Category: mlb

Diamondbacks vs. Yankees prediction, odds, pick, how to watch – 9/22/2023

September 22, 2023

The Arizona Diamondbacks will open a three-game series with the New York Yankees in the Bronx. We’re here to share our MLB odds series, make a Diamondbacks-Yankees prediction, and pick while showing you how to watch.

It will be a showdown between participants of the 2001 World Series. However, this year, only the Diamondbacks have a chance at making it back to the big game, as the Yankees have seen their season fall off the edge of the cliff.

The Diamondbacks swept the San Francisco Giants in a two-game set. Now, they have won five in a row. The DBacks are also 6-4 over the past 10 games. Significantly, the Diamondbacks are 81-72 and currently clinging to the second wild-card spot with nine games left in the season.

The Yankees are coming off a series where they lost two of three to the Toronto Blue Jays. Hence, it was another series where they stumbled and bumbled, and are now hoping their season can end sooner rather than later. The Yanks are 77-76 and all but out of the playoff race, barring an early Christmas miracle.

Brandon Pfaadt will make the start for the Diamondbacks and comes in with a 2-8 record with a 5.86 ERA. Recently, he went 5 1/3 innings while allowing just four hits and striking out six in a win over the Chicago Cubs. Pfaadt will look to build momentum tonight in front of the bright lights at Yankees Stadium. Meanwhile, Luke Weaver comes in with a 2-5 record and a 6.77 ERA. He went four innings in his last outing while allowing three earned runs on four hits with seven strikeouts. Ultimately, he has not gone past four innings in any of his outings.

Here are the Diamondbacks-Yankees MLB odds, courtesy of FanDuel. 

MLB Odds: Diamondbacks-Yankees Odds

Arizona Diamondbacks: +1.5 (-194)

New York Yankees: -1.5 (+160)

Over: 8 (-115)

Under: 8 (-105)

How To Watch Diamondbacks vs. Yankees

TV: YES Network

Stream: MLB Extra Innings

Time: 7:06 PM ET/4:06 PM PT

*Watch MLB games LIVE with fuboTV (click for a free trial)*

Why The Diamondbacks Could Cover The Spread

The Diamondbacks are building something and can make a run to the World Series. Now, they have nine games left in the season and have one of the best rookies on the planet.

Corbin Carroll is making MLB history and wants to build more momentum as the playoffs get closer. Amazingly, he became the first rookie to ever hit 20 home runs and steal 50 bases. Carroll is also the third player on the Diamondbacks to ever steal 50 bags in a season. Thus, it puts him in the same boat as Arizona legends such as Eric Byrnes and Tony Womack. Carroll has 25 home runs and joins Mike Trout as the only player in MLB history with 25 home runs and 40 stolen bases in his rookie season.

Carroll has been excellent this season. Additionally, he has some great teammates that have helped him rise. Christian Walker is the cleanup hitter in this lineup. Significantly, he is batting .261 with 30 home runs, 94 RBIs, and 80 runs. Look for him to make an impact in this game.

The Diamondbacks will cover the spread if Carroll and Walker can both hit the baseball steadily. Then, they need good pitching to contain the Yankees.

Why The Yankees Could Cover The Spread

There was so much hype about the Yankees. Unfortunately, it has not worked out well for them. Injuries derailed their season, and their star players have struggled. Additionally, the pitching, besides Gerritt Cole, has not been consistent.

Anthony Rizzo suffered an injury in August and is out for the season. Thus, he endured many struggles throughout the season and will look to bounce back next season. Giancarlo Stanton is batting .188 with 24 home runs, 58 RBIs, and 43 runs. Therefore, he has fallen off the map this season.

It has not been great for Aaron Judge, either. Sadly, one year after breaking the AL record for home runs, Judge dealt with injuries and numerous struggles. Judge is batting .259 with 32 home runs, 64 RBIs, and 71 runs. Ultimately, he will look to bounce back next season. Gleyber Torres has been the most consistent player on the team, hitting .273 with 25 home runs, 66 RBIs, and 85 runs.

