The offense will be less potent but they can show they can still get the job done with a big offensive performance. Bellinger gets acquainted with the short porch in right, while Austin Wells and Ben Rice get re-acquainted. Goldschmidt spraying base hits all over the field would give the fans a reason to forget all about Soto.

Carlos Rodon setting the tone

The Opening Day start was probably saved for Gerrit Cole, but elbow surgery will sideline the ace this season. Enter Carlos Rodon.

The southpaw has had an up-and-down tenure with the Yanks so far, and while he's technically the team's third-best arm, he will take the mound on Thursday thanks to the rotation's schedule. But this could be a great spot for Rodon, who is familiar with the stadium and has pitched on Opening Day before.

This could also be the time to set the tone for the rotation this weekend. Cole, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt are all unavailable due to injury, but Rodon could start the 2025 season on the right foot for newcomer Max Fried and the other arms.

Enter Jasson Dominguez

This isn't Dominguez's first game at Yankee Stadium, but this time feels different. It's Dominguez's time and the Yankees are happy to give their prospect the runway to navigate his way to becoming an everyday major league player.

We shouldn't expect too much, but looking comfortable at the plate and -- more importantly -- competent in left field will give the fans and team hope that they have hit on this youngster.

Predictions

Who will the MVP of the series be?

Austin Wells

The second-year catcher was scalding this spring (five home runs) and will likely hit leadoff. I can see that hot spring spilling over into the regular season especially now that Wells is comfortable playing defense and managing a pitching staff that he can now focus on the offensive end, where his potential is higher.

Which Yankees pitcher will have the best start?

Max Fried

While he hasn't been confirmed for a start this weekend, if Fried does go he'll show why New York paid the largest contract to a left-hander in MLB history.

In five career starts against the Brewers, Fried has a 2.67 ERA.

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

Christian Yelich

The former NL MVP doesn't have much experience at Yankee Stadium (three games) but has always been a potent offensive threat -- and was raking this spring (.353/.389/1.124), launching three home runs. That production and that can carry over into March/April, when the 33-year-old is historically good.