Pick details
| MATCHUP | Pittsburgh Pirates | New York Yankees |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 52-48 | 55-44 |
| Spread | -1.5 166 | +1.5 -203 |
| Moneyline | +100 | -121 |
| Total | Over 7.5 (-115) | Under 7.5 (-105) |
| Where | Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York | |
| When | Monday, July 20, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:05 PM EDT | |
| TV | MLB.TV | |
The Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Yankees will meet on Monday night in the opening game of a three‑game interleague series at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York.
Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Pirates enter Monday’s contest with a 52–48 overall record (4th in the National League Central) and a 25–24 mark on the road. The Pirates offense has been competitive to this point in the season. Through 100 games played in 2026, Pittsburgh has compiled 533 runs scored (2nd in MLB), 162 doubles, 129 home runs and a .263 team batting average which ranks first in Major League Baseball.
The Pirates arrive at this game in good form. Pittsburgh has won five of the team’s last six games played this season, including a 14–8 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers one week ago.
Pittsburgh will turn to right hander Braxton Ashcraft in this contest. In nineteen starts made this season, Ashcraft has compiled a 9–3 win‑loss record, a 3.49 ERA, a 1.11 WHIP and a massive 128 strikeouts which ranks ninth in Major League Baseball, while allowing 99 hits and 27 walks in 113.1 innings pitched. Braxton Ashcraft has struggled recently, allowing five or more earned runs in two of his last three starts made in 2026. Ashcraft will look to rebound from his recent poor performances on the mound in tomorrow’s matchup with the New York Yankees.
The Pittsburgh Pirates lineup features second baseman Brandon Lowe and outfielder Bryan Reynolds. Lowe has tallied a .248 batting average, 21 home runs (14th in MLB), 65 RBIs (12th in MLB), 38 walks, 21 doubles and an .834 OPS. Bryan Reynolds has compiled a .282 batting average and 14 home runs.
New York Yankees Betting Preview
The New York Yankees enter tomorrow night’s contest with a 55–44 overall record (2nd in the American League East) and a robust 31–22 mark at home. New York has played subpar baseball recently, losing two of the team’s last three games, including a 2–1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers two days ago.
New York will start left hander Ryan Weathers in this game. In eighteen starts made in 2026, Weathers has compiled a 3–7 record, a 4.15 ERA, a 1.24 WHIP and 110 strikeouts, while allowing 94 hits and 27 walks in 97.2 innings pitched. Weathers arrives at this contest in good form, allowing two or fewer earned runs in four of his last five starts made this season.
The New York Yankees lineup features second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. and first baseman Ben Rice. Chisolm Jr. enters this contest with 14 home runs, 13 doubles, 37 walks, 38 RBIs, 26 stolen bases and a .705 OPS. Ben Rice has compiled a .281 batting average, 68 RBIs (3rd in MLB), 29 home runs (3rd in MLB) and a .967 OPS which ranks 22nd in Major League Baseball.
Why the Pittsburgh Pirates will win.
• Offensive upside. Brandon Lowe and Bryan Reynolds continue to anchor the Pirates lineup.
• Motivation factor. The Pittsburgh Pirates have lost five of the team’s last six games.
Why the New York Yankees will win.
• Starting pitching. In eighteen starts made in 2026, Ryan Weathers has compiled a 3–7 record, a 4.15 ERA, a 1.24 WHIP and 110 strikeouts in 97.2 innings pitched.
• Home field edge. New York has played competitive baseball (31-22) at Yankee Stadium this season.
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. New York Yankees Prediction
In my opinion, this matchup favors the New York Yankees. Why? New York starting pitcher Ryan Weathers arrives at this contest in good form, allowing two or fewer earned runs in four of his last five starts made this season. Conversely, Pittsburgh hurler Braxton Ashcraft has struggled recently, allowing five or more earned runs in two of his last three starts made in 2026. Ashcraft’s recent inconsistency is a concern facing a strong New York lineup. With that said, I am backing the New York Yankees on the moneyline in this game.