The Yankees will cover the spread if their hitters can drive runners home. Then, they need to avoid making mistakes against a dangerous Arizona lineup.

Final Diamondbacks-Yankees Prediction & Pick

The Yankees are just waiting for this miserable season to end. Conversely, the Diamondbacks have plenty to look for. It is only a smart bet to take the Yankees when Cole is pitching. Consequently, every other pitcher has not gotten the job done this season.

Final Diamondbacks-Yankees Prediction & Pick: Arizona Diamondbacks: +1.5 (-194)

The post Diamondbacks vs. Yankees prediction, odds, pick, how to watch – 9/22/2023 appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Blue Jays vs. Rays prediction, odds, pick, how to watch – 9/22/2023

September 22, 2023

It is an AL East battle as the Toronto Blue Jays face the Tampa Bay Rays. It is time to continue our MLB odds series with a Blue Jays-Rays prediction, pick, and how-to-watch.

The Blue Jays enter the game after winning two of three over the Yankees to start the week. The loss yesterday broke a five-game winning streak for the Blue Jays. With the loss, the Blue Jays have just a half-game lead over the Rangers and Mariners. Right now, the Astros lead the Rangers and Mariners by a game in their division. The two teams who finish second will be battling with the Blue Jays for the final two Wild Card spots.

The Rays enter the game coming after taking two of three from the Los Angeles Angels. It was a walk-off win in the game yesterday to get their 95th win of the year. While the Rays have clinched a playoff spot and will guarantee themselves a home game in their first playoff game, they still have their sights set on something more. The Rays are just behind the Orioles in the race for the AL East, and most likely the top seed in the AL Playoffs.

Here are the Blue Jays-Rays MLB odds, courtesy of FanDuel. 

MLB Odds: Blue Jays-Rays Odds

Toronto Blue Jays: +1.5 (-162)

Tampa Bay Rays: -1.5 (+134)

Over: 7.5 (-115)

Under: 7.5 (-105)

How To Watch Blue Jays vs. Rays

TV: Sportsnet/BSSUN

Stream: MLB.TV

Time: 6:40 PM ET/ 3:40 PM PT

*Watch MLB games LIVE with fuboTV (click for a free trial)*

Why The Blue Jays Could Cover The Spread

The Blue Jays were scoring well in their five-game winning streak, putting up 23 runs in five games. On the year the Blue Jays are 16th in runs scored, 10th in batting average, eighth in on-base percentage, and 15th in slugging. Bo Bichette has been driving in the runs lately for the Jays. In the last week, he is hitting just .200 with a .250 on-base percentage. He has a home run and five RBIs though, with five runs scored as well. Joining him in driving in runs is Vladimir Guerrero Jr. He is hitting .294 in the last week with a .400 on-base percentage. Guerrero has two home runs and five RBIs in the last week with three runs scored.

Guerrero may also be the hottest bat in the lineup. In the last week, he is the only player hitting over .275. Cavan Biggio is close, hitting .263 in the last week with a .391 on-base percentage. Biggo has scored four times but does not have an extra-base hit. He also has just one RBI. The Blue Jays are not hitting well as a team currently. In the last week, they are hitting just .202 with a .266 on-base percentage. They have six home runs and 23 RBIs in that time while scoring 26 total runs. The Blue Jays are exceeding their expected run total based on how they’re hitting though. They have an expected run total of just 19.8 runs.

The Blue Jays will send Chris Bassitt to the moon today. He is 14-8 on the season with a 3.78 ERA. Bassitt ranks in the top 35 in wins, ERA, strikeouts, and WHIP this season. He is in the midst of another solid month as well. This month he has pitched 20.1 innings giving up just eight runs. Five of those games in one game, and he has a 3.54 ERA on the month with a 1-1 record while the Blue Jays have won two of three.

