Postseason contenders are set to clash this evening in Sacramento. Four straight wins have gotten the Yankees (34-22) back on track in their quest for a pennant. Unlike in years past, New York has been buoyed by an elite pitching staff. Those arms will be put to the test this weekend against the Athletics (27-29). Currently second in the AL West, the A’s are hoping to rebound after getting swept vs. the Mariners.
The Yankees are favorites (-143) over the Athletics, with the over/under set at 9.5 runs. Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Friday’s showdown between New York and the A’s on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Yankees vs. Athletics prediction, preview
Tonight’s pitching matchup carries plenty of intrigue for both sides. New York will send Carlos Rodon to the mound, making his fourth start of the season. It’s been a shaky first few weeks for the three-time All-Star. Through three outings, he’s recorded a 4.15 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 17 strikeouts (11.8 K/9). With that being said, the southpaw is coming off of a five-inning, one-run gem against the Blue Jays last week. It’s not as if opponents have been tearing the cover off of the ball either. Rodon has been his own worst enemy, already giving up 11 walks (7.6 BB/9).
Hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park isn’t an ideal spot for any hurler. That’s especially true for a pitcher with command issues such as Rodon. When building his lineup, A’s manager Mark Kotsay has put slugger Nick Kurtz in the leadoff spot. So far, so good; the reigning AL Rookie of the Year leads baseball with a .430 on-base percentage. He’s joined by catcher Shea Langeliers, slashing .298/.369/.543 with 13 homers and 28 RBIs. With that being said, this group is a bit top heavy. Among Athletics hitters with at least 100 plate appearances, just four have a wRC+ above 100. Big bats such as Tyler Soderstrom (89 wRC+) and Brent Rooker (73 wRC+) have struggled so far.
In this marquee matchup, it’ll be an old friend taking on the Yankees. Luis Severino, who spent the first eight seasons of his career in New York, is set to take the mound tonight. It’s been a decent, albeit unspectacular, campaign from the 32-year-old. Over 11 starts, he’s accounted for a 4.23 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 64 strikeouts (9.3 K/9). Unfortunately for the veteran, he’s a much worse pitcher at home (5.55 ERA) than on the road (3.38 ERA). To boot, he’s allowed six homers over 24.1 innings in Sacramento this season (2.2 HR/9). That could spell trouble on Friday against the Bronx Bombers.
At their best, the Yankees are an offensive juggernaut. This group ranks fourth in runs scored (280), first in homers (83) and second in OPS (.770). Despite hitting a rough patch in May, New York has bounced back with four straight victories. That includes a whopping 30 runs over the team’s last five contests, fourth-most in baseball during that time. The Pinstripes tend to perform worse offensively on the road. Still, as previously mentioned, Sutter Health Park is a hitter’s haven. Over three career outings against the Yankees, Severino has put up a dismal 10.66 ERA and 2.21 WHIP.
Yankees vs. Athletics pick, best bet
With these two talented lineups, anything is possible. Still, it’s not a stretch to say that New York wields the more talented offense and starting pitcher in this one. Each of these two teams has had their fair share of late inning implosions. Keeping that in mind, Yankees first five innings presents a chance to back NY at a more palatable price. Expect the visitors to come out hot tonight.
