Looks to be a major starting pitching mismatch between East Division leaders on Wednesday when the Atlanta Braves visit the New York Yankees in their series finale. Behind Masahiro Tanaka, the Yanks will be heavy MLB betting favorites.
How to Bet Braves at Yankees MLB Odds & TV Info
- When: Wednesday, 7:05 PM ET
- Where: Yankee Stadium
- Probable pitchers (away/home): Kyle Wright/Masahiro Tanaka
- TV: MLB Extra Innings
- Stream/gameday audio: https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/
- Opening MLB Lines: TBA
The Braves have called up reliever Bryse Wilson from their alternate training site. He replaces Sean Newcomb, who was optioned after a brutal start on Monday vs. the Phillies. Wilson has scuffled during his previous chances in the majors and will likely contribute in long relief or opener role.
One bright spot for Atlanta in Monday’s loss in Philadelphia was catcher Travis d’Arnaud, who homered and doubled. D’Arnaud was on the COVID-19 injured list at the beginning of the year, but he’s been on fire since returning, going 12-for-30 with two homers, four doubles and 10 RBI.
Nick Markakis is on the verge of hitting his 500th career double. Only three active players have reached this milestone: Albert Pujols (662), Miguel Cabrera (578) and Robinson Canó (564). Since joining the Braves prior to the 2015 season, Markakis has 183 doubles. That total is 10th most in the majors over that span and second on the team to Freddie Freeman (186).
It’s Kyle Wright on the mound for the Braves. With the injury to Cole Hamels, followed by Felix Hernandez opting out, Wright came into 2020 locked into a rotation spot in Spring Training 2.0/Summer Camp.
Wright (0-2, 6.75) took the loss Saturday after allowing four runs over six innings against the Phillies. The right-hander traded scoreless innings with veteran Jake Arrieta until the fourth inning, when Wright served up homers to J.T. Realmuto and Jay Bruce. Wright did throw 91 pitches (59 strikes), but his inability to consistently command his plus raw stuff continues to hold him back in the major leagues. Wright fanned three and walked three in the loss.
This year, Wright’s usage of a four-seam fastball has been cut in half almost, while the use of the changeup has nearly doubled and the slider usage has increased by 10% to become his most utilized pitch. Last year the four-seamer was used 150 times in total, with 105 being to right-handers. This year just 18 of his 53 four seamers are to right-handers.
At this point of his career, Wright has appeared in 14 games over three different MLB seasons along with some strong spring training outings, but still continues to mix borderline dominance with inconsistent command.
Why Bet on NY Yankees?The Yankees have been in sole possession of first place in the AL East at the close of play for each of the last 14 days (since 7/29). Overall, they have held at least a share of first place for all but two days this season (tied for second from 7/27-28).
The Yankees are undefeated in their last 25 home series (since 4/16/19), going 22-0-3 in those series. That is tied for the longest undefeated series streak in Yankees history (also 25 consecutive undefeated home series from 1997-98 and 25 straight in 1937).
As expected, the Yankees before Tuesday’s game recalled OF Clint Frazier from their alternate training site. Soon to turn 26, Frazier has long seemed ready for extended MLB action but has not yet received a full shot with the power-packed Bronx Bombers. Frazier did take 246 plate appearances last year at the MLB level. The former top prospect turned in a .267/.317/.489 slash with a dozen long balls. The Yankees have not given up on Frazier or given him away, still believing in the potential impact of his bat.
New York starts Masahiro Tanaka (0-0, 1.17). Tanaka was outstanding in a no-decision against the Rays on Friday, allowing just one hit over five shutout innings. The 31-year-old right-hander punched out five and didn’t walk a batter. The only hit that he allowed was a two-out single to Yandy Diaz in the first inning.
Tanaka wound up throwing just 59 pitches in the ballgame – 44 of them for strikes – as he continues to build back up to a full pitch count after a concussion forced him to miss the start of the season. He was incredibly sharp Friday as he allowed just one baserunner over five innings. However, the Yankees were unable to provide any run support, forcing the right-hander to settle for a no-decision once again. Tanaka said that his slider was much better than in his season debut and he should be clear to throw 75 to 80 pitches in this start.
In his career, Tanaka has held left-handed and right-handed batters to nearly identical slash lines (LHH: .244/.283/.419; RHH: .242/.283/.419). He has struck out 22.3% of his left-handed batters faced (440K, 1,975BF) and 23.9% of his right-handers faced (515K, 2,156BF).
Game Trends- The Yankees are 6-4 in Tanaka’s past 10 starts.
- The over-under is 3-7 in Tanaka’s past 10.
