Red Sox vs Yankees Wild Card: Rookie pitchers in Game 3

Red Sox vs Yankees Wild Card Game 3: Rookie pitchers Connelly Early and Cam Schlittler face off in a historic do-or-die battle for a spot in the ALDS.

A Do-or-Die Clash Between Two Historic Rivals

The 2025 MLB Wild Card series has reached its final showdown. Tonight, the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees will battle in a decisive Game 3, with everything on the line — a trip to the ALDS against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Connelly Early: Red Sox Rookie on the Big Stage

Boston is putting its trust in 23-year-old lefty Connelly Early, who impressed in limited late-season action. Early struck out 29 batters in just 19.1 innings while posting a strong 2.33 ERA. His MLB debut was especially memorable, where he fanned 11 hitters in a 6-0 victory over Oakland.

Despite having only four career starts, Early enters tonight’s pressure-packed game full of confidence. He told reporters, “Every pitch matters…I’m just going to do my thing. I’m grateful the Red Sox trust me in this spot.”

Yankees Counter with Massachusetts Native Cam Schlittler

The Yankees are handing the ball to Cam Schlittler, a 24-year-old righty from Walpole, Massachusetts. Standing at 6-foot-6, Schlittler has been a consistent presence in the rotation, striking out 84 hitters in 73 innings with a 2.96 ERA this season.

Interestingly, Schlittler grew up a Red Sox fan before joining the Yankees. Now, even his family has embraced the pinstripes. “I take pride in being from Boston, but this is where I want to be,” Schlittler explained.

Historic Rookie Matchup

According to MLB stats, this will be just the second-ever postseason game where both teams start rookie pitchers in a winner-take-all scenario. Even more remarkable, Early becomes the first pitcher in MLB history to start a decisive playoff game within 30 days of his debut.

What’s at Stake

Game 3 will be played at Yankee Stadium at 8:08 p.m. (ET), broadcast live on ESPN and locally on WEEI 93.7. The winner advances to face Toronto in the ALDS, while the loser’s season ends tonight.

For Red Sox and Yankees fans alike, this is more than just a game — it’s another intense chapter in baseball’s most storied rivalry. With two rookies on the mound, the spotlight promises unforgettable drama.