Despite the Yankees' recent starters not getting deep into the games and them needing innings from pitchers right now, I still think at this price it's worth a fade on Nestor Cortes. The Red Sox have been brutal with strikeouts vs. lefties so maybe Cortes could use the swing and miss to get out of any jams he's facing, but he also has a chance to be pounded by these hitters, as Boston ranks top-10 in OPS vs. lefties since June 1st, and have improved even more over the last couple of weeks. At this price to not finish six innings, it's worth a shot for a half unit play.

The Red Sox bats have been trending against lefties and Nestor Cortes hasn't looked great as of late. Tanner Houck has had his issues as well, particularly in his last start versus the Padres, but he's the better pitcher in this matchup and faces a Yankees lineup which has underperformed.

The Red Sox did a number on the Yankees a few weeks ago, when New York was healthier and playing far better, and I bet they do again. The Yankees’ lineup stinks outside of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, as it has no leadoff hitter and very limited power. Boston has a superior bullpen and the better starter in this contest. New York’s Nestor Cortes is a mid-rotation guy whose deceptive delivery isn't jarring anymore. Boston’s Tanner Houck has handled Judge in eight career at-bats and has a stellar 1.85 ERA away from Fenway Park (.185 opponents’ batting average). The Red Sox are the better overall team right now and also are better against the AL East.