New York Yankees vs. Seattle Mariners: Wandy Peralta vs. Marco Gonzales

On the heels of a come-from-behind win powered by new Yankee Joey Gallo, New York looks to take the second tilt in a four-game set from Seattle, one of many teams also jostling for playoff positioning as we move into the dog days of August. The Yankees have their work cut out for them, as COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc on the health of the club and its ability put forth consistent lineups and starting pitchers.

Speaking of… with Gerrit Cole and Jordan Montgomery still on the COVID-IL, New York turns to Wandy Peralta to toe that slab in the boogie down Bronx tonight. Given Peralta’s recent return from the COVID-IL and the fact this will be his first career “start” in the major leagues, it is highly unlikely that he is long for tonight’s game. Get ready for a parade of arms tonight, folks. For what it is worth, Peralta has pitched to a 5.26 ERA this season, although his 4.58 xERA and 4.52 xFIP suggest he has gotten a bit unlucky.

Meanwhile, veteran southpaw Marco Gonzales takes the mound for Seattle. Gonzales is in the midst of a tough season, pitching to a 5.15 ERA and allowing 2.09 HR/9. His xERA, sitting at an almost unfathomable 7.14, hints that he has been fortunate to put up the numbers he has. He has been a bit better of late, allowing only eight earned runs in his past four starts, which have covered 22.1 innings. No complaints from me tonight if the Yankees capitalize on Gonzales’ propensity to give up the long ball. #TooManyDingers, please.

Even with Gio Urshela and Gary Sánchez out, the Yankees run a deep, balanced, and daunting lineup onto the field. New Yankee Anthony Rizzo has anchored the batting order since his arrival – and is a heck of a gloveman at first base, to boot. Rizzo has hit .333/.452/.708 in his last seven games with 3 dingers, and 4 walks to only 1 strikeout in 24 at-bats. If Rizzo stays resurgent, especially with his reverse split, Gonzales could be in for a long night.

Play today. Win today. Keep stacking wins together, Yankees. That starts with taking down the Mariners tonight.

How to watch

Location: Yankee Stadium – Bronx, NY

First pitch: 7:05 pm ET

TV broadcast: YES, ROOTNW

Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280, 710 ESPN

Online stream: MLB.tv

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