Why The Rays Could Cover The Spread

The Rays continue to be one of the best offensive units in the game. They are fourth in the majors in runs scored this year, while sitting seventh in batting average, sixth in on-base percentage, and fourth in slugging. Manuel Margot has been solid in the last week. He is hitting .333 in the last week with a .360 on-base percentage. He has four doubles which has helped him have four RBIs in the last week. Meanwhile, he has stolen a base and scored three times in the last week. Harold Ramirez joins Margot in having four RBIs in the last week. He is hitting .300 in the last week with a .364 on-base percentage. He has a home run as well, but that has resulted in his only run scored in the last week.

Brandon Lowe has provided power in the last week. While he is hitting just .167 in the last week with a .273 on-base percentage, he has two home runs. That has led to three RBIs and three runs scored in the last six games. The Rays are not hitting great, but better than the Blue Jays. The Rays are hitting .234 in the last week with a .309 on-base percentage. They have hit six home runs in the last week and scored 25 times. That is right at what is expected based on how they are hitting. The Rays had an expected run total of 25.6 runs in the last week.

Tyler Glasnow goes for the Rays today. He is 9-6 on the season with a 3.53 ERA. This month has not been the best so far for Glasnow. He has given up three or more runs in three of the four starts. Meanwhile, he has given up 14 runs in 23 innings of work. That gives him a 5.48 ERA on the month and a 2-2 record in his four starts.

Final Blue Jays-Rays Prediction & Pick

The Blue Jays have a slight pitching edge with Chris Bassitt on the mound today. He has been solid all year long and has been pitching better than Tyler Glasnow as of late. Glasnow has not been bad though, but he does have some rough starts recently. Still, Glasnow is better at home and should be solid in this game as well. This could come down to who is hot at the plate. Both teams need a win for the playoffs in this game. The Rays are just 1.5 games behind the Orioles for the top spot in the American League. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays need a win to keep pace in the Wild Card race. With that, expect a close game that could be decided by one run.

Final Blue Jays-Rays Prediction & Pick: Blue Jays +1.5 (-162) 

The post Blue Jays vs. Rays prediction, odds, pick, how to watch – 9/22/2023 appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Stephen A. Smith relentlessly roasted on X following pitch by Brusdar Graterol’s mom

September 22, 2023

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith exudes as much confidence as almost any other sports personality. So naturally, when he stumbles, people are going to talk. He was thoroughly eviscerated for his underwhelming first pitch at Thursday’s New York Yankees game. But what made matters far worse for the First Take host was that he was outshined on the mound on the same night. Across the country, the mother of Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Brusdar Graterol threw a perfect strike.

Smith himself admitted he was “disgusted” by his poor showing. Fortunately for him, Yankees fans have become accustomed to being disappointed in 2023. Conversely, Dodger Stadium just keeps churning out victories and personal triumphs. It should be noted that Graterol’s mom, Ysmalia, is a former softball player who clearly has a grasp of pitching mechanics.

But that tidbit did not make people’s quips any less sharp. “Stephen A. Smith strutted onto the mound with a smug grin and threw a 46-foot little league pitch,” Noah Bieniek posted on X. “Brusdar Graterol’s mother fired a strike. SAS keeps taking Ls.”

Smith’s lowlight comes after he was criticized for vehemently arguing that Shohei Ohtani is not worth a $500 million contract this offseason. Fair or not, bouncing a ball to home plate will only add fuel to the fire. He will have to face the music on Friday’s edition of First Take, and probably in the days that follow.

Ysmalia’s impressive throw underscored hr epic reunion with son Brusdar Graterol, who she had not seen in person in seven years. Their emotional journey back to one another resonates with even non-baseball fans. The Dodgers allowed them to share a once-in-a-lifetime moment Thursday.

