The Pittsburgh Pirates (52-49) and New York Yankees (56-44) continue their three-game interleague series at Yankee Stadium after Tuesday night’s game was postponed due to weather. It will be made up as Game 2 of Wednesday’s doubleheader, with Wednesday afternoon’s originally scheduled game being played first. The Yankees will look to keep their momentum following the unexpected off day after getting the series off to a strong start with an 8-5 victory in Monday’s opener.
The Yankees are still without captain Aaron Judge, who is dealing with a rib injury, but remain firmly in the American League playoff picture, holding the top Wild Card spot and sitting just two games behind Tampa Bay for first place in the AL East. Despite losing their first series after the All-Star break to the Dodgers, New York scored four runs in both the first and third innings on Monday behind a two-home run, five-RBI performance from Jazz Chisholm Jr. The bullpen also overcame a tough start from Ryan Weathers by tossing 4.1 scoreless innings in relief to secure the win.
The Pirates opened the second half with a series win over Cleveland before Monday’s 8-5 loss to New York. Like the Yankees, Pittsburgh got off to a fast start, taking a 5-4 lead heading into the bottom of the third inning, but couldn’t overcome the early hole that starter Braxton Ashcraft put them in after allowing eight runs (seven earned) over three innings.
The Pirates will turn to veteran right-hander Mitch Keller on Wednesday afternoon as he looks to turn his season around after posting a 5.14 ERA in the first half. The Yankees are expected to counter with veteran right-hander Gerrit Cole, who is making just his 11th start of the season after beginning the year on the injured list while recovering from Tommy John surgery. The 35-year-old is 3-5 with a 3.93 ERA and is coming off a strong outing against the Dodgers on July 17, when he allowed just four hits and two earned runs over six innings while recording eight strikeouts.
Pirates vs. Yankees Current Odds
Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook lists the Yankees as home favorites for Game 1 of Wednesday’s doubleheader following their series-opening win on Monday:
Pirates vs. Yankees Predictions
There was plenty of offense, particularly in the first few innings, during the series opener between the Pirates and Yankees, so don’t miss the opportunity to get in on the action at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook for Game 2. Whether you’re interested in player props or game lines, be sure to check out the Stats Hub for baseball betting insights and trends before placing your wagers to help make more informed picks like the one below:
Yankees vs. Pirates Best Bet: Esmerlyn Valdez Over 0.5 Hits (-175)
Esmerlyn Valdez has made an immediate impact at the big league level since making his MLB debut with the Pirates on May 22. Through his first 32 MLB games, the 22-year-old outfielder is batting .306 with 13 home runs, 34 RBIs, and a 1.127 OPS.
After batting .406 in 32 at-bats during June, Valdez has continued his success in July, hitting .300 for the month with seven home runs. He’s also riding an eight-game hitting streak and has homered in six of those games, including a two-run homer in Monday’s series opener against the Yankees.
While his numbers aren’t quite as strong against right-handed pitchers as they are against lefties, Valdez is still batting a solid .271 against right-handers this season. Right-handed hitters have actually had more success against Gerrit Cole this season than left-handed hitters, as the Yankees right-hander is allowing a .289 batting average to righties.
- Yankees vs. Pirates Player Prop Pick for July 22: Esmerlyn Valdez Over 0.5 Hits (-175)
Top 5 Most-Bet Player Props for PIT-NYY
Ben Rice is drawing the most attention in the player prop markets as the Yankees first baseman continues to enjoy a breakout season after earning the first All-Star selection of his career:
- Ben Rice – Home Runs Over 0.5
- Ben Rice – Hits Over 0.5
- Nick Gonzales – Hits Over 0.5
- Ben Rice – To Record 1+ Hits
- Jazz Chisholm Jr. – Hits Over 0.5
Pirates vs. Yankees Game Info
- š Where: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
- š Date: Wednesday, July 22
- ā° First Pitch: 1:05 PM ET
- šŗš» TV/Streaming: MLB.TV
- ā¾ Probable Pitchers:
- Pirates: Mitch Keller
- Yankees: Gerrit Cole
More Ways to Bet
One swing can cash your ticket, but until then, Florida players can keep things interesting with Real Money Games powered by Past Motor Racing, only on Hard Rock Bet. Itās another way to stay engaged between plate appearances.
Referenced odds are subject to change.
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