Royals vs. Yankees Game 1: Preview & Starting Pitchers – April 17

Michael Wacha and Cam Schlittler (Photo By Imagn Images)

Royals vs. Yankees Game 1: Preview & Starting Pitchers – April 17

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Cresswell McCoy | Last updated Apr 17, 2026 12:13 PM ET

Royals vs. Yankees: The Kansas City Royals will travel to Yankee Stadium as they open a three-game series in the Bronx. After a great start this season, Aaron Boone and his boys are having a miserable run. While it’s too early in the season to judge, it’s high time the Bronx Bombers step up their game.

The Royals are no better as they sit five games behind the .500 mark. They hold the second-worst record in the league along with the Mets, Rockies, and Giants. This will be an important series for the Royals as they prepare to take down the Yanks.

Royals vs. Yankees Game 1 TV Channel & Streaming Details

TV Channel: YES Network, Royals.TV

Streaming: MLB app (subscription required), Fubo (free trial for new users, regional availability applies), MLB Webcast.com

Yankees vs. Royals probable pitchers:

Friday: Cam Schlittler vs. Michael Wacha (2-0, 0.43 ERA, 17 SO)

Saturday: Will Warren vs. Noah Cameron (1-0, 3.94 ERA, 14 SO)

Sunday: Ryan Weathers vs. Cole Ragans (0-3, 3.78 ERA, 16 SO)
— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) April 16, 2026

Royals vs. Yankees Game 1 Starting Pitchers Breakdown

Michael Wacha is stepping up for the Royals after an incredible start to this season. Wacha has a 0.43 ERA with a 2-0 record. With 17 strikeouts, the Royals ace seems to be ready to take on his opponent.

The Yankees are turning in rookie pitcher Cam Schlittler. After his excellent 2026 season, Schlittler has secured a permanent spot on the team’s starting rotation. Schlittler holds a 2.49 ERA with a 2-1 record.

The Yankees’ offense has been pretty dull of late. They will try to regain momentum and get back to the top of the AL East division. As for the Royals, they are fourth in the AL Central and must work hard to get to the top.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: