The Yankees could not control how soft their schedule became over the past week, but they did take care of business almost as well as they could have.

On Tuesday, the Yankees open a three-game series against their October nemesis, the Houston Astros, currently leading the AL West.

There has been a narrative that the 2025 Yankees, 76-61 this season, capitalize against bad teams but have trouble against better teams.

Here’s all you need to know about the Astros vs. Yankees Game 1 as both teams open a crucial series from Daikin Park.

The Yankees have tremendous firepower with Judge, Trent Grisham, Cody Bellinger, Jazz Chisholm and Ben Rice all capable of hitting the long ball. Judge hit his 43rd home run in the loss to the White Sox, while Grisham, Bellinger Chisholm and Rice all have 22 home runs or more.

The Astros defeated the Chicago White Sox, 10-1, to advance to the AL Championship Series, their fifth straight appearance.

I’m actually watching these Sox-Yankee games this year because the past victories may be long gone, but sweet memories linger.

Jose Abreu, the 2020 American League MVP, plans to be at the ballpark on Friday, Sept. 19 and Saturday, Sept. 20. He'll throw the ceremonial first pitch on the 19th as part of Hispanic Heritage Night, according to the White Sox.

The Houston Astros have signed veteran pitcher Craig Kimbrel. The move was first announced Thursday evening by ESPN MLB Senior Insider Jeff Passan. Veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel is signing with the Houston Astros, a source tells ESPN. He'll be joining their big league team.