Dodgers and Yankees Set for Anticipated 2026 Clash

WHO:

MLB.com - Yankees manager Aaron Boone stated that memories of the 2024 World Series leave a "scar" on the team.

MLB.com - Aaron Judge underwent a re-imaging procedure on his fractured right rib during the All-Star break.

NY Post - Roki Sasaki will help lead the visiting Dodgers.

MLB Yankees - The Yankees are preparing to host the Dodgers.

WHAT:

MLB.com - Gerrit Cole has made 10 starts since returning from Tommy John surgery, which was performed in March 2025.

MLB.com - Cole struck out eight batters over six-plus innings in his recent game against the Dodgers.

MLB.com - The re-imaging revealed signs of healing, but not enough to clear Judge for resumption of baseball activities.

MLB.com - Judge is batting .248/.375/.533 with 17 home runs and 38 RBIs in 59 games this season.

NY Post - The Dodgers are predicted to win against the Yankees.

MLB Yankees - The article reflects on some of the greatest moments in the history of the Dodgers and Yankees rivalry.

WHERE:

NY Post - The game will take place at the Stadium, referring to Yankee Stadium.

WHEN:

NY Post - The game is scheduled for Friday night.

WHY:

MLB.com - Boone expressed that there is still "pain and disappointment" from the Yankees' loss in the 2024 World Series, which he hopes will motivate the team.

MLB.com - Judge stated, “There’s some progress, some healing going on, but it’s not fully healed.”

NY Post - The prediction is based on the performance of Roki Sasaki and Gerrit Cole.

HOW:

MLB.com - Cole threw 66 of 103 pitches for strikes in his recent game against the Dodgers.

MLB.com - Judge has been limited to lower-body work and neck exercises, with no upper-body or overhead lifting due to his injury.

NY Post - Stitches predicts the outcome of the game.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone shared that the memories of the 2024 World Series still leave a "scar" on the team, expressing that there is lingering "pain and disappointment" from that loss, which he hopes will serve as motivation moving forward. In recent news, Gerrit Cole has made ten starts since his return from Tommy John surgery, which took place in March 2025, and he struck out eight batters over six-plus innings in his latest game against the Dodgers. Cole was efficient on the mound, throwing 66 of his 103 pitches for strikes during that performance.