Preview: Royals at Yankees, Saturday, April 18, 2026 NEW YORK (Interstat) — The New York Yankees look to build on a series-opening win when they host the Kansas City Royals in the second game of a three-game set Saturday afternoon at Yankee Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. EDT, though the forecast calls for rain and a temperature of 77 degrees. The Yankees (10-9) took the opener 4-2 on Friday night. The Royals (7-12) arrive having lost four straight and eight of their last 10. Kansas City will send left-hander Noah Cameron (1-0) to the mound. The Yankees counter with right-hander Will Warren (1-0). Team officials confirmed the pitching probables Friday evening. A player to watch for the Royals is designated hitter Salvador Perez. He is coming off a powerful performance in Thursday’s 10-9 loss at Detroit, going 2 for 4 with a home run and four RBIs. He has driven in four of Kansas City’s 11 runs over its last two games. For the Yankees, all eyes will be on starter Max Fried. The left-hander seeks a return to form after a rough outing his last time out. On Thursday, Fried allowed five earned runs on three hits over 5 1/3 innings in an 11-4 loss to the Los Angeles Angels. Prior to that, he had posted a 2.25 ERA over his first three starts. According to National Statistical, the Yankees are projected favorites with a 61% probability to win. Their game simulator predicts a 3-2 New York victory. The over/under is set at 8.5 runs. The series concludes Sunday before the Royals return home to face Baltimore and the Yankees embark on a road trip to Boston.