The Yankees haven’t won a series since sweeping the Royals from July 21-23. They’ve also lost two straight series to AL East opponents in the Orioles and Rays. New York’s reward? A four-game set with the Astros.
Oh, and noted Yankee killer Justin Verlander will be making his first appearance since getting traded back to Houston at the trade deadline. Here are the probable pitching matchups at the moment.
Thursday at 7:15 p.m. ET: Clarke Schmidt vs. Cristian Javier
After being on the mound for their only victory in Baltimore, Clarke Schmidt has now won each of his last five decisions. He allowed three runs on five hits, one walk, and two strikeouts in five innings on July 29th against the Orioles. He hasn’t yet faced the Astros in the regular season but allowed two runs in one inning of relief against them in last year’s ALCS.
Cristian Javier turned in his first quality start in about six weeks during his last time on the mound for Houston. It included three runs on three hits, two walks, and nine strikeouts in six innings. In two starts against the Yankees last season, Javier allowed just one run on two hits, five walks, and 16 strikeouts in 12 innings.
Friday at 7:05 p.m. ET: Luis Severino vs. Hunter Brown
Luis Severino is feeling like the “worst pitcher in the game” these days, and it’s not hard to see why. His first 12 starts have led to a 7.49 ERA. Over his last five turns through the rotation, Sevy has allowed at least seven earned runs on three occasions. In two starts against the Astros last year, the right-hander posted a 3.75 ERA in 12 innings while posting an 0-2 record.
Hunter Brown has racked up 20 starts so far in 2023, which has led to a 4.12 ERA. The right-hander has also twirled two straight quality starts with nearly identical stat lines. He allowed two runs on six hits (one homer), two walks, four strikeouts and one hit batter in six innings against the A’s on July 23rd. In his very next appearance, he allowed two runs on four hits (one homer), two walks, four strikeouts, and one hit batter in six innings against the Rays. This will be his first career start vs. the Yankees.
Saturday at 1:05 p.m. ET: Nestor Cortes vs. Justin Verlander
Nestor Cortes has been sidelined by rotator cuff inflammation, but he’ll finally be making his return to the mound on Saturday afternoon. It’ll be his first appearance since allowing two runs on five hits, three walks, and six strikeouts in five innings against the Mariners on May 30th.
The Yankees got stymied by Verlander during the Subway Series at Citi Field recently. Their prize is to get him again for his (second) Astros debut. What fun! In JV’s last start with the Mets, he earned his 250th career win by beating the Nationals. His season-long ERA is down to 3.15 for the year and 1.49 over his last seven starts.
Sunday at 1:35 p.m. ET: Carlos Rodon vs. Jose Urquidy
This is not how Carlos Rodon wanted to begin his Yankees career. Through five starts, he’s 1-4 with a 6.29 ERA in 24.1 innings. After getting his first win against the Mets, the lefty allowed four runs on four hits (two homers), four walks, and five strikeouts in four innings vs. the Rays. Rodon does own a 1.55 lifetime ERA in seven starts vs. the Astros, but this will be the first time he faces them since 2021.
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Jose Urquidy has racked up six starts so far this year, which has led to a 5.20 ERA. Of the 16 earned runs he’s allowed through 27.2 innings, 10 came in two starts. He went 5.1 innings in his last appearance, which was against the Phillies. Urquidy allowed two runs on three hits, and one walk with three strikeouts to Philly. This will be just his second career start vs. the Yankees. His first one came last year and included seven innings of one-run, one-hit ball.
You can reach Matt Musico at matt.musico@xlmedia.com. You can follow him on Twitter: @mmusico8.
