Yankees vs. Phillies: Luis Cessa vs. Zach Eflin

The Yankees head into today’s action with a Major League-leading .675 winning percentage, while holding a two-game loss-column lead over the Red Sox in the AL East race. New York sends Luis Cessa (0-0, 3.00 ERA) to the hill, seeking a sweep of the three-game series in Philadelphia. Right-hander Zach Eflin (5-2, 3.44 ERA) gets the nod for the Phillies.

Pitching matchup

Cessa made one appearance since returning from the disabled list, hurling two innings of scoreless, hitless relief last Friday in St. Petersburg against the Rays. He walked two and struck out two. Overall, the right-hander has thrown six innings this year across four outings — all in relief. All totaled, Cessa allowed two runs on three hits while walking three and striking out seven. In 14 career starts dating back to 2016, Cessa is 2-7 with a 4.54 ERA.

The 26-year-old Cessa follows some pretty big footsteps. Neither Jonathan Loaisiga nor Luis Severino allowed a run during their starts in the first two games of this series. Never before in franchise history has a trio of starters aged 26 or under blanked opponents for three straight games, so Cessa can help the Yankees achieve a first by putting up zeroes.

The Bombers might have their work cut out for them at the plate. Eflin has won his last four starts, while limiting opponents to two runs or less in each game. Prior to that, the 24-year-old allowed five earned runs in consecutive starts. Overall, four of Eflin’s nine outings this year were quality starts.

Lineups

How to watch

Location: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA

First pitch: 7:05 PM EDT

TV channel: YES

Online streaming: MLB.tv (out-of-market only)

Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 (full listings)

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