First baseman Paul Goldschmidt remains questionable for New York due to a low-grade right knee sprain suffered while making a play in the field earlier this week. Goldschmidt, who joined the Yankees this season after six years with the Cardinals, has delivered a .276 average with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs in 112 games, alongside a .996 fielding percentage. His status will be determined ahead of Friday’s opener, according to manager Aaron Boone. Ben Rice and Cody Bellinger have filled in at first base during his absence, with Bellinger praising Goldschmidt’s defensive impact and professionalism at the plate.
On the mound, the Yankees will start Luis Gil (0-1, 7.27 ERA), making his third appearance since returning from a lat strain. Gil impressed in his previous outing, holding the Houston Astros to two runs across 5 1/3 innings with seven strikeouts. Manager Boone noted Gil’s improving command and effectiveness with his fastball, changeup, and slider. This will be Gil’s first career start against the Cardinals.
St. Louis counters with right-hander Andre Pallante (6-9, 4.95 ERA), who is seeking to rebound after a rough start against the Chicago Cubs where he allowed six runs in 1 2/3 innings. Pallante is adjusting to a full-time starting role and has previously thrown 4 2/3 scoreless innings against the Yankees in relief. The Cardinals are also hopeful that catcher Willson Contreras will return to the lineup after missing time with a bruised foot.
The series opens Friday at 8:15 p.m. ET, with national and local broadcasts available on YES Network and MLB.TV. The matchup continues through Sunday, with games scheduled for Saturday night and Sunday afternoon (CBS Sports Preview). Both teams are hovering around the .500 mark, and the outcome of this series could influence the tightly contested wild-card race as the season progresses.