Yankees dates to circle as the MLB season resumes

NEW YORK – There are 66 games, 21 series and a lot of suspense remaining in the Yankees’ regular season schedule, which starts up Friday night.

And that’s our first date to circle on the Yanks’ unofficial second half calendar.

Beyond some key divisional battles, the are other highlights – including speculative injury return timetables and the MLB trade deadline – to mark as we move out of the All-Star break.

July 17 vs. Dodgers

For some instant drama as the Yankees’ 2026 season resumes, the Los Angeles Dodgers will visit the Bronx for a three-game set.

Despite dealing with a left knee issue recently, superstar Shohei Ohtani – who did not participate in the All-Star Game – is expected to be in the Dodgers’ lineup as a DH this weekend.

Ohtani’s presence is enough to make this a spotlight series, though there’s no shortage of electricity when the two-time defending world champs arrive.

“It’s going to be a good test for us, and I think we’ve got to try and step up to that an d just play our game,’’ said Yankees starter Cam Schlitter, expected to pitch against the NL West leaders, already a comfortable 11.5 game division lead.

Aug. 3 vs. Cardinals

There’s a night game against St. Louis at Yankee Stadium, but all attention will be on the 6 p.m. MLB trade deadline, and how the Yankees can improve their pennant chances.

Bullpen help and a catching upgrade have been agenda items, and it’s possible the Yankees add a big bat, given the injuries to Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, or another starter.

But as was the case at last year’s deadline, relief pitching – especially relievers with control beyond 2026 - is an obvious need.Could that send the Yanks on a serious inquiry of the Padres’ Mason Miller, or knocking on the Mets’ door for pitching and catching help?

Any top-of-the-market asks for controllable, top-tier talent means discussing the likes of George Lombard Jr., Spencer Jones and Carlos Lagrange in deals.

And will Detroit, in a crowded wild card race, deal ace Tarik Skubal?

Aug. 11 vs. Mariners

By now, the Yankees could have starter Max Fried (elbow bone bruise) to start this series against Seattle, with Carlos Rodon (elbow inflammation) to follow soon.

And what’s going on with Judge (ribcage fracture) and Stanton (calf strain)?

Judge was due to be re-imaged this week, six weeks after landing on the injury list. If he’s cleared to resume baseball activity, perhaps he’s back in the Yanks’ lineup before Labor Day.

Stanton’s return might fall beyond that, having suffered a new strain of the same calf last month.

Sept. 11 vs. Mets

In a colossally bad year in Queens, Juan Soto’s club is hopelessly out of contention already.

But the second Subway Series should still boost the energy in the Bronx, amid the solemn remembrance of the events of 25 years ago, and how both clubs contributed greatly toward healing the city.

Sept. 22 vs. Rays

The AL East race could come down to the final week, with the Rays at Yankee Stadium for a four-game set – including a makeup doubleheader.

Tampa Bay needs just one win to clinch the regular season series against the Yanks, who well remember how that advantaged the defending AL champion Toronto Blue Jays in 2025.

“I think winning the division is always the main priority, and we’re in a decent spot to do that,’’ said Cody Bellinger, with the Yanks three games behind Tampa Bay as the MLB season resumes.

Sept. 26 vs. Orioles

On this night, legendary Hall-of-Fame lefty CC Sabathia has his No. 52 officially retired by the Yankees, accompanied by a plaque in Monument Park.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Yankees dates to circle as the MLB season resumes