It might behoove Smith to capitalize on his embarrassment and team up with the hurler as part of a fundraiser. “Charity event idea– Stephen A. Smith gets 3 AB vs mama Graterol. If she strikes him out, he donates the proceeds to a children’s charity. Your move Stephen A, do it for the kids,” Roger Hinojosa posted.

The post Stephen A. Smith relentlessly roasted on X following pitch by Brusdar Graterol’s mom appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Jeff McNeil sums up Mets’ season with brutally honest 2-word take after loss to Phillies

September 22, 2023

New York Mets utility player Jeff McNeil aptly summed up his team’s disastrous 2023 MLB season in two words, per MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo.

“It sucks. I think nobody here thought this was where we were going to be at this point in the year,” a frustrated Jeff McNeil said after the Mets lost to the Philadelphia Phillies 5-4 on Thursday.

The Mets’ fall from grace is complete. They entered the 2023 MLB campaign with high expectations. New York had Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor, Max Scherzer, and Justin Verlander on its roster to begin the season. Buck Showalter’s team had an astonishing payroll of $445 million. Consequently, they became the most expensive team in league history.

Although Mets owner Steve Cohen dug deep into his pockets this year, New York is fourth in the NL East with a 71-82 win-loss record. Only the Washington Nationals, St. Louis Cardinals, and Colorado Rockies have worse records in the National League.

The Mets are a far cry from the 101-win team they were last season. Although New York lost to the San Diego Padres in the NL Wild Card series, it seemed the latter had something to build on in 2023. Instead, they took two huge steps backward. The Mets have made the postseason just four times since the “Subway Series” against the New York Yankees in 2000.

Jeff McNeil and the Mets have some serious question marks heading into next year. Will they dangle a contract extension to first baseman Pete Alonso? Better yet, will Cohen go all out on soon-to-be free agent Shohei Ohtani?

Jeff McNeil and his teammates can only wonder if Major League Baseball’s most expensive team will make strides next season.

The post Jeff McNeil sums up Mets’ season with brutally honest 2-word take after loss to Phillies appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Tigers’ immediate Miguel Cabrera plan after legend’s concerning injury

September 22, 2023

Miguel Cabrera seemed destined to end his Hall of Fame MLB career on a high note after a stellar September. His farewell tour might not get the triumphant end he and Detroit Tigers fans hoped, however.

The legendary slugger fouled a ball off his leg in Thursday’s 7-3 home win over the Oakland Athletics. He was removed from the game (0-for-3 prior to injury) but did at least receive some positive news. “No signs of a fracture, per Tigers,” Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reported. “He will be re-evaluated after the game.”

There are just nine games left before Cabrera puts away his cleats for good, but this incident could decrease that number, to the disappointment of his supporters. The Venezuelan native has achieved nearly every worthwhile milestone there is during his 21 years in The Show. He won a World Series as a rookie with the Florida Marlins, claimed the Triple Crown, was voted American League MVP twice and is only the seventh player ever to join the exclusive 3,000 hit-500 home run club.

Cabrera’s greatness coincided with some strong Detroit teams that seemed to be on the verge of a championship. Similarly, his decline has accompanied a downward spiral for the franchise. The 40-year-old may not be retiring after an October run, but he does get to witness the possible birth of a new fruitful era of Tigers baseball.

With that organizational goal at the forefront, Miguel Cabrera has played sparingly in the 2023 season. He has appeared in just 91 games and is now batting .256. Detroit (72-81) ends the year against poor competition, so the only real draw would be seeing the franchise great take his final at-bats. Tigers fans desperately hope that is still a possibility.

The post Tigers’ immediate Miguel Cabrera plan after legend’s concerning injury appeared first on ClutchPoints.

David Ross disrespects Pirates after Cubs lose series amid playoff push

September 22, 2023

The Chicago Cubs’ recent slide hasn’t sat well with their manager David Ross. He unloaded a few choice words on the Pittsburgh Pirates in the postgame conference following the Cubs’ 8-6 loss on Thursday, per ESPN’s Jesse Rogers.

