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Yankees Host Reds in First Meeting of 2026 Season
The New York Yankees host the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, June 20, 2026, for the first of a three-game series. The Yankees, leading the AL East at 45-28, are heavily favored over the Reds, who sit at 35-38 in fifth place in the NL Central.
Quick Facts
Who
New York Yankees
What
Three-game baseball series begins
When
Friday, June 20, 2026
Where
New York
- Three-game baseball series begins
- First meeting between teams in 2026 season
- Yankees heavily favored in betting odds
- New York Yankees
- Cincinnati Reds
The New York Yankees will host the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, June 20, 2026, at 7:05 p.m. EDT to begin a three-game series at Yankee Stadium. This marks the first meeting between the two teams this season. The Yankees enter as heavy favorites, holding a commanding record of 45-28 and leading the AL East, while the Reds sit at 35-38 in fifth place in the NL Central.
The matchup features contrasting pitching performances. Yankees starter Cam Schlittler brings an impressive 7-3 record with a 1.82 ERA and 96 strikeouts, while Reds starter Rhett Lowder carries a 3-3 mark with a 4.60 ERA and 37 strikeouts. Betting odds favor New York significantly, with the Yankees listed at -287 and the Reds at +226, with an over/under of 8.5 runs.
The Yankees have demonstrated strong recent form, going 8-2 over their last ten games with a .276 batting average and 3.60 ERA, outscoring opponents by 27 runs. The Reds, meanwhile, have struggled with a 4-6 record in their last ten games, a .218 batting average, and have been outscored by three runs over that span. Cincinnati has also struggled in road games, posting a 16-19 record away from home, and has particular difficulties in games where opponents hit home runs, standing 19-31 in such contests.
Offensively, Ben Rice leads the Yankees with 20 home runs and a .606 slugging percentage, while Paul Goldschmidt has been hot over the past ten games with four home runs and 13 RBIs. For Cincinnati, Sal Stewart leads with 14 home runs and a .456 slugging percentage, and Blake Dunn has contributed two doubles, one home run, and two RBIs in his last ten games.
Both teams are managing significant injury concerns. The Yankees are without Aaron Judge (rib), Giancarlo Stanton (leg), and Clarke Schmidt (elbow) on the 10-day and 60-day injured lists, while Jazz Chisholm remains day-to-day with a groin issue. The Reds face deeper injury issues, with Elly De La Cruz and Ke'Bryan Hayes on the 10-day IL, and Graham Ashcraft, Brandon Williamson, and Hunter Greene all sidelined for 60 days.
Topics
Why This Matters
This matchup highlights a critical divisional contest for the Yankees, who are consolidating their AL East lead against a struggling Reds team. With strong recent form and pitching advantages, the Yankees aim to extend their winning streak, while the Reds seek offensive spark despite deeper roster injuries. Bettors and fantasy players should monitor the injury status of key performers like Aaron Judge and Elly De La Cruz, as their availability directly impacts game outcomes and season momentum.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 20, 2026
WireYankees host Reds, first game of three-game series