D’Backs vs Yankees Preview: Streaking Arizona Closing On Playoff Spot
Diamondbacks Have Won 5 Straight Games
The red-hot Arizona Diamondbacks visit the New York Yankees for a three-game series beginning Friday. Arizona has won five straight games to take a two-game lead for one of the National League’s wild card berths. There are seven MLB teams battling for the three wild card berths. The Yankees are playing out the string, but do have a goal of finishing better than .500. The D’Backs vs Yankees preview has Brandon Pfaadt and Luke Weaver as the scheduled starters for Friday’s opening game. The Yankees are -125 and the total is 8.5-under (-120).
Pfaadt is just 2-8 with an ERA of 5.86. But Arizona is 7-9 when he starts, so it’s winning the majority of games in which Pfaadt doesn’t receive a decision in. But the most surprising thing with Pfaadt is Arizona is 4-11-1 in totals when he starts. That’s not what you expect from a pitcher with an ERA of nearly 6.00.
Weaver’s pitching stats aren’t any better, as he brings a 2-5 record and a 6.77 ERA into the game. But his teams have gone 13-10 when he starts this season. He spent most of the season with the Reds, pitched one game for Seattle and is now making his second start for the Yankees. His teams are 12-11 in totals when he starts, which is a little more in line with the type of stats he has this year.
The current MLB standings have Arizona 81-72 and 38-37 on the road. Arizona is No. 12 in team batting average and No. 13 in runs scored. On the mound, the Diamondbacks are No. 20 in team ERA.
The Yankees are 77-76 for the MLB season and No. 29 in team batting average and No. 24 in runs scored. New York is No. 8 in team ERA.
Friday’s Game
Both pitchers have been inconsistent this season. They’ve had some strong outings, but also some rough ones. That’s why they both have some unsightly stats. Pfaadt outdueled George Steele and the Cubs in his last start, throwing 5 1/3 scoreless innings.
Weaver allowed three runs in four innings against Pittsburgh. This could be one of those baseball games where you let the line become the deciding factor. The ERAs of the two starters scream for a total of 9.5. But instead the number is quite a bit lower. That’s a decent indicator the sportsbook is expecting runs to be tough to come by, so will have to lean to the under in this one.
Saturday’s Game
The D’Backs vs Yankees preview is showing Carlos Rodon as the starting pitcher for the Yankees. Arizona hasn’t officially named its starter, but Zach Davies is up in the rotation and is the logical choice. Davies isn’t having a great season, going 2-5 with a 6.81 ERA. But Arizona is 10-9 when he starts, so he’s keeping the Diamondbacks in games. Rodon is 3-6 with a 5.90 ERA in a forgetful injury-filled season for the Yankee left-hander.
New York is just 3-9 when Rodon starts. Arizona is 27-21 against left-handed starters and 18-28-2 in totals. The Diamondbacks are scoring 4.31 runs against left-handers, which is a half-run less than they score against right-handed starters. Another game featuring two pitchers with ugly ERAs and will be on the under once again, with the MLB predictions calling for 8.4 runs to be scored.
Sunday’s Game
The D’Backs vs Yankees preview once again shows Arizona hasn’t named its pitcher for the game. But it should be Ryne Nelson, who has followed Davies in the rotation his last three starts. Nelson is 7-8 with a 5.53 ERA on the season. Arizona is 12-15 when Nelson starts this season.
The Yankees will counter with Clarke Schmidt, who is 9-9 with a 4.55 ERA on the season. New York has gone 13-17 when Schmidt starts and 12-17-1 in totals with him on the mound. There’s no reason to change things now, and will once again take the under knowing Arizona is 8-10-1 this month in totals and New York is 8-11.
For MLB betting news, D’Backs vs Yankees odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
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