New York Yankees vs. Atlanta Braves: MLB Over/Under Picks

New York Yankees vs. Atlanta Braves

Over/Under: 9

First pitch: 7:10 p.m. ET

Probable pitchers: Gerrit Cole (4-0, 2.75 ERA) vs. TBD (Likely Ian Anderson)

New York Yankees vs. Atlanta Braves Predictions

Obviously, there’s a caveat to a Gerrit Cole game drawing an over/under as high as 9, which is quite rare. In this instance, it will involve a counterpart making his Major League debut, but that’s where the advantage comes in. The opposing pitcher is a guy that enters with promise.

While no official announcement has been made, Atlanta’s starter will likely be Ian Anderson, the 2016 No. 3 overall draft pick and the No. 2 Braves prospect in the organization. Anderson is also regarded as the No. 42 prospect in all of baseball.

So, we won’t be backing just any rookie here. Unlike a lot of the current youngsters who have received a shot starting for the Braves in the recent past, Anderson looks like someone that can succeed right away, and from all my findings, he can do so out of the gate to begin his MLB career.

The 22-year-old was last year with Double-A Mississippi and Triple-A Gwinnett, notching an impressive 3.38 ERA in 26 combined starts while etching 11.9 K/9, a superb mark at any level. Anderson has been a strikeout artist throughout his minor league journey and I would expect that reputation to be upheld.

Cole obviously knows a little something about strikeouts. He led the Majors in that category only a season ago and even set a record for most consecutive games with double-digit punch-outs. This year, he’s clocking in with a very healthy 11 K/9 and that figures to play a large role in tonight’s outing. The Braves have recorded more Ks than all but two teams around the league, even striking out once every 3.4 at-bats.

Yes, it’s not an ideal first assignment for Anderson but remember, this is a Yankee lineup that isn’t at full strength. He’s capable of supplying at least a handful of useful innings before giving way to what has been a pretty solid Braves pen so far.

Before placing your bet, make sure Anderson is the listed starter. For me, it’s “no action” if he does not receive the nod.

BET: UNDER 9 (-115) (*Ian Anderson has to start)

MLB Leans - August 25

BOS/TOR Over 11.5

BAL/TB Under 9

CIN/MIL Under 8

SEA/SD Under 8

2020 MLB Over/Under Betting Record*: 8-20-4, -14.59 units

Yesterday’s Result: Blue Jays-Rays Under 8.5 (“loss”)

*Each bet graded as if it were to win 1 unit