MIT physicist Aaron Leanhardt has been credited with creating the torpedo bats. Leanhardt previously served as a hitting analyst with the Yankees before he joined the Miami Marlins as a field coordinator in the offseason.

Yes, the Yankees have a literal genius MIT Physicist, Lenny (who is the man), on payroll. He invented the “Torpedo” barrel. It brings more wood - and mass - to where you most often make contact as a hitter. The idea is to increase the number of “barrels” and decrease misses. pic.twitter.com/CsC1wkAM9G

The torpedo bat's rise has changed the industry for the companies that make them. Here is one bat-maker's story.

Jack Flaherty doesn't match up well against the Yankees, at least in terms of generating whiffs. New York will work his pitch count and suppress his strikeouts total this afternoon. The New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers will conclude a three-game series this afternoon, with the Tigers aiming for a surprising sweep.

Wednesday at 1:10 p.m. ET, with the Yankees on a three-game losing skid.The Yankees are favored (-147 on the moneyline to win) when

SportsLine's computer model has revealed its free MLB picks and player props for New York vs. Detroit featuring Tarik Skubal vs. Carlos Carrasco