New York Yankees (51-18) vs Houston Astros (43-25)
Thursday, June 23, 2022 at 7:05 pm
My selection is on the 'under' between Houston and New York at 7:05 pm et on Thursday.
When most think of this matchup they think about the explosive offenses. I’m anticipating a contest dominated by pitching in Thursday’s series-opener, however. Astros starter Framber Valdez is often overshadowed by Justin Verlander at the front of the rotation but Valdez has been every bit as good this season, posting a 3.31 FIP and 1.15 WHIP, allowing just a shade north of 3.1 runs per nine innings. He catches the Yankees returning home on no rest following consecutive road series’ against the division rival Blue Jays and Rays. Jameson Taillon continues to impress for the Yankees. He checks in with a 3.00 FIP and 1.05 WHIP this season. While he has allowed over eight hits per nine innings, he’s managed to keep opposing lineups in check by yielding just 1.1 walk and 0.7 home runs per nine innings. Both bullpens have been terrific this season and certainly of late with the Yanks ‘pen having posted a 1.11 WHIP over the last seven games (entering last night’s action) and the Astros relief corps’ having recorded a 1.07 WHIP over the same stretch. Take the under (9*).