The New York Yankees are squaring off against the Tampa Bay Rays this Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Yankee Stadium, and it’s shaping up to be a banger of a game. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. ET, with the Bronx buzzing under a partly cloudy sky—79 degrees, a light breeze, and just a 22% chance of rain. Fans can catch every swing on YES Network if you’re in New York, Bally Sports Sun for the Tampa folks, or MLB.TV for out-of-market streamers. Radio listeners can tune to WFAN 660/101.9 FM for the Yanks’ call or WDAE 620 AM/95.3 FM for the Rays’ side.
Leading the mound for the Yankees is Max Fried, the lefty ace who’s been carving up batters like a Thanksgiving turkey. Signed last winter, Fried’s got a 94.8 mph fastball and a knack for keeping hits to a minimum—think five or fewer per outing. He’s facing a Rays offense that’s scraping the bottom third of the league, so expect him to rack up six to eight strikeouts while keeping the scoreboard clean. Tampa’s countering with Ryan Pepiot, a right-hander with a 95.2 mph heater and a 22.5% strikeout rate, but he’s up against a Yankees lineup that’s been crushing the ball lately.
Now, let’s talk Aaron Judge. The Yankees captain is must-watch TV this Saturday, and it’s not just because he’s 6-foot-7 and built like a linebacker. Judge is on a tear, leading the league with 11 home runs as of May 1. His latest? A 450-foot moonshot against Baltimore on April 29 that nearly cleared the bleachers. He’s batting .320 with a 1.050 OPS, numbers that make pitchers sweat. Facing Pepiot, who’s allowed a 9.5% barrel rate, Judge is primed to launch another. The guy’s not just hitting; he’s putting on a clinic, drawing walks, stealing bases, and playing Gold Glove-caliber defense in center. If you’re flipping channels, stop here—this is appointment viewing.
The game’s got stakes beyond Judge’s heroics. The Yankees, sitting at 18-12, are chasing the AL East lead, while the Rays, at 14-16, are scrapping to stay in the wild-card hunt. Fried’s start comes off a six-inning gem against Toronto on April 26, where he allowed one run. Pepiot, meanwhile, is looking to rebound after a rocky April 28 outing against the White Sox, where he gave up four runs in five frames. Both teams are throwing their best arms, and with the crowd roaring, it’s gonna feel like October.
For those heading to the stadium, gates open at 5:00 p.m. ET. Tickets start at $25 for bleacher seats, per the Yankees’ official site, but good luck finding those—they’re going fast. If you’re watching at home, YES Network’s broadcast features Michael Kay and Paul O’Neill, while Bally Sports Sun has Dewayne Staats and Brian Anderson. MLB.TV’s single-game package runs $6.99 for out-of-market fans.
Judge, Fried, and a tight divisional race—this one’s got it all. The Yankees and Rays are set to clash in a game that’ll be talked about at water coolers come Monday.