Yankees at Brewers: 5 things to watch and series predictions | May 8-10

Spencer Jones runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Minnesota Twins in the fifth inning during spring training at Lee Health Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium / Nathan Ray Seebeck - Imagn Images

The 24-year-old has a 2-2 record with a 2.84 ERA across seven starts this season. Of course, it's his strikeout rate that's eye-popping. He has 59 punchouts across 38.0 innings pitched, including at least eight in five of his seven starts, including in three straight.

Misiorowski had to leave his last start (May 1) after 5.1 innings with cramps, so we'll have to see how he bounces back and if the Yankees can hit him.

Will Ben Rice return to the lineup?

Rice has missed four games since exiting Sunday's game after being hit in the hand with a pitch. The Yankees haven't put the slugging first baseman on the IL, so it seems he's close to returning. But will he finally return to the lineup?

Could the Yankees change course and just put Rice on the IL?

The Yankees are 3-1 in the games Rice has missed, and Paul Goldschmidt has filled in admirably, but New York needs Rice, who is arguably the team's most consistent hitter this season, batting .343 with 12 home runs and 27 RBI.

Will Cody Bellinger stay hot?

While the Yankees wait for word on whether Rice can return to the lineup, the others have picked up the slack, including Bellinger. The outfielder enters the weekend series on a nine-game hitting streak. During that streak (since April 28), he's batting .471/.525/.971 with six runs, seven doubles, two triples, two home runs and 14 RBI.

Bellinger has played 25 games in Milwaukee in his career and has hit .320 with five home runs.

Predictions

Who will the MVP of the series be?

Aaron Judge

Judge already has 15 homers and will continue to show off his power.

Which Yankees pitcher will have the best start?

Max Fried

Fried has been great and will solidify his place at the top of the early Cy Young race with another strong start.

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

Jackson Chourio

The talented young outfielder has returned after missing the start of the season with a hand fracture. Entering Friday, he's 6-for-9 with three extra-base hits in the two games since coming back.