The Los Angeles Dodgers will host the New York Yankees in a highly anticipated Sunday Night Baseball game on ESPN at 7:10 p.m. ET, marking a World Series rematch from last fall. After the Dodgers defeated the Yankees in five games last year, Los Angeles is now firmly positioned to complete a season sweep following consecutive wins of 8-5 on Friday and a dominating 18-2 victory on Saturday. Currently, the Dodgers lead the NL West with a 36-22 record, while the Yankees hold the top spot in the AL East at 35-22.
Yamamoto vs. Yarbrough: Key Pitching Matchup Sunday
Adding to the intensity of this matchup is the presence of Dodgers’ ace right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the mound. Yamamoto has been a standout this season, boasting a 6-3 record and an outstanding 1.97 ERA, making him the second favorite in the National League Cy Young race behind Pittsburgh’s Paul Skenes according to DraftKings Sportsbook. The Yankees will oppose him with their left-handed pitcher Ryan Yarbrough, who transitioned from bullpen to starter this year and holds a 3-0 record with a 3.06 ERA over 35.1 innings pitched this season.
SportsLine consensus odds have the Dodgers as -171 favorites, meaning a bet of $171 could win $100, while the Yankees are underdogs at +144, indicating a $100 wager would yield $144 if New York wins.
Expert Picks and Strategic Parlay for Sunday’s Showdown
Angelo Magliocca, known as Amags, a seasoned MLB handicapper and contributor to The Early Edge and CBS Sports HQ, has crafted a three-leg parlay featuring key elements from this game including Yamamoto’s performance. His backing of the Dodgers is reinforced by Yamamoto’s role, emphasizing the critical nature of his pitching.
- Teoscar Hernandez 2+ Total Bases
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto 2+ Walks
- Yankees +1.5
Dodgers’ Offensive Powerfuel Leads Series Dominance
The Dodgers have displayed an explosive offense in this series, with all three teams scoring 16 or more runs recently, highlighted by the Dodgers’ 18-run eruption against the Yankees in Game 2. With the first two games secured, Los Angeles is in prime position for a sweep, relying on their ace Yamamoto to continue his dominance. The heavy favorite status for the Dodgers reflects their current momentum, an uncommon scenario when facing the formidable Yankees lineup.
Yamamoto’s Season Performance and Potential Vulnerabilities
Yoshinobu Yamamoto has been a cornerstone for the Dodgers amid injuries challenging both their pitching and hitting units. He has consistently delivered quality starts, making seven in 11 games while limiting earned runs to more than two only twice. His 75 strikeouts over 64 innings and a swinging strike rate of roughly 12.5% illustrate his ability to overpower hitters and navigate through difficult innings.
However, some advanced metrics suggest potential regression ahead: Yamamoto’s left on base rate exceeds 80%, an indicator often not sustained over long periods, while his BABIP (batting average on balls in play) stands at a notably low .228, which could imply an element of luck. This is a significant drop from last year’s .305 BABIP, although an improvement overall. Yamamoto’s control has also presented challenges at times; he has issued at least two walks in five of his last six starts and seven out of 11 this year, coinciding with the Yankees’ patient approach at the plate, who maintain MLB’s best walk rate.
Teoscar Hernandez’s Role Against Lefty Yarbrough
Despite being held hitless during the Dodgers’ massive 18-run innings, outfielder Teoscar Hernandez is predicted to rebound against the Yankees’ left-hander Ryan Yarbrough. Hernandez has thrived against southpaws recently, boasting a .450 batting average this season against left-handed pitching, an increase from nearly .300 last year. His history against Yarbrough, with 38 career plate appearances primarily from their time in the AL East, is notable—he has produced seven home runs on 13 hits while striking out only four times.
Although Yarbrough’s pitching profile may have altered over the years, he remains a soft-throwing lefty, suggesting Hernandez is well-positioned to achieve multiple hits or at least an extra-base hit during the contest.
Yankees Bullpen and Tactical Considerations for Sunday
After two losses in this series, Yankees manager Aaron Boone is expected to lean heavily on his bullpen, especially with an off day following Sunday’s game allowing top relief pitchers to be rested and available. The bullpen’s availability increases the chances of the Yankees staying competitive despite early disadvantages in the series.
Given the pitching matchup and expected bullpen usage, the over/under total is set at nine runs. The expert pick leans toward the under, believing Yamamoto’s steady pitching combined with rested bullpens will keep scoring controlled. Instead of a straight money line bet, the +1.5 run advantage for the Yankees at odds above +140 offers better value in this tight contest.
What’s at Stake for Both Teams Tonight
This game carries significant weight, as the Dodgers aim to complete a sweep and consolidate their lead atop the NL West, reinforcing their status as a top championship contender. For the Yankees, it is a test of resilience and bullpen depth as they strive to salvage a win in the rematch of last fall’s World Series opponents. With Yoshinobu Yamamoto key pitching matchup Sunday, the game promises intense competition and a strategic battle that could influence playoff positioning and momentum for both sides as the season progresses.