Javan Shouey
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The New York Yankees were able to fend off elimination with their Game 4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, and they will hope to snag another win with their ace on the hill for Game 5 of the 2024 World Series. My best Dodgers vs Yankees player prop bet features the Yankees’ Gerrit Cole, so let’s break it down. You can also check out our MLB picks for today’s matchup.
Gerrit Cole (NYY) under 16.5 outs recorded (+100)
Odds available at DraftKings sportsbook at time of publishing. Playable to -110 odds.
Gerrit Cole was very effective in his first start against the Los Angeles Dodgers during this World Series, but he has the tough task of facing that same potent lineup for the 2nd time within a week when he matches up against them for Game 5 on Wednesday evening. Cole tossed 6 innings of 1-run ball with only 4 base runners surrendered in that first matchup, but still exited the game after 88 pitches across 22 batters faced. That was Cole’s most effective outing so far this postseason, but the Yankees still decided to access their bullpen following the 6th inning in Game 1. Cole didn’t face the Dodgers during the regular season, but active Los Angeles hitters still have 160 combined plate appearances against the right-hander across his career. Their familiarity along with their recent matchup should help when it comes to reducing chases on pitches located outside the zone.
Cole will need to be on his best game in this matchup as the current form of Freddie Freeman is making this Dodgers lineup extremely difficult to navigate. The lefty slugger has now hit a home run in 6 consecutive World Series games, including all 4 this year, and it will be interesting to see how Cole and the Yankees approach him for this matchup. Shohei Ohtani is not at full health but is still dangerous atop the order while Mookie Betts has had very solid individual success against Cole in their head-to-head matchups in the past. The Yankees bullpen is not in the best shape rest-wise, but there is plenty of time to rest when the season is over, and I would expect Aaron Boone and company to remain aggressive with their bullpen usage. It would take an outstanding effort for Cole to clear this mark, and I am betting against that happening at this current price.
Read our full LA Dodgers vs New York Yankees prediction for Game 5 of the 2024 World Series
