Four players are featured in tonight’s Game 4 World Series prop picks.
The pregame narrative: I’m fading New York Yankees starter Luis Gil and have plays on Gleyber Torres, as well as Los Angeles Dodgers Mookie Betts and Max Muncy.
Check out the best Dodgers vs. Yankees picks for Game 4.
Dodgers vs. Yankees picks
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Best bet: Gil under 3.5 Ks (+123)
Without Aaron Boone explicitly revealing his plans, we’re left wondering about Gil’s workload.
I’m guessing it’s going to be on the light side. Gil can change that by pitching a gem but that’s a tall order against the Dodgers.
The righty has made one appearance since Sept. 28 — a four-inning, 79-pitch start versus the Cleveland Guardians in Game 4 of the ALCS 11 days ago.
He was decent in the Yankees win but struggled with control (three walks), which was an issue all season.
Playing three days in a row (yesterday and again tomorrow, if necessary), the Yankees would love to save their bullpen.
But they must win tonight to see tomorrow and can pin their hopes on letting ace Gerrit Cole ride in Game 5 if they get there.
As a result, if not forced by Gil, I think Boone will strategically choose to unleash his ‘pen early. That way, he can set up the best possible matchups against a lineup that features lefty and righty mashers, little swing and miss, and excellent plate discipline.
Gil can rack up strikeouts but his K rate dipped 4% in the second half and he cooled following an electric May.
Cole had four Ks in Game 1 and Carlos Rodon and Clarke Schmidt both had three in the next two games.
Key stat: Starting pitchers are 4-10 against this line versus the Dodgers in the playoffs.
Quick picks
Torres over 0.5 runs (-118): New York’s second baseman got on base another two times yesterday and carries a .390 playoff on-base percentage into tonight.
While Torres didn’t cash last night, he still has nine runs in 12 playoff games. He’s consistently putting the ball in play and drawing free passes, striking out just six times in 59 plate appearances.
While Aaron Judge has been ice-cold, Torres is in a tremendous spot to score in front of the soon-to-be MVP and Juan Soto.
Giancarlo Stanton follows that trio and has a team-leading 14 RBI and 1.110 OPS this postseason.
Since assuming the leadoff role on Aug. 16, Torres has scored 40 runs in 51 games.
Muncy over 0.5 RBI (+188): Muncy has been quiet this series but remains in an excellent position to drive in runs.
He’s 0-for-9 against the Yankees and hasn’t recorded a hit since Game 4 of the NLCS.
That said, he occupies a key spot in the lineup (primarily No. 5 this postseason). And his teammates’ ability to reach base in front of him means he’ll likely get an opportunity to deliver.
That could come early against Gil, who had MLB’s highest walk rate (minimum 150 innings pitched).
Betts over 0.5 runs (+110): Betts didn’t score last night but he got on base twice and drove in a key run.
He’s been a force this postseason with a .394 OBP and a team-leading 32 total bases.
Betts has 12 runs in 14 games, crossing the plate in nine different contests.
As the No. 2 hitter, Betts is followed by a collection of thumpers, including Freddie Freeman.
Picks made at 12:38 p.m. ET 10/29/2024.
Chris joined NorthStar Gaming from Covers.com where he was a publishing editor and wrote betting content. Before that, he was the sports editor at VICE Canada, worked for theScore and covered the Blue Jays for MLB.com. In addition to filling out the lineup card each day for the editorial team, Chris writes frequently himself, primarily on the NBA and MLB.