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• New York Yankees vs. Kansas City Royals
• Saturday, July 22 at 1:05 PM ET
• Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York
What in the world has happened to the New York Yankees? This team entered the new campaign with dreams of winning the World Series for the first time in what has felt like forever. However, this club has looked rough and they’re currently only three games over .500. This is something no one expected and they need to get back on track as soon as possible. With NY taking on Kansas City for a series later this week, the Yankees desperately need a win over the Royals on Saturday.
Luckily for the Yankees, Gerrit Cole has been announced as the starter for this showdown and he’s one of the best hurlers in the American League. Cole was named to the All-Star team, as he made his way to Seattle earlier this month for the festivities. Cole has been one of the few bright spots for this team over the past few months and he’s going to hope to keep things going this weekend vs. Kansas City.
| Yankees vs. Royals odds |  |  |  |  |
| Yankees to win | -115 | -115 | -115 | -115 |
| Royals to win | +125 | +125 | +125 | +125 |
| Over to hit | -110 | -110 | -110 | -110 |
| Under to hit | -110 | -110 | -110 | -110 |
The bummer for the Yankees on offense has been that Aaron Judge remains out due to his toe injury. It’s up in the air when he’ll be back in the lineup, but folks are hoping it’s sooner than later. Earlier this week, center fielder Harrison Bader left a game early with an injury too. His status for the series vs. Kansas City is a bit unknown at this time. If he misses action too, it will hurt the AL East side.
According to the best-rated sportsbooks, which includes the reliable Bovada review, the Yankees are favorites for this contest, holding -115 MLB betting odds. KC holds +125 odds. Again, this is a game the Yankees need to win and bad. Cole should deliver a strong performance with so many people watching. We’re going with the Yankees as our pick, as we have a feeling they’ll be ready to post a memorable performance for the people who make their way to Yankee Stadium.
Gerrit Cole with a very CLEAN 1-2-3 inning! pic.twitter.com/0Me8M9ILJm
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) July 12, 2023
Carlos Rodon has Yankees fans furious after blowing kisses to people in the stands
Leading up to this new series, a major topic of conversation is that Carlos Rodon has Yankees fans furious after blowing kisses to people in the stands. What in the world was the star pitcher thinking? Rodon has missed a ton of action for the Yankees this year due to a back injury. He’s been able to get back on the bump, but things have not gone according to plan for him thus far for NY.
Rodon currently holds an 0-3 record and he recorded his most-recent loss on Wednesday night against the Angels. It was a rough showing for him and Bronx Bombers supporters really let him have it. Rodon responded to this by blowing those haters some kisses, which was a terrible look for him. Rodon tried explaining his side of things, but it only made the entire situation worse for him.
“I guess it was the best reaction I could give, but better not to give a reaction I guess,” Rodon said after the embarrassing showing vs. the Angels. “Just one of those things I was frustrated and better to blow a kiss or not do anything at all. It was just a frustrating outing, that’s for sure. And I showed it there in the second early.”
The next time Rodon is on the bump, he’ll look to make people happy with a strong showing. The fact that it’s July and he still hasn’t recorded a win in pinstripes is a major surprise. The Yankees broke the bank with his new deal last offseason and people were hoping that he could become one of the best starting pitchers in the division. That hasn’t been the case, but there’s time for Rodon to turn things around.
“Yeah I blew a kiss. I guess it was the best reaction I could give. But better not to give a reaction I guess.” -Carlos Rodón pic.twitter.com/fWZ54os4s7
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) July 20, 2023
Yankees hold terrible odds to win the AL East
Rodon isn’t the only one who needs to turn things around, as the Yankees hold terrible odds to win the AL East. Again, entering the season, NY was ready to make a splash for a World Series title. Instead, they’re currently in last place in the division. Unreal. Per the oddsmakers, NY holds +3000 MLB betting odds to win the AL East.
They were considered the top dogs in the division before the campaign arrived, but that’s clearly no longer the case. The Rays are not only at the top of the division standings, but plenty of people in Florida think they have what it takes to win the World Series as well. They have the talent to do so as well.
Right now, the Yankees’ main focus must be a Wild Card spot to even sneak into the postseason. If this team doesn’t book a trip to the playoffs, then there’s a good chance that manager Aaron Boone will be fired at some point this offseason. His guys need to wake up and fast before things get too late here. It’s been a rough year overall for the Yankees, no doubt.
