MLB Player Props Picks and Odds: New York Yankees vs Philadelphia Phillies - 7/31

Wolfeofbetting
Jul 31, 2024, 12:49:20 AM

Photo Credit: © Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Game Summary

The New York Yankees are set to take on the Philadelphia Phillies on July 31, 2024, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. This matchup has gained significant interest as both teams are vying for playoff positions in a highly competitive MLB season. The Yankees enter this game with a strong overall record of 65-42, leading the AL East. Their recent performance shows a mix of victories, including a dominant win against the Phillies just recently, where they scored 14 runs against 4. The Yankees are known for their powerful lineup, ranking 6th in runs scored with 516.

On the other side, the Phillies stand at 64-45, maintaining a solid position in the NL East race. They have shown resilience this season but have struggled against top-tier pitching, which the Yankees possess. Both teams have historical matchups that suggest a competitive game with a lot of offenses, making this matchup even more intriguing.

With both teams looking to strengthen their playoff chances, fans can expect an exciting game filled with high-stakes performances. The weather forecast looks pleasant, with intermittent clouds and a temperature of around 85 degrees, creating an ideal atmosphere for baseball.

Player Prop Odds

Here are the latest player prop odds for Alex Verdugo:

Batter Doubles: Over 0.5 at +370
Batter Hits: Over 1.5 at +280
Batter RBIs: Over 0.5 at +180
Batter Runs Scored: Over 0.5 at +130
Batter Singles: Over 0.5 at -135
Batter Total Bases: Over 1.5 at +150

Player Analysis: Alex Verdugo

Alex Verdugo is expected to play a crucial role in the Yankees' offensive strategy. With a batting average of .293, he has been a consistent performer for the Yankees this season. Verdugo's ability to hit for both power and average makes him a valuable asset in critical situations. He's also been particularly effective against right-handed pitchers, boasting a solid OPS. His recent form suggests he is poised for another strong performance, especially against the Phillies' pitching staff.

Opposing Analysis

The Phillies' starting pitcher, Nestor Cortes, has had a challenging season, holding an ERA of 4.13 and a record of 4-9. He is susceptible to giving up hits, having allowed 124 hits across 124.1 innings pitched. Cortes' tendency to struggle against left-handed hitters could work in Verdugo's favor, as he can exploit the pitcher’s weaknesses. The Yankees, known for their high run production, will likely capitalize on any mistakes made by Cortes early in the game.

Pitching Probables

Player	W-L	ERA	Strikeouts
Nestor Cortes (PHI)	4-9	4.13	116
Cristopher Sanchez (NYY)	7-6	3.05	91

Team Previews

New York Yankees

The Yankees boast one of the best offenses in the league, ranking 6th in runs scored and 4th in batting average. Their pitching staff has also been formidable, with an ERA of 3.53, placing them 3rd in the league. The Yankees’ defense has been consistent, with only 59 errors this season. Their combination of power hitting and solid pitching makes them a formidable opponent.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies have been competitive this season with a batting average of .251 and 553 runs scored, which is tied for 1st in their division. However, their pitching staff has shown some vulnerability, particularly in high-pressure situations. Their ERA stands at 3.68, ranking 5th in the league, but they will need to tighten up against a strong Yankees lineup to stay competitive in this matchup.

Team Injuries

Player	Position	Injury Status
Gerrit Cole	SP	Expected to be out until at least Aug 4
Taijuan Walker	SP	Expected to be out until at least Aug 7

Recent Games

New York Yankees

Opponent	Score	Result
vs Tampa Bay	W6-1	Win
vs Tampa Bay	L9-1	Loss
vs Tampa Bay	L6-4	Loss
vs Tampa Bay	W9-1	Win
@ Philadelphia	W14-4	Win

Philadelphia Phillies

Opponent	Score	Result
@ Pittsburgh	L8-7	Loss
@ Pittsburgh	L4-1	Loss
@ Pittsburgh	W6-0	Win
@ Minnesota	L7-2	Loss
@ Minnesota	W3-0	Win

Prediction

Given the current form of both teams and the pitching matchup, I predict that Alex Verdugo will have a productive game. Particularly with the odds provided, I would recommend betting on Alex Verdugo to hit Over 1.5 hits (+280). Verdugo's recent performances indicate he can capitalize on Cortes' pitching struggles, especially with runners in scoring position.

Pick: Alex Verdugo Over 1.5 Hits (+280)

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