Yankees Preview: Gerrit Cole starts against the Twins in the Bronx

Published July 3, 2026 at 3:24 PMUpdated August 5, 2026 at 10:08 AM2 min read

Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (11) reacts after striking out to end the fourth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Yankee — MLB: Detroit Tigers at New York Yankees

THE BRONX, NY --- The Yankees are coming off a sweep at the hands of the Tigers and on a season-worst seven-game losing streak. Tonight, the Yankees will take on the Twins, looking for a much-needed win.

Prior to the game, OF Trent Grisham was activated off the IL and will return to the Yankees' lineup. With the struggles the Yankees' lineup had in recent weeks, Grisham's return is much needed. Both Cody Bellinger's and Ben Rice's slumps began with the loss of Grisham, according to FanGraphs.

The Yankees also activated INF Ryan McMahon from the IL. McMahon will give stability to the left side of the infield with his glove. McMahon also found the power stroke to the opposite field prior to the injury, and that could help the Yankees significantly if he finds it again.

The Yankees lineup gets that boost that they needed now after their first off-day in over two weeks, and all they need to do now is execute. Scoring first is important for the Yankees, because it will give Cole a cushion and mentally help the Yankees not feel like the game is an uphill battle.

Yankees Lineup:

Grisham returns to center field, and McMahon returns to third base. The defense is stabilized. Additionally, Anthony Volpe is not at shortstop, with Josè Caballero taking over the position, where he's been their best defensive option. Ben Rice is the designated hitter, and Paul Goldschmidt is at first base, so the Yankees are taking their best defensive lineup in that spot as well.

The Yankees are starting Gerrit Cole today after his rough outing in Boston. Cole had a rough month of June but seemed to make some progress in the later innings of his start against the Red Sox. This whole season will be a work-in-progress for Cole as he works back from Tommy John surgery, but Cole looks to get July started on the right foot tonight against the Twins.

Twins Lineup:

The Twins are starting Mike Paredes today against the Yankees. Parades has started four games, allowed 12 runs, and four home runs this season. Parades has really good stuff and is working through a transition from AA to the majors on the fly. Regardless, the Yankees' offense needs to figure out Parades early tonight and get the offense working early.

Other Yankees Pregame Notes:

Prior to tonight's game, the Yankees placed LHP Carlos Rodon on the 15-day IL with left elbow inflamation. Waiting for further word on who start tomorrow in his place and the sevarity of the injury.
On the off day, the Yankees placed RHP Carlos Lagrange on the AAA IL with a shoulder issue. Lagrange will undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the injury.