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Around the Empire: Wild Card Series previews and predictions

The upcoming postseason meeting between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees marks their seventh playoff clash, with New York entering the Wild Card Series facing major roster uncertainty. Aaron Boone stated that Aaron Judge remains unavailable due to a calf strain sustained in mid-September, though the star slugger has disputed that assessment.

Additional lineup questions surround Giancarlo Stanton, Trent Grisham, and Anthony Volpe taking reps at third base amidst struggles from Ryan McMahon. On the pitching side, the opening game starter will be chosen between Max Fried and Cam Schlittler, while the bullpen deals with several injuries and arm fatigue.

Boston also arrives with health concerns as Willson Contreras recovers from being hit on the hand by a pitch in September and Garrett Crochet works back from a long-term shoulder absence following a live batting session. Roman Anthony returns to action after missing most of the campaign with a finger ligament tear.

Meanwhile, Austin Wells seeks to carry his strong post-trade deadline performance into the postseason following an offensive turnaround since August.

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