Yankees vs. Phillies: 5 things to watch and series predictions | July 25-27

Here are five things to watch and predictions as the Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies play a three-game series at Yankee Stadium starting on Friday night...

Preview

Cody Bellinger continues to rake

Where would the Yankees be without Bellinger? He's been one of the team's best offseason acquisitions.

As the Yankees continue to combat inconsistency, Bellinger has been the team's most consistent bat and a stalwart in the outfield. Entering play on Wednesday, since June 23, Bellinger leads MLB in hits (35) and is third in extra-base hits (16). In that 22-game span, Bellinger is slashing .372/.385/.713 with eight home runs, 19 RBI and 21 runs. He's also been a plus OAA defender at all three outfield positions this year.

In his two games in Toronto, Bellinger went 4-for-8 with a home run, and was one of the few hitters to be productive north of the border.

Bellinger has also been a beast at Yankee Stadium -- entering this weekend series, he is hitting .317 with 12 homers, 38 RBI, and a .937 OPS in the home ballpark.

If the Yankees were to win this series, Bellinger needs to continue to play this way.

Aaron Judge scare

Judge was seen wincing after making a throw from right field in Tuesday's game.

While the reigning MVP was able to finish the game, it's definitely something to monitor, especially since manager Aaron Boone penciled in Judge as the DH for Wednesday's series finale.

Boone downplayed the move as a planned DH day for Judge, but Friday's lineup will be the ultimate signifier that everything is ok with the captain.

Judge did snap a 0-for-8 skid with a two-run blast on Wednesday, so perhaps he's just fine.

Can Marcus Stroman keep giving quality outings?

Stroman's performance since coming off the IL has been a pleasant surprise for the Yankees.

The veteran right-hander is 2-0 and has allowed just seven runs in 26 innings (2.42) over his four outings since returning to the rotation.

Stroman is slated to pitch Saturday, potentially making him the difference between a series win or loss.

With all the injuries the Yankees have suffered, what Stroman has provided is invaluable. And while rookies Will Warren and Cam Schlittler try to figure it out at the big league level, and Max Fried trying to come back from a blister issue, his starts continue to be more and more important.

And, how big was that start in the series finale against the Braves?

Can Yankees tighten up their defense?

The Yankees defense. There's not much to say after their four-error performance in Wednesday's loss.

A big part of that has been the infield.

Anthony Volpe's struggles at the plate have been a year-long issue, but it's followed him onto the field. Entering the weekend series Volpe has 13 errors, which is tied for the MLB lead, and has been a far departure from his Gold Glove form in 2023.

But the young shortstop isn't the only one struggling. Third basemen Oswald Peraza and Jorbit Vivas are not tearing the cover off the ball, but defense is supposed to be their calling card -- especially Peraza -- and they have not played up to that ability of late.

It's not only the errors but the miscues. Wild pitches, failing to cut off throws, etc, continue to plague the Yankees, who consistently give teams extra outs, and going up against a good team like the Phillies, you can't do that.

Rodon vs. Wheeler

Sunday's series finale will see a big pitching matchup. Carlos Rodon will hope to bounce back from his shaky start against the Blue Jays earlier in the week, and the Phillies will have NL Cy Young front-runner Zack Wheeler on the mound.

Wheeler has made two starts at Yankee Stadium in his career and they haven't been good. Wheeler has allowed 10 runs on 14 hits, including three home runs, across 9.0 innings in those two games in the Bronx. Despite those numbers, runs should be hard to come by on both sides.

Can the Yankees get to Wheeler and get a much-needed win?

Predictions

Who will the MVP of the series be?

Cody Bellinger

Bellinger has been great of late, especially at home. And with the Phillies putting two righties in the series, he could have a massive weekend.

Which Yankees pitcher will have the best start?

Carlos Rodon

Rodon has been a dog for the Yankees and should hold down the lefties in the Phillies lineup.

Which Phillies player will be a thorn in Yankees' side?

Bryce Harper

Harper is healthy and on a tear. Harper is also 7-for-23 (.304) with a home run in seven career games in the Bronx.