Yankees, Royals in rain delay for Sunday series finale

TL;DR

The New York Yankees' game against the Kansas City Royals is delayed due to rain, originally scheduled for 1:35pm ET. The Yankees are aiming for a series sweep amid challenging weather conditions.

Key points

Yankees aiming for a series sweep against the Royals
Game delayed due to inclement weather
First pitch originally set for 1:35pm ET
Ben Rice leading off despite lefty pitcher
Giancarlo Stanton struggling at the plate

New York YankeesKansas City RoyalsRyan WeathersCole Ragans

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 19: The tarp is shown on the infield prior to the game between the New York Yankees against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium on April 19, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images The New York Yankees are eyeing a series sweep of the Kansas City Royals on Sunday afternoon, and first pitch of the expected matchup between southpaws Ryan Weathers and Cole Ragans was supposed to be 1:35pm ET. Unfortunately, the weather isn’t cooperating. Even before the Yankees revealed their starting lineup for Sunday, they posted at 10:25am ET that they didn’t expect the game to start on time due to the inclement weather forecast. Indeed, that has come to pass, as at 12:58pm ET, they said that the game would begin in a rain delay. We’ll wait this out with anyone watching—or even in the stands on your phones—and let you know when any updates get reported! The Yankees have an interesting lineup today with the scorching-hot Ben Rice leading off at DH despite the same-handed lefty Ragans on the bump. Manager Aaron Boone has said that he’s confident in Rice against any kind of pitcher, which he’s probably earned at this point. Giancarlo Stanton’s 1-for-22 slump encouraged him to start both Rice and lefty-masher Paul Goldschmidt, who will man first. Also, is getting a day off amid his awful start to 2026, with returning to the lineup at third after a couple days off and the surging in ’s spot at second.

Q&A

What time was the Yankees vs. Royals game scheduled to start?

The game was originally scheduled to start at 1:35pm ET.

Who are the starting pitchers for the Yankees vs. Royals game?

The starting pitchers are Ryan Weathers for the Yankees and Cole Ragans for the Royals.

What lineup changes did the Yankees make for the game?

Ben Rice is leading off at DH, while Giancarlo Stanton is struggling with a 1-for-22 slump, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. is getting a day off.