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Yankees Announce Surprising Rotation for Series in Fenway

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 5:13 PM ET

The Yankees aren’t just heading into Fenway this weekend with a division lead—they’re bringing a different strategy. New York announced Thursday it will send an all left-handed starting rotation into Boston for the three-game set: Ryan Yarbrough on Friday, Carlos Rodon on Saturday, and Max Fried on Sunday.

Since right-hander Will Warren was the only starter to win last weekend against the Red Sox last weekend, it seems odd.

But it's a decision that is backed by the numbers if not experience.

The Red Sox have struggled against left-handed pitching all season, entering the weekend with a 12–15 record in games started by lefties. They’ve struck out at a league-worst 28.6% rate against southpaws, and their .379 slugging percentage ranks in the bottom third of the league.

Even when the surface numbers look passable—Boston’s .787 OPS vs lefties ranks mid-pack—the strikeouts tell a different story. They’re chasing pitches, missing hittable ones, and failing to capitalize on big spots. The result? A lopsided performance split and a clear weakness the Yankees plan to exploit.

Rodon is coming off a dominant June and has been one of New York’s steadiest arms since May. He did give up five earned runs in five innings to the Red Sox last weekend.

Fried, recently acquired at the deadline, is settling into his new uniform and draws a Boston lineup that’s been tamed by quality lefties before.

Yarbrough, who has carved out a niche as a soft-contact innings eater, gets the opener and a chance to redeem himself after the Red Sox rocked him for eight runs Saturday night.

New York’s decision reflects both planning and confidence. The Yankees are choosing to force Boston into its toughest matchups—three days in a row, all from the left side.

After losing a series to the Red Sox in the Bronx last weekend, this is an interesting way for the Yankees to counter the Boston lineup.

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

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