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New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells

The New York Yankees are 18-9 and riding eight straight wins heading into Sunday afternoon’s series finale against the Houston Astros. During that stretch they have outscored their opponents 48-14, mixing power with patience in a way that has made them one of the hottest teams in baseball.

A ninth consecutive win would be something New York has not done since early 2022.

The lineup for Sunday is out.

Yankees Announce Lineup for Series Finale

Austin Wells will not start behind the plate for Sunday’s finale. J.C. Escarra gets the start at catcher instead.

Wells delivered one of his best performances of the season on Saturday night, hitting the go-ahead homer in the seventh inning and adding an RBI single in the ninth to finish with two RBIs on the night.

His underlying numbers have been pointing toward a breakout for weeks. Wells now has more walks than strikeouts on the season, and Saturday was the night the results finally matched the process. Sitting him is a straightforward rest decision from Boone, not a reflection of anything concerning.

Giancarlo Stanton also remains out of the lineup as he continues to be evaluated for right calf tightness. The Yankees are expected to make a decision on his IL status in the coming days.

Luis Gil Takes the Mound

Luis Gil gets the ball for New York on Sunday, arriving having turned in his strongest performance of the year in his last outing against Boston.

The Yankees rotation has been one of the quiet stories of this winning streak, allowing two or fewer runs across each of the last eight starts and surrendering just seven earned runs across 54 innings in that span.

Houston counters with right-hander Spencer Arrighetti.

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What a Ninth Straight Win Would Mean

The Yankees have not won nine consecutive games since early 2022. Sunday gives them the chance to reach that mark on the road, against a team they have dominated this week, with Gil, who has been in good form taking the mound.

The early stumbles of April feel distant now. Aaron Judge and the lineup are locked in, the rotation is delivering, and the bullpen has been clean throughout the streak. The formula is working.

GettyAaron Judge, Captain of the New York Yankees.

Final Word for the Yankees

Wells gets a day off after earning it the hard way on Saturday. Boone can afford to give his catcher a breather without disrupting what has been a dominant week.

Sunday is a chance to make a statement. Nine straight wins. Series win in Houston. On the captain Aaron Judge’s birthday.

The Yankees are ready.