​Don’t look now, but the Yankees are beginning to click. After a decisive win on Thursday to close out their series with the Rays, Jazz Chisholm Jr. delivered a clutch homer last night to put them in front for good against the Nationals. Now the American League’s top pitcher takes the mound, aiming to push his club to a third straight victory in a Saturday matinee that arrives as the MLB Draft looms; expect the Yankees to add their first-round pick within the hour or so.
Cam Schlittler came out strong Monday against Tampa Bay, delivering the first of two wins in that series. He worked eight innings, allowed one run, struck out a batter per inning, and didn’t walk anyone—exactly the performance his ailing team needed. The Nationals aren’t quite the Rays, so Schlittler should have a bit more margin for error today. If he can conjure another eight shutout frames in his final start of the unofficial first half, I’ll be happy to watch and enjoy it.
PJ Poulin counters for Washington, an opener making his second MLB appearance after a brief call-up last season. He’s posted a sparkling 2.83 ERA and a 46.6 percent groundball rate, not bad at all, but he essentially walks as many as he strikes out, and his FIP sits nearly three runs higher. Against a pitcher like this, discipline and lift will be the order of the day—make him put the ball in the air rather than over the plate, since he’s not likely to punch many hitters out. Fortunately for New York, the lineup has been a bit homer-happy lately, so a few deep balls would be welcome again.
Following Poulin will be veteran Miles Mikolas, a pitcher whose recent form has left much to be desired. With a 5.78 ERA and a 5.51 FIP, the numbers reflect a rough stretch for Mikolas. Across the city, the ongoing drama around D.C.’s Reflecting Pool makes one wonder about the potential consequences when baseballs land nearby, a reminder that even luck plays a role in this sport.
There are familiar threads in the two days’ lineups, with Amed Rosario back at the leadoff spot (and perhaps a regrettable return to third base) and Paul Goldschmidt, the World’s Oldest Man, hitting cleanup after snapping an extended hitless streak last night. Ali Sánchez is in the catcher’s box, rounding out the battery, while the red-hot Ben Rice handles designated-hitter duties and is likely continuing his practice for Monday’s Home Run Derby.
How to watch
Location: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
First pitch: 4:05 pm ET
TV broadcast: YES, Nationals.TV
Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280; WJFK 106.7 The Fan
Online stream: Gotham Sports App, MLB.tv (out-of-market only)
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