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Baltimore Orioles: Could the Yankees suspensions help the Orioles?

By Kristen Bentley

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 23: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates with teammates after hitting the game-winning home run in the 12th inning against the Oakland Athletics at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 23, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. Baltimore won the game 8-7. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 23: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates with teammates after hitting the game-winning home run in the 12th inning against the Oakland Athletics at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 23, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. Baltimore won the game 8-7. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /
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Even though the Baltimore Orioles did not play on Thursday, the unusual events of that day could ultimately end up helping the O’s Wild Card pursuit.

The Baltimore Orioles are 3.0 games back from the second American League Wild Card spot with a record of 62 and 65.

The New York Yankees are firmly occupying the first Wild Card spot, but the team’s kerfuffle against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday could create a situation that benefits the Orioles.

Who was suspended for fighting?

The problem for the Yankees stems from Miguel Cabrera and Austin Romine fighting in the sixth inning. Cabrera was suspended for seven games and Romine received a two-game suspension. Cabrera threw the first punch, but after Romine tackled the Triple Crown winner, Gary Sanchez got in a few sucker punches. You can see the events and the suspension here.

Because Sanchez played dirty by sucker punching Cabrera while he was held down by Romine, Sanchez ended up getting a four-game suspension. If the suspensions coincide, the Yankees could be without a starting MLB catcher for two games. Considering that the Yankees bullpen is loaded with guys who throw 100 MPH or higher – there could be some issues behind the dish in the later innings without Romine or Sanchez.

Where do the Yankees go next?

The suspensions mean little to the Tigers because they already have one of the worst records in the entire MLB. But, the Yankees could have some difficulty playing four games without their hottest hitter. The Yankees head out to Seattle for a three game series with the Mariners. Then, they return to New York to play the Cleveland Indians. Those four games could make a big difference for the Yankees.

The Mariners are also in the hunt for a Wild Card spot and are only 0.5 games back from the second one. With a few wins, the Mariners could put a real dent in what seemed like a sure-thing for the Yankees. The Indians, who are leading the AL Central, could also do some damage to the Yankees’ Wild Card spot.

Could the Red Sox help, too?

Once the Indians leave town, the Yankees then host the Boston Red Sox for four games. If the Yankees are not already knocked out of the Wild Card spot by the time the Indians are finished with them, the Red Sox could take care of it. Then, on September 4, the Yankees come to Camden Yards for an afternoon game on Labor Day.

Take advantage with the Yankees are down

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The Orioles must take advantage of these next few games against the Red Sox and the probable pitchers. Jeremy Hellickson and Kevin Gausman will need to be at their best. Manny Machado, Tim Beckham, and Jonathan Schoop will need to keep leading the team to victories. Of course, Boston will not let up against any division rival, but the Yankees need to be on the Orioles’ mind through this entire series.

If the O’s can get it going and keep it going in these next two series, they could gain serious ground on the Yankees. But, there will be several other teams who will be working extra hard in the next few games with their eyes on the Yankees and their Sanchez-free team.

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The O’s could learn from the actions of Sanchez against Cabrera. When the Yankees are down, kick them around a bit.

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