Bello to Make First Playoff Start vs Yankees

The Boston Red Sox can clinch the best-of-three AL Wild Card series Wednesday at 6:08 p.m. ET at Yankee Stadium, with Brayan Bello making his first career playoff start and Carlos Narváez starting behind the plate. Bello, who had a breakout 2025 season (11–9, 3.35 ERA), has been especially dominant against New York and in the Bronx — he's 3–1 with a 1.44 ERA in five career starts at Yankee Stadium and has held opponents to a sub-.200 average there. New York will counter with left-hander Carlos Rodón, while Yankees manager Aaron Boone drew criticism for pulling Max Fried in Game 1, a move that contributed to a late bullpen collapse. Veteran Matt Barnes urged Bello to “trust who he is,” and Boston mentors including Pedro Martínez have been credited with helping him mature. Historical trends favor Game 1 winners (18 of 20 under the current format have advanced), and with Garrett Crochet and Boston’s bullpen delivering in Game 1, the Red Sox are in strong position if Bello repeats his Bronx form.