Saving the best for last, the Cleveland Indians will start Trevor Bauer ($12,800) in this afternoon’s series and first-half finale against Masahiro Tanaka ($8,700).
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Bauer vs The Bombers
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As the anchor of Cleveland’s competent staff, Bauer has had less than positive results facing the Yankees. Over 9 career starts, the right-hander is 3-5 with a 4.06 ERA. Over 51 innings pitched against New York, Bauer has struck out 44, but walked 27. however. His current 168 strikeout total is 4th best in MLB, behind only Chris Sale, Max Scherzer and Gerrit Cole.
For today’s lineup against Bauer, we’re going with Brett Gardner ($4,400) and Didi Gregorius ($4,100). Both have come down significantly in price from yesterday, but hey, somebody has to create that offense! We’re also going to add the big-swinging Kyle Higashioka ($3,300), who will be filling in for Romine &mash; who needs a rest after that mad dash around the bases.
Tanaka vs The Tribe
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Since joining the Yankees in 2014, Tanaka has had 4 starts against Cleveland, with a 1-2, 4.63 ERA record. In 21.1 innings, the right-hander has struck out 22, walked 4 and allowed 4 home runs.
Tanaka is inclined to give up the long ball and this lineup (and park) could be a volatile mix. The split has to be working and he needs to keep his pitches down. Tribe hitters to consider are Michael Brantley ($4,900), Edwin Encarnacion ($4,100) Francisco Lindor ($5,600), and Jose Ramirez ($5,800) — all hitting .400 or better against Tanaka, with Ramirez going 5-8.
NOTES: The Bronx Bombers reclaimed their 30-games over .500 mark last night with an improbable game-winning run produced by Austin Romine with an assist from Cleveland’s defense.
Remember this is for speculation only, not meant to be taken as gospel. And don’t forget to double-check your lineup(s) just prior to game time as the weather may create havoc for you. We exist under the manta that “You can’t predict baseball” but it’s fun trying. Good luck with your lineup and let’s go Yankees!
