Friday, May 16, 7:05 PM on ROOT, YES

Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York

Pittsburgh Pirates - Volquez, E (1-3) vs. New York Yankees - Phelps, D (0-0)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Friday night, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Edinson Volquez will take on the New York Yankees and David Phelps.   Volquez makes his 8th start and 9th appearance as Phelps makes his 3rd start and 12th appearance.

Edinson Volquez didn’t have an easy time in his last start.  He pitched to a no decision after going just 4.2 innings and allowing 3 runs on 4 hits with 4 walks and 4 strikeouts.  It was the second straight start where Volquez has walked 3 or more in less than 6 innings of work.  In 2013, Volquez went 9 – 12 with an ERA of 5.71 in 32 starts and 1 relief appearance with the Padres and Giants.  

Last season, Volquez didn’t pitch against the Yankees but he has some experience against the New York lineup.   And he will have to watch out for Carlos Beltran.  Beltran is 6 of 17 with 7 RBIs against Volquez.

David Phelps has been pressed into duty in the starting rotation due to Yankee injuries. He’s yet to record a decision as a starter and his only decision of the year is a save to go with his 4.09 ERA.  In his last start, Phelps went 5 innings and gave up 4 runs on 8 hits with 3 walks and a strikeout.  In 2013, Phelps had a record of 6 - 5 with an ERA of 4.98 in 12 starts and 10 relief appearances.

Last season, Phelps didn’t face the Pirates and he has only faced one Pittsburgh hitter in his career. The Pirates’ Ike Davis is 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs against Phelps.    

Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Trends

Pittsburgh Pirates are 17-17-4 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Pittsburgh Pirates is -0.4

New York Yankees Betting Trends

New York Yankees are 20-18-0 against the Over/Under

Run differential for New York Yankees is -0.5

Injuries to Watch

Pittsburgh Pirates

05/13/14 LF Starling Marte Back questionable
05/04/14 P Stolmy Pimentel Shoulder 15-day DL (5/2)
04/26/14 P Jason Grilli Oblique 15-day DL (4/21)
04/26/14 C Russell Martin Hamstring 15-day DL (4/26)
04/23/14 P Wandy Rodriguez Knee 15-day DL (4/21)

New York Yankees

05/13/14 RF Carlos Beltran Elbow questionable
05/13/14 RF Ichiro Suzuki Back questionable
05/13/14 P Shawn Kelley Back 15-day DL
05/11/14 P CC Sabathia Knee 15-day DL (5/11)
05/06/14 P Michael Pineda Shoulder 15-day DL (4/24)
05/01/14 P Bruce Billings Forearm 15-day DL (4/26)
04/20/14 P Ivan Nova Elbow 60-day DL (4/20); out for season
04/15/14 C Francisco Cervelli Hamstring 60-day DL (4/13)

Josh's Pick: Take New York

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