Yankees vs. Cardinals: 5 things to watch and series predictions | Aug. 30- Sept. 1

Here are five things to watch and predictions as the Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals play a three-game series at Yankees Stadium starting on Friday night...

Preview

The return of Anthony Rizzo?

The veteran first baseman was with the Yankees on Thursday during their off day but it was unclear if the team was ready to activate him from the injured list.

Rizzo has been on the shelf since mid-June due to a right forearm fracture. He started in three games for Double-A Somerset -- two at first base, one as the DH -- where he finished 2-for-8 with a home run.

It seems Rizzo is ready to roll but if he is activated will that mean Ben Rice returns to the minors? And what will that mean for DJ LeMahieu? Both Rice (.178/.273/.636) and LeMahieu (.202/.268/.536) have not performed very well at the plate so a change is necessary.

Rizzo could have a soft landing on Friday as the Cardinals have right-hander Erick Fedde on the mound, allowing for an easy entry point back into the lineup for Boone.

Can Nestor stay Nasty?

While it hasn't been announced, Nestor Cortes should be in line to pitch Sunday's series finale against the Cardinals.

Nestor has turned his season around of late, allowing just one run over his last 20.2 innings pitched (three starts).

The Yankees southpaw is pitching better at home this season (5-5, 2.79 ERA) including twirling seven scoreless innings the last time he pitched at The Stadium, against the Cleveland Guardians on Aug. 21.

New York needs Nestor to continue to pitch the way he has as he could decide whether they win the series against the Cards or not.

Yanks need to be more clutch

The Yankees dropped two of three to the Nationals earlier this week in large part due to their lack of hitting with runners in scoring position. In the three games, the Yankees were 1-for-26 in those scenarios and being competent in just one of the two losses could have flipped a loss to a win.

The Yankees big guns aren't immune to the lack of production. Juan Soto went 0-for-12 with three strikeouts in the Nationals series while Aaron Judge was 3-for-9 with one RBI in the series. And we remember the huge double play he grounded into in Tuesday's loss.

We all know the Yankees not named Soto or Judge have not produced enough all season, but when the top two aren't they have issues. They'll need to correct that this weekend especially if they want to maintain their lead in the AL East.

Judge watch

Speaking of Judge, the presumptive AL MVP this year has fallen off the pace for 63 home runs due to the Nationals keeping him in the yard.

Now that he's back home, Judge will look to pick up the pace once again. He's on pace for 61 homers but that can change really quickly, especially at home. Although the Cardinals' pitching staff is ranked 17th among MLB teams in home runs allowed and Miles Mikolas -- Sunday's probable starter -- is tied for 20th in MLB with 21 longballs allowed this season.

The Martian has landed?

Sunday, Sept. 1 will be the first day when each team's rosters expand. The Yankees can use some extra firepower, especially on their bench, so Jasson Dominguez seems like the logical choice.

Dominguez was called up last September and "The Martian" made his presence felt. In eight games, Dominguez went 8-for-31 with four home runs. The Yankees can use that dynamic bat and he gives them versatility as a switch-hitter and adds another outfielder if Boone wants to sit Alex Verdugo.

While the 21-year-old went 0-for-4 in his only game in the big leagues this season -- back in the Little League Classic game -- he's really taken to Triple-A since returning from two stints on the IL.

In 34 games in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Dominguez is slashing .299/.351/.453 with four home runs and 17 RBI.

Predictions

Who will the MVP of the series be?

Aaron Judge.

A little home cooking can go a long way, and after a quick three-game road trip where he was kept in the ballpark, Judge will benefit from being back in The Bronx.

Let's not forget, that last weekend he hit three home runs. More will be coming.

Which Yankees pitcher will have the best start?

Nestor Cortes.

Nestor is simply on a roll of late and the light-hitting Cardinals shouldn't scare the Yankees. St. Louis is 24th in runs scored, 23rd in home runs and 13th in batting average this season.

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

Nolan Arenado.

It's been a down year for Arenado. The perennial All-Star is hitting .271 with just 14 home runs and 61 RBI this season but he has great numbers against the Yankees in The Bronx.

In five games at The Stadium, Arenado is 3-for-17 with two home runs.