Yankees star praises Red Sox’ Garrett Crochet as one of MLB’s best starters ahead of Wild Card

The American League Wild Card series is set and the New York Yankees will host the Boston Red Sox in the best-of-three series.

Garrett Crochet is lined up to start Game 1 on Tuesday at Yankee Stadium. The left-handed pitcher went 3-0 against the Yankees with a 2.90 ERA and 45 strikeouts.

“He’s a tough matchup, if not one of the best, the best pitcher in the game right now probably on his way to a Cy Young,” Aaron Judge told reporters.

Judge had two home runs and struck out 11 times against Crochet this season.

The Red Sox had their way with the Yankees in the regular season, going 9-4 in their 13 meetings.

“Great team, obviously have had a great season,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters after Sunday’s win over the Baltimore Orioles. “I’m sure we’re going to see a great pitcher on Tuesday, but I know our guys are all looking forward to it, too. Just try to continue to play our game.”

Judge echoed his manager’s sentiments.

“Tough ballclub, a great lineup, good starting pitching, good back end of the bullpen,” he told reporters. “We’ve had some battles with them all year, and it’s going to be another fun series”

The last time Boston and New York met in the Wild Card in 2021, the Red Sox advanced to the American League Division Series before eventually being eliminated in the AL Championship Series. The series was only one game, though, and it’s now three after the format changed in 2022.

Game 1 is set for 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

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