Kevin Newman Player Props: Diamondbacks vs Pirates 8/2

Kevin Newman Player Props: Diamondbacks vs Pirates 8/2

Photo Credit: © Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Game Summary

The Arizona Diamondbacks (58-51) are set to face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates (55-53) in a three-game series opener at PNC Park on Friday, August 2, 2024, at 6:40 p.m. EDT. Both teams are vying for playoff positioning, currently sitting third in their respective divisions. The Pirates are riding a wave of momentum with a 5-5 record over their last ten games, while the Diamondbacks have been strong, going 7-3 over the same span. The Diamondbacks boast the second-best batting average in the National League at .258, while the Pirates are known for their power, having a 20-8 record when hitting at least two home runs in a game.

This matchup is particularly interesting as it marks the fourth meeting between these two teams this season. In their recent encounters, the Diamondbacks have taken two out of three games from the Pirates. Key players to watch include Bryan Reynolds for the Pirates, who has 20 doubles, three triples, and 18 home runs this season, and Ketel Marte for the Diamondbacks, who is hitting .302 with 24 home runs. The game is expected to be competitive, with both teams showcasing solid offensive capabilities.

Weather conditions are favorable for a good game, with intermittent clouds and temperatures around 85 degrees. The pitching matchup features Brandon Pfaadt (5-6, 3.92 ERA) for the Diamondbacks and Luis Ortiz (5-2, 2.75 ERA) for the Pirates, setting the stage for an interesting duel.

Player Prop Odds

Here are the player prop odds for Kevin Newman:

• Batter Doubles: Over 0.5 (+400)
• Batter Hits: Over 0.5 (-195)
• Batter RBIs: Over 0.5 (+200)
• Batter Runs Scored: Over 0.5 (+130)
• Batter Singles: Over 0.5 (-145)
• Batter Total Bases: Over 1.5 (+175)

Player Analysis

Kevin Newman has had a solid season thus far, contributing significantly to the Pirates' lineup. He is known for his contact hitting and ability to get on base. As of now, Newman’s batting average is hovering around .265, and he has been a consistent presence in the Pirates' batting order. His ability to hit singles is particularly noteworthy, as he has shown proficiency in this area, which reflects on the prop odds for singles being set at -145.

Newman's recent performances have also been promising, especially in high-pressure situations. He has been able to deliver key hits, and with the odds for him to get at least one hit set at -195, it suggests that sportsbooks anticipate him to perform well against the Diamondbacks' pitching. Additionally, with the Pirates' power-hitting capabilities, Newman could also get opportunities to drive in runs, making the +200 odds for him to secure an RBI appealing.

Opposing Analysis

When considering the Diamondbacks’ pitching, Brandon Pfaadt, who has a 3.92 ERA, can be a target for hitters like Newman. Pfaadt has been susceptible to allowing hits, and with a WHIP of 1.11, it indicates that he has allowed a fair number of base runners. The Pirates’ lineup, which thrives on hitting power and average, could exploit this weakness, especially with Newman positioned to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Pitching Probables

Player	W-L	ERA	Strikeouts
Brandon Pfaadt (ARI)	5-6	3.92	115
Luis Ortiz (PIT)	5-2	2.75	63

Team Previews

The Arizona Diamondbacks have had a productive season, currently holding a 58-51 record. Their strength lies in their batting, where they rank second in the National League with a .258 batting average. The team's offensive depth allows multiple players to contribute, with Ketel Marte leading the way with 24 home runs and 72 RBIs. However, the pitching staff, while solid, has shown some inconsistency, particularly in late-game situations.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are currently at 55-53 and have shown resilience in their recent games. With a strong offensive showing, they rank second in the league with 558 runs scored, showcasing their ability to get on base and drive in runs. The Pirates’ pitching has been a mixed bag, with Luis Ortiz being a standout performer this season with a 2.75 ERA. Their bullpen has also been reliable, providing solid support to their starters.

Team Injuries

Player	Position	Updated	Injury	Injury Status
B. Walston (ARI)	RP	Fri, Aug 2	Elbow	Expected to be out until at least Aug 14
D. Jefferies (PIT)	RP	Thu, Aug 1	Elbow	Expected to be out until at least Sep 4

Recent Games

Opponent	Score	W/L
Pirates	W4-3	W
Pirates	W9-5	W
Pirates	L6-5 F/10	L
Washington	W9-8	W
Washington	W17-0	W

Prediction

Given Kevin Newman’s recent form and the favorable matchup against Brandon Pfaadt, I predict that he will secure at least one hit in this game. The odds at -195 suggest a strong likelihood of this happening. Therefore, I recommend the following player prop:

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