The New York Yankees host the Colorado Rockies at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, September 10, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 PM ET. Max Fried gets the ball for New York against Colorado right-hander Ryan Feltner in what shapes up as a favorable pitching matchup for the Bronx. With the regular season in its final weeks and every game carrying genuine weight in the standings, this is no throwaway date on the schedule — the Yankees need to take care of business against a Rockies club that has struggled to compete in the National League West.
Pitching Matchup: Max Fried vs. Ryan Feltner
Fried is the clear headliner here. The left-hander has been one of the Yankees' most reliable arms in the rotation since joining the club, and he draws what looks like a winnable assignment against Feltner. The Colorado right-hander has not established himself as a frontline starter, and facing a Yankee lineup at Yankee Stadium in September is a stiff test for any pitcher in that situation.
Feltner will need to execute his game plan precisely to keep New York's offense in check. The Yankees carry enough pop in their lineup to punish any pitcher who leaves the ball over the plate, and the home crowd at Yankee Stadium figures to be energized for a late-season weeknight game.
Keys to Watch Thursday Night
- Fried's command: When Fried is locating his fastball and working his breaking ball effectively, he is difficult to square up. Watch how he attacks Colorado's lineup early and whether he can pile up quick outs to give the bullpen a rest late in the game.
- Yankees lineup vs. Feltner: New York should look to work counts against Feltner, get him into trouble early, and force Colorado's bullpen into action. The longer the Yankees make Feltner work, the better their chances of posting a big crooked number.
- Bullpen management: September roster construction gives managers more options. How Aaron Boone deploys his relief corps after Fried exits will matter, especially if the Yankees build a lead and want to protect it efficiently.
- Setting the tone late in the regular season: Games like this one against a non-contending club are exactly the kind the Yankees are expected to win. Dropping series against lesser competition has derailed pennant races before — New York cannot afford to treat this as anything less than urgent.
Prediction
This matchup sets up well for the Yankees. Fried on the mound at home against a Rockies lineup that has faced its share of adversity this season is as close to a favorable spot as a team can draw in September. Expect New York to control this game from the early innings and hand Fried a comfortable cushion to work with. Yankees win, 6-2.
Catch the action on YES Network or WFAN 660/101.9 FM. Spanish-language coverage is available on WADO 1280.
