The New York Yankees (14-8) and Cleveland Guardians (12-9) are set to open a three-game series on Monday, April 21, 2025, at Progressive Field in Cleveland. Both teams enter the matchup with strong early-season performances, making this a compelling battle between two American League contenders.
Game Details
- Date: Monday, April 21, 2025
- Time: 6:10 PM ET
- Venue: Progressive Field, Cleveland
- TV Broadcast: YES Network, Bally Sports Great Lakes
- Series Status: Game 1 of 3
Team Overview & Key Players
New York Yankees (14-8, 2nd in AL East)
The Yankees have been one of the most powerful offensive teams in the league, leading the AL with 38 home runs this season. They are coming off a series win against the Tampa Bay Rays, highlighted by a dramatic no-hit bid by Max Fried that was overturned late in the game.
Key Players
- Aaron Judge (OF) – Batting .390 with seven home runs and 25 RBIs; continues to be the Yankees’ offensive leader.
- Paul Goldschmidt (1B) – Hitting .333 over his last 10 games, providing veteran stability.
- Clarke Schmidt (SP) – Starting pitcher for Game 1; holds a 4.76 ERA and is looking for his first win of the season.
Cleveland Guardians (12-9, 3rd in AL Central)
The Guardians have been strong at home, boasting a 5-1 record at Progressive Field. Their pitching staff ranks 14th in MLB with a 4.00 ERA, while their offense has hit 26 home runs, ranking 10th in the league.
Key Players
- Steven Kwan (OF) – Has four home runs and 14 RBIs, providing consistency at the plate.
- Kyle Manzardo (1B) – Hit three home runs in his last 10 games, showing emerging power.
- Gavin Williams (SP) – Starting pitcher for Game 1; holds a 1-1 record with a 4.58 ERA.
Game 1 Pitching Matchup
| Pitcher | Team | Record | ERA | Last Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarke Schmidt | Yankees | 0-0 | 4.76 | 5.2 IP, 3 ER vs. Royals |
| Gavin Williams | Guardians | 1-1 | 4.58 | 6.2 IP, 5 ER vs. Twins |
Both pitchers are looking to bounce back from shaky outings, making this a crucial matchup for setting the tone in the series.
Game Outlook & Predictions
- Yankees’ Strategy: Expect New York to rely on power hitting, with Judge and Goldschmidt leading the charge.
- Guardians’ Adjustments: Cleveland must limit home runs and capitalize on scoring opportunities against Schmidt.
- X-Factor: Aaron Judge’s ability to drive in runs could be the difference-maker.
Game Odds
New York Yankees – 120
Cleveland Guardians 8.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, April 20, 2025
