Ala Hann Sport picks

The Yankees are rolling, having cracked triple-digits in wins and securing the AL East title. New York has won six straight games as it prepares for the playoffs. Sportsbook bettors have watched Kansas City, meanwhile, continues its losing ways. The Royals have dropped six of their last 10, and they’d like to take something positive into the offseason. Beating the Yankees would be a start, but it isn’t going to happen.

Anthony Lerew (0-1, 3.86) vs. A.J. Burnett (12-9, 4.19)

Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 7:05 p.m. ET

Lerew pitched for the first time since 2007 last Thursday, facing the playoff-bound Red Sox. The right-hander allowed seven hits and four runs (two earned) in 4.2 innings of work. He also walked three batters while striking out two. He’s obviously just a stop-gap measure and not much should be expected of him.

A.J. Burnett has delivered a solid season for the Yankees. No, he probably wasn’t worth every penny, but he’s not supposed to carry the rotation either. The hard-throwing righty has allowed just three runs in his last two starts and is coming off an 11K performance against the Angels (in just 5.2 innings). He hasn’t faced K.C. while wearing the pinstripes but he got the job done with Toronto, going 2-2 with a 3.67 ERA in five starts. If you’re betting online, this matchup heavily favors Burnett and the Yankees.

Robinson Tejada (4-2, 3.41) vs. Joba Chamberlain (9-6, 4.72)

Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 7:05 p.m. ET

Chamberlain’s numbers have steadily declined since he was put on a strict inning-limit a few months ago. After posting an 2.73 ERA in five July starts he’s had a hard time keep that number below eight. At least he pitched well against Kansas City earlier this year, giving up three runs (one earned) and four hits in six innings. Still, we’re betting management hoped for more this season.

Tejada, normally a reliever, has pitched well this season. He won three straight games this month before coming apart against Minnesota, when he allowed five earned runs over 4.1 innings. Control was a major issue, as he walked seven batters. Expect to see the bullpen lots in this one as neither of these guys goes deep in games. That said, Chamberlain is still easily the more talented of the two pitchers, plus he’s got the powerful Yankees’ lineup backing him up. Go with New York on your sports picks.