Locked On Yankees - Daily Podcast On The New York Yankees

Cam Schlittler pitched another playoff gem against the Boston Red Sox, and Ben Rice also burned their hometown team with a late grand slam and six RBIs as the New York Yankees opened this Wild Card Series rematch with a 9-0 victory Tuesday night.

With the Yankees minus star slugger Aaron Judge because of a calf injury, Rice homered twice, doubled and finished with four hits to power the offense. No. 9 batter Austin Wells drove in two runs for New York, and 21-year-old rookie George Lombard Jr. had three hits in his postseason debut.

Rice and Schlittler were both raised among Red Sox fans in Massachusetts and went to college in New England before getting plucked by the Yankees out of Boston's backyard in baseball's amateur draft.

Schlittler, a clear frontrunner for the AL Cy Young Award after leading the league with a 1.95 ERA, struck out 10 and walked one in 6 1/3 innings. He allowed only two hits while throwing 117 pitches - 10 more than his previous career high and most by a Yankees postseason starter since Hall of Fame lefty CC Sabathia threw 121 in the 2012 AL Division Series against Baltimore.

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New York Yankees face fierce expectations as they prepare for a high-stakes Wild Card showdown with the Boston Red Sox. Can their star-studded roster and MLB’s best pitching staff deliver, or will postseason pressure expose cracks in the foundation? Stacey Gotsulias and Brian McKeon break down Aaron Judge’s dramatic push for a return, question the wisdom of starting Gerrit Cole in Game 3, and highlight Carlos Rodón’s surge at the perfect moment.

Key topics include the Yankees’ offensive resurgence, Paul Goldschmidt’s threat against left-handed pitching, and bullpen strategies that could tip the balance. The hosts tackle controversial playoff scheduling decisions, home-field dynamics, and why the American League feels wide open this year. Can the Yankees rise above the noise and capitalize on a golden opportunity, or will lingering doubts derail their postseason ambitions?

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New York Yankees’ playoff rotation sparks debate—are they making the right call by saving Gerrit Cole for Game 3 against the Boston Red Sox? Stacey Gotsulias and Brian McKeon break down the rain-soaked season finale, discuss the impact of weather delays on team and fan morale, and question the Yankees’ postseason pitching strategy. Does Carlos Rodón deserve a bigger role versus the Red Sox lefty-heavy lineup, or is legacy winning over current matchups?

Key topics include Ben Rice’s breakout season, predictions for the AL and NL wild card showdowns, and surprise contenders like the Houston Astros sneaking into the playoffs with a .500 record. With roster uncertainties, the role of Anthony Volpe and Paul Goldschmidt, and looming potential for dramatic playoff upsets, the Locked On Yankees crew prepares you for October baseball’s chaos. Will the Yankees’ approach pay off, or could strategy missteps cost them a shot at the World Series?

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New York Yankees surge past Tampa Bay Rays, clinching three of four games and building postseason confidence. Can Cam Schlittler’s historic 1.95 ERA and 6.2 WAR power them deep into October? Stacey Gotsulias and Brian McKeon spotlight clutch performances from Paul Goldschmidt, George Lombard Jr., and Austin Wells, and discuss the psychological edge of beating the Rays right before the playoffs. Recency bias, cold-weather intensity, and young talent step into the postseason spotlight.

Fan Mail Friday takes center stage as listeners quiz the hosts on potential Wild Card pitching rotations, Legrange’s call-up odds, and whether Anthony Volpe belongs at third base. The duo debates Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton’s injury comebacks, the strategic use of Gerrit Cole, and the long-term impact of World Baseball Classic fatigue. Find out why upcoming matchups against the Baltimore Orioles and concerns over the CC Sabathia ceremony have Yankees fans buzzing.

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New York Yankees crush the Tampa Bay Rays, powered by Ben Rice’s remarkable 41st home run—could postseason momentum be building just in time? Stacey Gotsulias and Brian McKeon spotlight Rice’s breakout, analyze Gerrit Cole’s bounce-back start, and debate whether the Yankees’ offense is finally peaking as October approaches.

