Yankees vs. Braves: Live Stream, Injuries, Pitching Matchups and Fantasy Preview
June 11, 2012 · Tim Daniels · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Interleague play continues with a series between traditional powerhouses as the New York Yankees travel south to take on the Atlanta Braves. Both teams currently have 34 wins and sit in second place in their respective divisions.
After a lackluster start, the Yankees have really picked up the pace recently. The have won eight of their last 10 games and the team’s offense has finally started hitting like most people were expecting when the season began.
The Braves have been a team of streaks. They started by dropping their first four games before getting things back on track. Then they endured another extended losing streak until a recent run pushed them up the standings again. In other words, Atlanta needs to find some consistency.
Let’s take a look at all the key information for the marquee matchup.
When: Monday, June 11 at 7:10 p.m. ET
Where: Turner Field in Atlanta, Ga.
Watch: YES (New York) and Peachtree TV (Atlanta)
Live Stream: MLB.tv
Injury Report (via CBS Sports)
Yankees: Brett Gardner (out, elbow), David Robertson (out, oblique), Joba Chamberlain (out, elbow/ankle), Mariano Rivera (out, knee) and Hiroki Kuroda (probable for Game 3 start, foot)
Braves: Dan Uggla (questionable, ankle) and Tim Hudson (questionable for Game 3 start, ankle)
Starting for New York: Ivan Nova
Nova has pitched a lot better than his 5.09 ERA would suggest. He’s increased his strikeout rate by nearly three hitters per nine while also improving his control to lower his walk rate. That combination should eventually help lower his ERA.
He doesn’t have the track record of CC Sabathia and certainty can’t match the hype of Andy Pettitte, but the 25-year-old starter has developed into a key piece of the Yankees rotation. That’s surprising since he was never an elite prospect during his development.
The key for Nova against the Braves will be attacking the zone. Atlanta features a patient lineup that also strikes out a lot, so if Nova can avoid being wild, he should put together his second straight strong start.
CC Sabathia and Hiroki Kuroda are scheduled to pitch Games 2 and 3.
Starting for Atlanta: Randall Delgado
As with many young pitchers, Delgado has shown glimpses as to why he’s made it to the big league, but still needs some more time before he’s a complete pitcher. He’s been plagued by giving up one big inning this season, damaging otherwise strong starts.
All tolled, he’s 4-5 with a 4.26 ERA and 1.37 WHIP.
The Braves sent Kris Medlen to Triple-A to start preparing to join the rotation, so Delgado is battling Mike Minor to remain in the rotation. He needs to have more starts like his last one (one ER) to improve those numbers and secure his spot.
Like the Braves, the Yankees have a bunch of hitters who like to work the count. They have more power than Atlanta, however, which makes Delgado’s task a tough one. He must pinpoint with his control or it will turn into a long night.
Mike Minor and Tim Hudson are scheduled to pitches Games 2 and 3.
Yankees’ Fantasy Studs
Derek Jeter
Jeter continues to amaze in his 18th season with the Yankees. He’s hitting .317 with six home runs and five stolen bases to set the table for a powerful New York offense. The veteran shortstop has slowed down a little bit in June, but he’ll bounce back before long.
From a fantasy perspective, Jeter has turned out to be a major steal or a terrific waiver-wire addition. Any time a team can get across-the-board production at a weak position, it’s a big help. Throw in the price to get him being so low and you’ll be hard-pressed to find any owners complaining.
Robinson Cano
Following a forgettable April, Cano has returned to his usual high standards since the start of May. For the season, he’s hitting .296 with 11 home runs and 40 runs scored. He has also crushed right-handed starters to the tune of a .331 average.
Thanks to those impressive numbers, the three-time All-Star remains one of the elite fantasy second baseman. The only complaint would be a lack of RBI production, but that should improve once Brett Gardner returns to the lineup.
Braves’ Fantasy Studs
Michael Bourn
Heading into the season, the Braves and fantasy owners both expected to get a good batting average, plenty of stolen bases and a lot of runs from Bourn. He’s provided all of that, but also shown an impressive power stroke, leading to a career-high six homers already.
The 29-year-old speedster is set to become a free agent after the season, and has done nothing but cause his already high price to climb a bit more. He’s unlikely to keep up his current power pace, but should remain a huge fantasy contributor moving forward.
Chipper Jones
Jones has been battling injuries throughout the season, which has become the status quo for the Hall-of-Fame third baseman, but he’s still a productive hitter when he’s in the lineup. He’s hitting .298 with five home runs and 24 RBI in 30 games this season.
He returned from the disabled list on Sunday and should be all systems go for the Yankees series. Jones is no longer a fantasy cornerstone like he was during his prime, but he’s a strong utility play when healthy as he enjoys his goodbye season.
Game 1 Prediction
Yankees 5, Braves 3
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