The New York Yankees enter Saturday’s series-opener against the Philadelphia Phillies coming off arguably their worst loss of the season.
Of course, the Yanks were on the cusp of sweeping the sorry Twins before Aroldis Chapman imploded in the ninth inning on Thursday, surrendering a game-tying home run to Josh Donaldson before allowing the game-winner to Nelson Cruz a few batters later.
Though some of New York’s bats woke up against Minnesota, fans will love hearing that the Phillies’ offense is also struggling to manufacture runs. On the flip side, however, both team’s starters have struggled this season, so something has to give on Saturday, right?
What Time is the Yankees Game Today?
First pitch from Citizens Bank Park is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET.
What Channel is the Yankees Game on Today?
Don’t find yourself flipping to the YES Network a few minutes before first pitch, Yankees fans, because today’s game will be broadcast on PIX 11.
Yankees vs Phillies Odds Today
Despite being on the road and having lost seven of their last seven games, the Yankees are favored at -1.5 (money line -125). Oddsmakers clearly believe New York’s bats are starting to cook, and hopefully playing in the hitter-friendly park will help them continue that momentum.
Yankees vs Phillies Pitching Matchup
Jameson Taillon will lock horns against Vince Velasquez in this one.
Yankees fans would be the first to defend Taillon, as he’s endured some woeful luck this season. For context, he currently owns a 5.09 ERA and a 3.71 xERA. The 29-year-old is also projected to post the highest strikeout rate of his six-year career.
Velasquez, meanwhile, has been better statistically than Taillon, but that shouldn’t frighten Yankees fans in the slightest. In fact, over his last two starts, Velasquez has allowed nine runs on nine hits and four walks over just seven innings (!) of work.
Yankees Starting Lineup
We’ve certainly seen worse Yankees lineups over the course of the campaign. In any event, it’s likely Saturday’s game will come down to a battle of the bullpens.
That would theoretically give New York the advantage on paper, but, as Thursday night’s debacle proved, stranger things have happened.
Giancarlo Stanton Injury
For anybody curious as to why Giancarlo Stanton, who went 6-for-15 with three home runs, a double and five RBI in the Twins series, isn’t in the lineup, manager Aaron Boone confirmed Stanton won’t feature at all against the Phillies since there won’t be a DH spot available.
Stanton, of course, was on the shelf for multiple weeks with a calf strain and has started defensive work in the outfield, but he currently isn’t an OF option for the Yanks.
As infuriating as that is, New York should be able to dispose of Philly without their in-form DH.
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