“That’s not a good team that just took two out of three from us. Or not our caliber of team, I believe. We have to turn it around. It’s on me. It’s on the guys in the room,” Ross said.

David Ross’ Cubs have won just eight of their 20 games in September. They lost a three-game series to the Colorado Rockies before the Arizona Diamondbacks swept them in their next series. The Cubs hoped to turn things around against the Pirates, to no avail.

With the way things are going, the Diamondbacks and Philadelphia Phillies are frontrunners to clinch two of the three NL Wild Card spots. The final spot is up for grabs with the Cubs, Miami Marlins, and Cincinnati Reds in the mix.

The Cubs’ high-octane offense made headlines after the All-Star Break. However, things have cooled down considerably for the Cubs, who are now fighting for their postseason lives.

Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson, who earned a World Series ring with the Atlanta Braves two years ago, recently debunked the “win next year” mentality. He said the Cubs cannot afford to have that kind of mindset. They must have a winning mentality at all times. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been evident with the way they’ve been playing lately.

For his part, David Ross has earned a reputation as a player’s manager. He took responsibility for the costly loss to the Pirates on Thursday. With nine games left in the Cubs’ regular season, there’s still time to make a desperate postseason push.

The post David Ross disrespects Pirates after Cubs lose series amid playoff push appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Rays make major roster addition amid tight AL East race vs Orioles

September 22, 2023

The Tampa Bay Rays have already clinched a spot in the upcoming 2023 MLB playoffs, but they still can’t take their foot off the gas. In fact, they just seemingly applied more pressure on the pedal with Jeff Passan of ESPN reporting that Tampa Bay is making a move to add top prospect Junior Caminero to its big league roster amid a tight race against the Baltimore Orioles for the top spot in the American League East division.

“The Tampa Bay Rays are calling up top infield prospect Junior Caminero, bolstering their roster for a stretch run that will cap one of the best seasons in franchise history, sources told ESPN.”

The Rays defeated the Los Angeles Angels at home on Thursday, 5-4, while the Orioles lost to the Cleveland Guardians on the toad, 5-2, thus reducing Baltimore’s lead atop the AL East to only 1.5 games with still more than a handful of assignments to go before the conclusion of the 2023 MLB regular season.

Caminero is making the trip to the big leagues without having a stint in Triple-A, instead going from Double-A straight to The Show with this latest front-office maneuver by the Rays.

The 20-year-old Caminero, who plays third base and shortstop,  has suited up this year for Double-A Montgomery Biscuits and High-A club Bowling Green Hot Rods. In 117 total games with those teams combined, Caminero has managed to put together slash lines of .324/.384/.591/ with 21 home runs and 94 RBIs across 510 plate appearances.

The Rays will start a crucial three-game series at home against the Toronto Blue Jays this Friday.

The post Rays make major roster addition amid tight AL East race vs Orioles appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Dodgers make heartwarming decision before Giants series even fierce rivals will appreciate

September 22, 2023

Facing a two-and-a-half game deficit in the National League Wild Card race, the San Francisco Giants (76-76) are entering a crucial series. The Los Angeles Dodgers (93-58) have already clinched a postseason berth, but they can push their divisional foe’s season closer towards the coffin with a dominant showing. And yet, the rivalry felt insignificant in the moments that preceded Thursday night’s game.

LA put a smile on all the fans in attendance at Dodger Stadium and those watching at home, when they elected to have pitcher Brusdar Graterol’s mother, Ysmalia, throw out the ceremonial first pitch. The two recently enjoyed an emotional reunion in the airport after being separated for the last seven years. The former softball star added to the whirlwind week by throwing a strike from the mound, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.

