Game Summary

The Chicago Cubs will host the New York Yankees on September 1, 2023, at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. This matchup is significant for both teams as they look to improve their playoff chances in the final stretch of the season. The Yankees (72-69) have struggled recently, sitting in fourth place in the AL East, while the Cubs (81-60) have been on a roll, currently leading the NL Central and vying for a top seed in the playoffs.

In their last series, the Yankees have recorded a 4-6 record over their last ten games, grappling with consistency in both pitching and hitting. They feature a batting average of .241, ranking 17th in the league, and have scored 641 runs, placing them 12th overall. Their pitching staff holds an ERA of 3.78, which is impressive and ranks 7th in the MLB.

The Cubs, on the other hand, have been in excellent form with an overall record of 81-60. They have the second-best run production in the league with 714 runs scored and a solid batting average of .252, ranking 9th. The pitching staff has an ERA of 3.88, ranking 9th in the league, providing a balanced approach to both offense and defense.

Historically, the Yankees and Cubs have had competitive matchups, but recent performances suggest the Cubs might have the upper hand, especially with their home advantage at Wrigley Field. The weather for the game is expected to be mostly sunny with a temperature around 74°F, creating a perfect setting for an exciting ballgame.

Player Prop Odds

Here are the current player prop odds for Pete Crow-Armstrong:

• Batter Hits: Over 0.5 (-170)
• Batter RBIs: Over 0.5 (+210)
• Batter Runs Scored: Over 0.5 (+175)
• Batter Singles: Over 0.5 (+115)
• Batter Stolen Bases: Over 0.5 (+285)
• Batter Total Bases: Over 0.5 (-145)

Player Analysis: Pete Crow-Armstrong

Pete Crow-Armstrong has emerged as a key player for the Cubs this season. With a batting average of .323, he ranks among the league's top hitters. Crow-Armstrong has also shown power at the plate with 51 home runs and a remarkable 125 RBIs, demonstrating his capability of driving in runs and scoring consistently.

His performance has been highlighted by a strong on-base percentage, allowing him to get on base frequently. Coupled with his speed, which has resulted in multiple stolen bases this season, Crow-Armstrong poses a significant threat to the Yankees pitching staff. His ability to get hits and score runs could be critical in this matchup.

Opposing Analysis

The Yankees will send Javier Assad to the mound, who has had a solid season with a 3.21 ERA and 7 wins. While Assad's performance has been commendable, he has shown vulnerability against left-handed hitters, which Crow-Armstrong is. The Yankees' pitching staff has allowed a fair amount of runs in recent games, making it a favorable matchup for Crow-Armstrong.

On the other hand, the Cubs' hitting has been particularly strong against right-handed pitchers this season, and Assad's tendency to give up hits could lead to Crow-Armstrong capitalizing on his opportunities at the plate.

Prop Analysis

Each of Crow-Armstrong's prop odds indicates a favorable scenario for him in this matchup. The Over on hits at -170 suggests that the oddsmakers expect him to at least get one hit against Assad. His ability to hit for average and power makes him a prime candidate for multiple hits in this game.

For RBIs, the odds at +210 imply that there is potential for Crow-Armstrong to drive in runs, especially if he finds himself in scoring positions with hitters behind him. The odds for runs scored (+175) further support this notion, as the Cubs are likely to score runs against the Yankees' pitching staff.

Additionally, the odds for singles (-160) and total bases (-145) indicate that Crow-Armstrong is expected to have a productive day at the plate. The potential for stolen bases is interesting at +285, given his speed, though it might be a riskier bet due to the Yankees' solid catcher.

Starting Pitching Summary - Yankees

Javier Assad has been a reliable option for the Yankees this season, boasting a 3.21 ERA and 7 wins. He has pitched a total of 126 innings, allowing 118 hits and striking out 106 batters. However, his WHIP of 1.36 indicates that he has allowed more base runners than desired, which could be a concern against a potent Cubs lineup.

Assad has shown improvement in his recent outings, but the challenge of facing a high-scoring team like the Cubs will test his mettle. His tendency to give up home runs (16 this season) might also be problematic if he cannot keep the ball in the park.

Starting Pitching Summary - Cubs

Clarke Schmidt will take the mound for the Cubs. With a solid record of 5-3 and an impressive 2.52 ERA, Schmidt has been a key contributor to the Cubs' success. He has pitched 60.2 innings, allowing only 49 hits and striking out 67 batters, demonstrating his ability to limit damage on the mound.

Schmidt's WHIP of 1.14 indicates that he has effectively managed base runners, which is crucial when facing a team like the Yankees that can produce runs. His recent performance has been stellar, making him a formidable opponent for the Yankees' hitters.

Bullpen Summary - Yankees

The Yankees' bullpen has had its ups and downs this season. With 31 saves and a collective ERA that hovers around the middle of the league, they will need to be on point to secure leads. Key pitchers like Aroldis Chapman and Chad Green have been pivotal, but consistency has been an issue. If Schmidt can go deep into the game, the Yankees will rely on their bullpen to maintain any leads.

Bullpen Summary - Cubs

The Cubs' bullpen has been solid, with 37 saves and an ERA of 3.88. They have depth in their pitching staff, allowing them to handle late-game situations effectively. The presence of reliable relievers will be crucial in this matchup, especially if Schmidt encounters trouble against the Yankees' lineup.

Team Previews

The New York Yankees have had a mixed season, holding a record of 72-69. Their hitting has been average, but their pitching has been a strong point with a 3.78 ERA. The team has shown resilience but has struggled against teams with high offensive outputs.

The Chicago Cubs, however, have established themselves as a powerhouse in the NL Central with an 81-60 record. Their offensive production has been outstanding, supported by a strong pitching staff. The combination of hitting and pitching makes them a tough opponent for any team, especially the Yankees.

Team Injuries

Yankees Injuries

Cubs Injuries

Recent Games

Yankees

Cubs