Free MLB Picks Today: New York Yankees vs Chicago White Sox 6/8/23

The New York Yankees (36-26) host the Chicago White Sox (27-35) at Yankee Stadium on Thursday in a doubleheader with the visitors eyeing a sweep of the four-game series.

The White Sox lead the series 1-0 after winning 3-2 on Tuesday. Lucas Giolito threw six scoreless, no-hit innings – striking out seven – for the win, and Liam Hendriks earned his first save of the season.

Seby Zavala was 2 for 3 with two home runs and three RBIs in the win. Josh Donaldson went 1 for 3 with a solo home run for the Yankees.

ON THE MOUND

Mike Clevinger (3-3, 4.13 ERA) is slated to get the start for Chicago in the first game of the doubleheader. The RHP threw five scoreless innings in his last start, a 3-0 road win over the Tigers on Friday. He gave up three hits while striking out six and walking one in the no-decision.

Righty Luis Severino (0-1, 5.28 ERA) gets the start for New York. It’s his first appearance of the season against the White Sox. Severino made one start against the White Sox in 2022, throwing seven innings in a 5-0 home defeat on May 22.

He gave up eight hits while striking out five in the no-decision. In his last start on Friday, Severino took the loss on the road against the Dodgers. He threw four innings and gave up seven runs on nine hits, striking out two and walking one in the 8-4 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Chicago has averaged 3.8 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 4.3. Against right-handed pitchers like Severino this season, the Sox have a .663 OPS, the fifth lowest in MLB. Gavin Sheets is the team’s most productive hitter against right-handers with a .758 OPS in 122 at-bats.

New York is averaging only 3.2 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.7 for the season, with their slash line slipping across the board (.138/.208/.333).

The Yanks have a .722 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a 1.186 OPS over 144 at-bats, Aaron Judge has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Chicago is 11-20 away from Guaranteed Rate Field in 2023, scoring 4.2 runs per game while allowing 4.9 runs. New York has gone 19-14 at Yankee Stadium this season, averaging 4.6 runs per game while surrendering 4.1.

In the last 10 games at Yankee Stadium between the teams, each club has won five, though New York has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 3.6-3.5.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The White Sox are fourth in the AL Central, four games behind the division-leading Twins. The Yankees are third in the AL East, seven games behind the Rays.