Free MLB Picks Today: New York Yankees vs Chicago Cubs 7/8/23

The Chicago Cubs (41-46) face a tough test against Gerrit Cole at Yankee Stadium on Saturday when the impressive right-hander takes the mound for the New York Yankees (48-41).

The Cubs took Friday’s series opener 3-0. Jameson Taillon threw eight scoreless innings for the win, and Adbert Alzolay picked up his sixth save with a scoreless ninth.

Cody Bellinger was 2 for 3 with a home run and two runs in the win, stretching his hit streak to 13 games. Franchy Cordero went 1 for 3 for the Yankees.

ON THE MOUND

Drew Smyly (7-5, 4.10 ERA) is slated for the start for Chicago. The LHP allowed three runs over 3.2 innings in his last start, an 8-6 road defeat against the Brewers on Monday. He yielded four hits while striking out five and walking three in the no-decision.

RHP Cole (8-2, 2.79 ERA) is on the mound for New York. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Cubs. In his last start on Sunday, Cole took the loss on the road against the Cardinals.

He threw six innings and gave up two runs on six hits, striking out five and walking two in the 5-1 defeat. The RHP ranks fourth in the AL in ERA, fifth in strikeouts (118), and tied for fifth in wins.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Chicago has averaged 5.0 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.6. Against righties like Cole this season, the Cubs have a .711 OPS.

Ian Happ is the team’s most productive hitter against right-handers with a .817 OPS in 225 at-bats. New York is averaging only 3.6 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 4.4 for the season.

The Yanks have a .750 OPS against lefties in 2023. With a .933 OPS over 60 at-bats, Anthony Rizzo has been their best hitter against left-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Chicago is 20-24 in road games in 2023, scoring 4.5 runs per game while allowing 4.3 runs. New York has lost three in a row at their home ballpark.

The Yanks are 27-22 at home this season, averaging 4.1 runs per game while surrendering 4.0. In six games between the teams at Yankee Stadium, New York is 5-1 with an average scoreline of 5.5-1.3.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Cubs are third in the NL Central, seven games behind the division-leading Reds. The Yankees are fourth in the AL East, eight games behind the Rays.