Yankees Host Red Sox in Wild Card Rematch

The best-of-three AL Wild Card Series between the Yankees and Red Sox begins Tuesday at Yankee Stadium. The winner advances to face the Tampa Bay Rays. Boston clinched the second wild-card spot by beating the Cubs in a doubleheader opener. The Yankees took the regular-season series 7-6. Last year featured Cam Schlittler in Game 3 for New York; the Yankees then lost to the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS. Boston fired manager Alex Cora and five coaches on April 25 after a 10-17 start. The club was 32-46 and last in the AL East through June 24. A four-game sweep of the Yankees at Fenway Park started a 32-5 stretch that included the first 15-game winning streak since 1946. Tracy, elevated from Triple-A Worcester as interim manager, received a three-year contract. Contreras remains uncertain after the Sept. 17 hand injury. Judge is working back from the calf strain. Coverage notes Boston left-handed pitching may test a Yankees lineup with many left-handed hitters. CONTESTED: none found in record.