New York Yankees face Baltimore Orioles: Clarke Schmidt matches up against Zach Eflin.
Joshua Diemert has been contributing to Pinstripe Alley since April 2017, always striving to deepen his understanding of value.
What a difference just four days can make. The last time I recapped a game, the Yankees were stuck in a serious offensive slump, having been shut out for the third game in a row and hitting what might have been their lowest point of the season. But after a win on Thursday and a promising offensive performance last night, I’m starting to feel optimistic — especially if they can keep that momentum going today against the Orioles.
Last night, the Yankees tallied ten hits and drew five walks — a solid improvement from where they were just a few days ago. The past can’t be changed, so the focus should be on maintaining this approach and trusting that continued effort will bring positive results. Today, they face Zach Eflin, who could be vulnerable to this strategy.
With a 4.81 ERA and a 5.01 FIP this season, Eflin is posting the lowest strikeout rate of his career, though he continues to throw strikes. His very low 3.8 percent walk rate means batters will get pitches to hit — and he’s allowing his highest batting average against since 2017. The Yankees should take advantage and put the ball in play.
Clarke Schmidt, just keep doing what you’re doing. He’s coming off an outstanding 7.2-inning performance against the Angels earlier this week, allowing no earned runs — his second consecutive scoreless start. Schmidt hasn’t allowed a run since June 4th. And while this past week has shown that even strong pitching doesn’t always guarantee a win, if Schmidt maintains this level of performance, positive results will follow.
Today, Ben Rice gets the nod at first base and takes the leadoff spot, while Paul Goldschmidt and Giancarlo Stanton sit out. Aaron Judge is serving as the designated hitter.
