Free MLB Picks Today: New York Yankees vs Seattle Mariners 6/21/23

The New York Yankees (40-33) are in for a challenge against Luis Castillo at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday when the impressive right-hander takes the mound for the Seattle Mariners (35-36).

The Yankees took Tuesday’s series opener 3-1, their third head-to-head victory in four games this season. Starter Gerrit Cole got the win, giving up one run on four hits over 7.1 innings and striking out eight, and Clay Holmes pitched 1.2 scoreless innings to earn his ninth save.

Anthony Rizzo went 3 for 4 with two doubles and one RBI in the win. Billy McKinney added a home run and two RBIs. Jarred Kelenic was 1 for 3 with a double and one RBI for the Mariners.

ON THE MOUND

Castillo (4-5, 2.73 ERA) is slated to start for Seattle. The right-hander ranks fifth in the AL in ERA. Castillo allowed two runs over 5.2 innings in his last start, a 4-1 road defeat against the Marlins on June 14. He took the loss, giving up two hits while striking out six and walking six.

Castillo is making his first appearance against the Yankees this season. Over three starts against the Yankees in 2022, Castillo was 1-0 with a 1.66 ERA over 21.2 innings.

He had 23 strikeouts and nine walks. RHP Jhony Brito (3-3, 5.58 ERA) gets the ball for New York. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Mariners.

In his last start on May 20, Brito took a no-decision on the road against the Reds. He threw four innings and gave up four runs on four hits, striking out six and walking four in the 7-4 victory.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Seattle has averaged only 2.6 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.4, while slashing worse across the board (.182/.258/.291). Against right-handed pitchers like Brito this season, the M’s have a .685 OPS.

J.P. Crawford has been the team’s biggest on-base threat against right-handers with a .385 OBP in 181 at-bats. New York is averaging only 2.8 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.5 for the season, with their slash line slipping across the board (.200/.241/.327).

The Yanks have a .708 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

Seattle is 14-19 in away games in 2023, scoring 4.3 runs per game while allowing 4.8 runs. New York has gone 22-17 at their home park this season, averaging 4.4 runs per game while surrendering 3.8. New York is 6-4 in the last 10 games at Yankee Stadium between the teams despite an average scoreline favoring Seattle (4.0-3.6).

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Mariners are fourth in the AL West, nine games behind the division-leading Rangers. The Yankees are third in the AL East, nine games behind the Rays.