Yankees vs. Pirates: 5 things to watch and series predictions | Sept. 27-29

Here are five things to watch and predictions as the Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates play a three-game series at Yankees Stadium starting on Friday night…

Preview

Who is in left?

The biggest question for the Yankees heading into the postseason is who will start in left field?

Alex Verdugo gives the Yanks a plus-defender out there while rookie Jasson Dominguez gives them a more dynamic bat and speed. It seemed like a no-brainer as to who would start, but Dominguez’s poor defense has perhaps changed things.

Manager Aaron Boone said that he will let things “declare themselves” when it comes to left field. That means both players have this weekend’s series to show what they can do on both sides of the ball.

Sights set on No. 1 seed

The Yankees enter this weekend’s series vying for the top spot in the American League playoffs.

Entering Friday, they are 1.0 game ahead of the Cleveland Guardians and have a magic number of two to clinch the No. 1 seed. The Guardians will face the Astros this weekend. Houston is locked into the No. 3 seed and doesn’t have anything to play for, so the pressure is on the Yankees to win their series against the Pirates.

The Yanks already have a bye to the ALDS, but getting the top seed would give them home field advantage through the ALCS.

If they finish the regular season atop the AL, they will await the winner of the No. 4 seed (likely the Orioles) and the No. 5 seed (likely the Tigers, Royals, or Twins). Importantly, finishing No. 1 would allow the Yanks to avoid the Astros in the ALDS.

Can Austin Wells get it going?

Wells has been great this season, but he’s struggled offensively of late.

The 25-year-old has one hit over his last seven games, which has put his job as Aaron Judge‘s protection in question.

The Yankees have started to use Giancarlo Stanton in the cleanup spot, especially against lefties, but they need their young backstop to start hitting again because he really lengthened the lineup and gave them a real weapon against right-handers.

Wells’ job as the everyday catcher isn’t in jeopardy, but he could use a few good days at the plate before the postseason starts.

The Paul Skenes experience

Skenes is scheduled to start Saturday’s game. This will be the first time the Yankees get to see the presumed NL Rookie of the Year.

Skenes has been fantastic, with a 1.99 ERA. He’s also struck out 167 batters over the 131.0 innings he’s pitched.

It’ll be interesting to see if Skenes will be in the way of the Yankees and the No. 1 seed.

Playoff tryouts

After Sunday, the Yankees will begin putting their postseason roster together, and this weekend will be used to decide who makes it and who doesn’t.

Aside from the left field situation, the Yanks must determine which relievers they will bring to October. With the injury to Nestor Cortes, there’s a spot open. Will they carry an extra starter or another bullpen arm?

This is the last chance for players on the fringe like Mark Leiter Jr., Trent Grisham, and others to show they can contribute to a potential championship team.

Predictions

Who will the MVP of the series be?

Juan Soto

In his final regular season home games before heading to free agency, Soto will put on a show for the Bronx faithful.

Which Yankees pitcher will have the best start?

Carlos Rodon

Hoping there’s no hangover from Thursday’s celebration, but the southpaw could feast on the Pirates, who have struck out 1,473 times this season. That’s the fourth-most in baseball.

Which Pirates player will be a thorn in Yankees’ side?

Bryan Reynolds

The left-hander could use the short porch in right to his advantage, and he plays a pretty decent left field. He’ll be hard to get out this weekend.