Tensions rise in the Bronx as Aaron Boone’s public comments on Aaron Judge’s injury create a media firestorm—will this rift impact playoff hopes? The hosts explore Judge’s reaction, speculate on his postseason future, and unpack surprising lineup possibilities, including a potential Anthony Volpe position shift. Plus, Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr. stirs controversy with his contract remarks, and key matchups against the Rays and Orioles loom large. Don’t miss insightful takes on lineup dynamics, injury drama, and the Yankees’ chase for playoff glory.

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Ben Rice hit his 40th and 41st home runs, Ryan McMahon added a grand slam while matching his career high with five RBIs and the New York Yankees beat the Tampa Bay Rays 9-2 on Wednesday night.

Gerrit Cole (10-9) allowed two runs and three hits in 5 2/3 innings with eight strikeouts and three walks. The 2023 AL Cy Young Award winner had a 3.61 ERA and 131 strikeouts over 22 starts and 127 innings following his return in May from Tommy John surgery.

A day after Tampa Bay clinched the AL East title, Rice hit the first pitch of the first inning from Mason Englert (0-4) into the right-field second deck for his fourth career leadoff homer and second this season.

Rice added a solo drive in the fourth for his fifth career multihomer game and finished with three hits. He is tied for the AL home run lead with Baltimore's Pete Alonso, the Rays' Junior Caminero and Houston's Yordan Alvarez.

George Lombard Jr. also homered for the Yankees and Cedric Mullins went deep for the Rays.

New York is assured of hosting a best-of-three AL Wild Card Series starting Tuesday, likely against Boston. The winner will face the Rays in a best-of-five Division Series.

McMahon had an RBI single in the second and boosted the lead to 7-0 in the third with his third career slam.

Join JAY BERMAN for the Yankees Postcast!!!

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New York Yankees secure home-field advantage for the Wild Card, but questions linger about playoff momentum. Can Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Max Fried’s midseason form fuel a deep postseason run for the Bronx Bombers?

Stacey Gotsulias and Brian McKeon break down recent Yankee performances, dissecting Rodón’s dominant outing and the surprisingly strong playoff track record at Yankee Stadium since 2017. Key topics include the impact of pitcher workloads, the significance of true home-field advantage, and Gerrit Cole’s pivotal upcoming start. With the playoffs looming and Aaron Judge’s injury casting a shadow, the hosts explore lineup strategies, bullpen fatigue, and whether the Yankees’ pitching rotation gives them a fresh edge against AL rivals like the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox.

Are the Yankees’ postseason expectations justified, or is fan anxiety more reality than perception?

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Stance
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Use promo Code LOCKEDON at checkout for 20% off your purchase. Learn more at https://Stance.com.
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Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. It’s time to put your knowledge to the test with College Football Pick’Em from FanDuel. Download the FanDuel app and play College Football Pick'Em for free. Only on FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM

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Carlos Rodón allowed three hits in eight sharp innings and the New York Yankees prevented the Tampa Bay Rays from clinching the AL East title with a 2-0 victory in the opener of a day-night doubleheader on Tuesday.

The Yankees (90-66) moved six games ahead of the Red Sox for the AL’s top wild-card spot. Tampa Bay (95-61) has a magic number of two to clinch the AL East for the fifth time in team history and first since 2021.

Cody Bellinger hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning off Tampa Bay starter Nick Martinez (15-5) and also started a key double play to end the sixth by throwing out Victor Mesa Jr. at first.

Rodón (7-3) struck out eight and walked none while completing eight innings for the first time since July 11, 2025, against the Cubs. The left-hander, who recorded his 100th win, became the 18th active pitcher to reach 1,500 career strikeouts when he fanned Jonny DeLuca on a slider for the second out of the eighth.

