If this weren't a standalone matinee am I playing it? Perhaps not. I do like A's lefty and former Yankees prospect JP Sears but four different Yanks have gone yard off him in their careers despite limited at-bats and clearly these two lineups are not close. Sears is 0-3 with a 7.63 ERA in three career starts against his former organization. Oakland was just swept three over the weekend in Cleveland, losing each by multiple runs.

Sears is showing signs of getting things turned around for the A's but this is a tough spot. The Bronx, series opener, Yanks swinging hot bats. And Sears has struggled mightily in the limited outings he's had against this crew - Judge, Stanton, Torres and Cabrera all have HRs off him. The A's are deficient defensively and lack the thump of the Yankees, Carlos Rodon has been ok - though I am making this bet despite him and don't trust him much. A's have lost 7 of 8 and were outscored 26-7 in last three losses to the Guardians. Bullpen getting taxed.