New York Yankees vs. Philadelphia Phillies: Series preview

Needless to say, the series against the Rays did not go as planned. The offense slept through the first two games, then Tampa Bay pulled out their brooms and swept the Yankees in extra innings to finish up the series. They still have a chance to salvage this road trip, though. The Yankees will kick off a three-game set against the Phillies tonight. These two teams haven’t played each other in the regular season since all the way back in 2015, when Philadelphia won 2-1. Here’s a look at the probable pitching matchups.

Game One: Jonathan Loaisiga vs. Vince Velasquez

This will be Loaisiga’s third start since being called up to fill Masahiro Tanaka’s spot in the rotation. He tossed five scoreless innings during his debut against the Rays. However, he didn’t fare as well against the Mariners. Over three and two-thirds innings, Loaisiga surrendered three runs on six hits before exiting the game with a pitch count in the mid-80s. Hopefully he can work his way deeper into this game. Velasquez has been all over the place this season. After a solid May (2.30 ERA), he was lit up by the Brewers a couple weeks ago, giving up a whopping TEN earned runs without making it through four innings. The right-hander followed that outing up by taking a no-hitter into the seventh inning against the Rockies.

Game Two: Luis Severino vs. Jake Arrieta

Severino has been absolutely dominant this season, with a 2.24 ERA and 10.58 K/9. Opponents are hitting just .198 against him. The Yankees ace didn’t have his best stuff against the Mariners last week, but still held them to just three runs and escaped with the win. Jake Arrieta owns a 3.42 ERA on the season, but has not pitched well as of late. He has given up 16 earned runs (and five home runs) in the month of June. He could be just what the Yankees need to get the offense back on track.

Game Three: Luis Cessa vs. Zach Eflin

CC Sabathia was scheduled to start this game, but the Yankees decided to push him back a day so that he will face the Red Sox. Instead, Luis Cessa will make his first start of the season. He has only made one appearance since being activated from the disabled list, tossing two scoreless innings against the Rays on Saturday. Zach Eflin will take the mound for the Phillies. Unlike Arrieta, Eflin has been great in June, surrendering just six runs over his last four starts.