The star-studded Dodgers can be polarizing, as are many perennial powerhouses, but this gesture ought to unite baseball fans everywhere. Restrictions prevented Graterol’s mother from departing their native Venezuela to visit her son in the United States. She finally got to see him represent LA on the mound earlier in the week, but this time Ysmalia got to join in on the action.

Perhaps this entire experience will be the fuel Brusdar Graterol needs for the upcoming postseason run. The right-handed reliever is putting the finishing touches on a career season, posting a 1.26 ERA while holding batters to a measly .307 slugging percentage in 65 appearances in 2023.

In a bullpen that usually comes with some October question marks, the 25-year-old has earned manager Dave Roberts’ implicit trust. And the Dodgers organization has surely secured Graterol’s after giving his mother this big moment.

The post Dodgers make heartwarming decision before Giants series even fierce rivals will appreciate appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Braves SP Max Fried’s savage night vs Nationals leads to astonishing reset of MLB record

September 22, 2023

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Max Fried’s savage performance on the mound against the Washington Nationals couldn’t have come at a better time.

Fried struck out seven betters while allowing three hits and one earned run in six innings of work on Thursday. He finished the Braves’ 10-1 rout of the Nationals with a 2.55 ERA.

Max Fried’s performance helped extend the Braves’ winning streak to 24 games when their starter pitches at least six innings. Atlanta’s streak is the longest in Major League Baseball history. The Braves broke a tie with the Chicago Cubs and the then-Philadelphia Athletics, per ESPN Stats & Info.

The Braves had been in a funk after they clinched the NL East division on September 13. Atlanta had lost five of its past seven games leading up to the series opener against the Nationals on Thursday. The Miami Marlins swept the Braves in their three-game set. The Philadelphia Phillies, who are fighting for an NL Wild Card spot, won their three-game road series against Atlanta.

Max Fried’s pitching savvy, Ronald Acuna, Jr.’s 140th RBI, and Matt Olson’s 53rd home run lifted Atlanta to victory against the Nationals. Although the Braves’ high-octane offense has carried them this season, they also need Max Fried, Spencer Strider, Bryce Elder, and Charlie Morton to take charge on the mound in the postseason.

For his part, Max Fried missed a huge chunk of the season due to hamstring and forearm issues. It’s great to see him peaking at the right time for the Braves, who are seeking their second World Series pennant in the past three years.

The post Braves SP Max Fried’s savage night vs Nationals leads to astonishing reset of MLB record appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Gerrit Cole opens up about Yankees fans’ gesture after boosting Cy Young Award stock vs Blue Jays

September 22, 2023

The New York Yankees have not had the 2023 regular season that they envisioned, but that hasn’t stopped ace Gerrit Cole from putting together one of the best campaigns of his career. During the Yankees’ 5-3 win over the Toronto Blue Jays Thursday, Cole was dominant, pitching eight innings, allowing just one earned run, and throwing for nine strikeouts.

As he walked towards the dugout after the eighth inning, Gerrit Cole received a resounding ovation from the home fans at Yankee Stadium, and after the game, he made sure to acknowledge the love he was shown.

“That was special for me. I love pitching at home in front of our fans,” said Cole, per Yankees Video. “Something about having good nights in the Bronx – it doesn’t get much better than that.”
It hasn’t been a great season for the Yankees following their appearance in the ALCS a year ago. Although the team has somewhat rounded into form as of late, they are just one game over .500, leaving them in fourth place in baseball’s toughest division, the AL East.
Still, that should not take away from what Cole has accomplished this year as he bids for his first ever Cy  Young award. Cole has twice finished second in Cy Young award voting in both 2019 and 2021, and 2023 could very well be the year he finally breaks through.
Cole currently has a record of 14-4 on the season and has recorded one of the best ERAs of his storied career at 2.75. The Yankees will next take the field at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks on September 22.

The post Gerrit Cole opens up about Yankees fans’ gesture after boosting Cy Young Award stock vs Blue Jays appeared first on ClutchPoints.