Rodón also struck out AL MVP candidate Junior Caminero on a slider in the dirt in the seventh with a runner on after reaching 98 mph on the previous two pitches.

Rodón threw first-pitch strikes to 15 of 25 hitters and improved to 3-1 in seven starts since returning from left elbow inflammation last month.

Following a double by Ben Rice off Martinez in the fourth, Bellinger lifted the next pitch into the right field seats for a 2-0 lead.

After a single by Mesa started the sixth, Richie Palacios lifted a fly ball to Bellinger. Bellinger made the catch and a strong one-hop throw to first baseman Luis García Jr. to easily complete the double play and get his eighth outfield assist this year.

Martinez allowed two runs and five hits in six innings. The right-hander struck out seven and lost for the first time since July 9.

David Bednar retired Yandy Díaz for his 35th save in 39 chances and finish New York’s 15th shutout in 2 hours, 2 minutes - the Yankees’ fastest game this season.

Join JAY BERMAN for the Yankees Postcast!!!

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Stance
Check out the ICON collection from Stance—premium comfort, performance, and durability designed for whatever your day brings.
Use promo Code LOCKEDON at checkout for 20% off your purchase. Learn more at https://Stance.com.
Stance. The Official Sock Partner of Major League Baseball.

Dose Daily
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Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Clutch Parlays
Go to https://ClutchParlays.com today and use code LOCKEDON for your first month free on a monthly plan. Pick Smarter. Parlay Sharper.

KALSHI
For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get $10 when you trade $10.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

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New York Yankees face critical roster decisions as Clark Schmidt’s biceps cramping and Ryan Weathers’ return from injury cloud the playoff picture. Can Anthony Volpe’s hot streak secure his lineup spot over Jazz Chisholm with October baseball looming?

Stacey Gotsulias and Brian McKeon break down the Yankees’ four-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays, the impact of pitching rotations featuring Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón, and bullpen management amid high-leverage matchups. The episode features a final minors roundup, spotlighting standout performances from JC Ascara and JT Etheridge, plus updates on prospects like Luke Pettit. Key topics include postseason roster battles, injury concerns, and how the Yankees’ recent trends shape their playoff outlook.

Is New York’s current approach enough to outlast their AL East rivals, or do injuries and strategic gambles threaten a deep run?

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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. It’s time to put your knowledge to the test with College Football Pick’Em from FanDuel. Download the FanDuel app and play College Football Pick'Em for free. Only on FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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New York Yankees stumble against the Arizona Diamondbacks, raising concerns about bullpen fatigue and playoff readiness. Can they regroup in time for the postseason without Aaron Judge at full strength? Stacey Gotsulias and Brian McKeon break down the Yankees’ missed opportunities and question key pitching decisions, spotlighting Gerrit Cole, Cam Schlittler, and Michael Fulmer’s critical outings.

The hosts preview the pivotal Rays series, debating whether the Yankees should rest top starters or push for home-field advantage in the Wild Card. Insights on the Tampa Bay Rays’ dominant home record, Boston Red Sox playoff races, and Vlad Guerrero Jr.’s underwhelming season add depth to the discussion. With the postseason looming, every decision counts—can the Yankees stay healthy and recapture their early-season form?

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

Gameday Mens Health
Gameday Men’s Health is a real, in-person men’s health clinic that looks at the full picture before developing a treatment plan. Book your complimentary test and consult at https://gamedaymenshealth.com.

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

5-Hour ENERGY
Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon

Stance
Check out the ICON collection from Stance—premium comfort, performance, and durability designed for whatever your day brings.
Use promo Code LOCKEDON at checkout for 20% off your purchase. Learn more at https://Stance.com.
Stance. The Official Sock Partner of Major League Baseball.

KALSHI
For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. It’s time to put your knowledge to the test with College Football Pick’Em from FanDuel. Download the FanDuel app and play College Football Pick'Em for free. Only on FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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