A showdown in the desert is on tap this evening. The Yankees (89-64) are four games back of Tampa Bay for first place in the AL East. If New York wants to pull off a miraculous comeback, it needs to start racking up wins. Friday’s 9-2 victory over the Diamondbacks (80-74) was a good start. It’s a brutal result for Arizona, trailing the Padres by five games for a spot in the postseason. Can the Snakes begin salvaging their season with a win tonight?
The Yankees are favorites (-168) over the Diamondbacks; the over/under is set at 7.5 runs. Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Saturday’s interleague showdown between New York and Arizona on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Yankees vs. Diamondbacks pick, best bet today
- Yankees +1.5 (+107): Schlittler on his own is enough to strongly consider backing the Yankees tonight. A suddenly competent New York offense, and some ice-cold Arizona bats, are just adding more fuel to the fire.
Yankees vs. Diamondbacks prediction, preview
It’s none other than Cam Schlittler taking the hill for New York. To call this a great season for the 25-year-old would be an understatement. Over 184.2 innings (31 starts), the right-hander has produced a 1.95 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 228 strikeouts (11.1 K/9). He’s allowed one earned run or less in each of his previous seven appearances. The AL Cy Young favorite ranks inside the 94th percentile in xERA (2.86), fastball velocity (98.0 MPH) and strikeout rate (31.6%). Unlike some of the league’s other fireballers, Schlittler displays excellent command as well. His 2.14 BB/9 ratio is ninth-best among all qualified starters.
Facing one of the sport’s elite arms makes things difficult on any lineup. It doesn’t help when you come into a game already slumping at the plate. Arizona has scored 54 runs since the start of September, worst in the National League. To make matters worse, the D-backs have notched the second-lowest OPS against right-handed pitching (.688). Among players on the team with 30+ plate appearances, only Nolan Arenado (1.035) and Lars Nootbaar (.721) have an OPS above .700 this month. So much of this lineup’s production hinges upon Corbin Carroll and Ketel Marte. The two All-Stars have hit better against lefties this season.
If the Snakes are going to hang around tonight, Brandon Pfaadt will need to be at his best. Through 124.0 innings of work, he’s put up a 3.77 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 84 strikeouts (6.1 K/9). Interestingly enough, he’s traded whiffs for inducing weak contact. The 27-year-old places within the 68th percentile in ground ball rate (45.4%) and 73rd percentile in hard-hit rate (35.5%). However, Pfaadt has been prone to the occasional letdown start. During his last time out, the fourth-year pro surrendered six earned runs against the Rangers. He’s allowed at least four earned runs in seven of his 27 outings in 2026.
Pfaadt’s knack for limiting long balls (1.0 HR/9) should help out this evening. The Yankees lead all American League clubs with 211 home runs this season. However, it’s been hit and miss for this offense throughout 2026. With that being said, the tide is beginning to turn for the Pinstripes. Since September 1st, they’re third in the majors with a 163 wRC+. This group’s biggest weakness is swinging and missing. As previously mentioned, Pfaadt doesn’t rack up many strikeouts.
It takes a lot to go against New York whenever Schlittler takes the mound. With respect to a solid arm in Pfaadt, I’m not sure Arizona has what it takes to make this close. After all, the Diamondbacks have struggled mightily against right-handed pitching. Their recent slump in September only makes things even more daunting. In comparison, the Yankees are finally beginning to live up to their collective potential on offense. Add it all up, and the visitors are poised for a comfortable victory on Saturday.
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