Baltimore Orioles vs New York Yankees series preview

After what was a disappointing series loss to the Philadelphia Phillies, the Orioles return to the friendly confines of Camden Yards to take on an AL East Rival in the New York Yankees for three games this weekend.

Orioles return home for divisional matchup against New York Yankees

Thanks to the balanced schedule taking effect, this series will be the last time the Orioles and Yankees meet in the regular season in 2023. There is always the possibility they could meet in the playoffs, but for now, this will be the last time these two teams see each other in 2023.

KNOW YOUR OPPONENT

The Yankees have dropped into the bottom of the AL East Standings, one game back of the Boston Red Sox entering play on Friday. They are 5-5 in their last 10 games and have won just one series out of four since the All Star Break, including being swept by the Los Angeles Angels.

One thing very noteworthy is the return of Aaron Judge. Barring a setback, Judge is expected to be activated from the IL and return to the lineup in this weekend series. It's no secret the Yankees need Judge back, and the Orioles will have their hands full trying to get him out this weekend.

SEASON SERIES

Through 10 games this season, the Orioles and Yankees are deadlocked at five wins each. This series will determine who wins the season series and the tiebreaker, should that scenario come into play. The last time they matched up was just before the All Star Break, with the teams splitting a four game series in the Bronx.

PITCHING PROBABLES

Friday, 7/28: Gerrit Cole vs Grayson Rodriguez

The Yankees staff ace takes the mound to open the series. He's thrown an AL leading 129 1/3 innings so far, posting a 2.78 ERA, 3.34 FIP, and 1.082 WHIP through 21 starts. He's averaging exactly 10 strikeouts per nine, 2.5 walks per nine, and 0.9 home runs per nine entering this start.

Rodriguez will make his third start of his second stint in the majors. He had an encouraging outing against the Tampa Bay Rays his last time out, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks over 5 2/3 innings, striking out six hitters in a no decision.

Something worth noting about Rodriguez is that he has a 9.11 ERA on the road. He's pitching at home, where he has a 4.91 ERA. That's not great, but it's better than 9.11. He averages 11.4 strikeouts per nine at home this season, totaling 29 1/3 innings pitched.

Saturday, 7/29: Clarke Schmidt vs Tyler Wells

Schmidt will get the middle game of the series for the Yankees. He has a 4.33 ERA which is right in line with his 4.32 FIP, to go along with a 1.324 WHIP, 2.5 walks per nine, and 8.8 strikeouts per nine over 99 2/3 innings and 21 games.

Wells takes the ball for the Orioles looking to bounce back. He lasted just 4 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on one swing while striking out five hitters. He's held Yankee hitters to a .224/.277/.473 slash line in his career, allowing 11 home runs with a 3.73 strikeout to walk ratio.

Sunday, 7/30: Luis Severino vs Dean Kremer

The Yankees give the ball to Severino to wrap up the series on Sunday night baseball. Through 11 starts and 54 1/3 innings, he has a inflated 6.46 ERA, 6.30 FIP, and 1.730 WHIP, averaging 2.3 home runs per nine, 3.6 walks per nine, and 7.5 strikeouts per nine. In one start against the Orioles this season, he was tagged for seven runs on 10 hits and one walk, striking out three hitters in 2 2/3 innings of work.

Kremer gets the ball on the heels of one of his best performances of the year. He allowed one run on three hits and two walks over seven strong innings against the Phillies in the series opener, getting a no decision due to a late rally by the Orioles.

In two starts against the Yankees this season, Kremer has a 3.75 ERA and 1.083 WHIP, pitching 12 innings while holding Yankee hitters to a .209/.277/.349 slash line over 47 plate appearances, including two home runs allowed.

Facing a division rival at home, this series is the last time of the season the Orioles can leave their mark on the Yankees. They need to make these games count with the season series on the line and a division lead to hold onto ahead of the trade deadline. Let's play ball!