on a Friday night. Expect a competitive, low-scoring game that comes down to a late inning or two. Yankees 4, Phillies 3 — but this one could easily go the other way.