If the Yankees are going to win the AL East, they need to take care of business this weekend. In a virtual deadlock with the Blue Jays, there’s only three games left for New York. That means stacking wins against the last-place Orioles. On paper, that doesn’t sound too difficult. However, Baltimore has played inspired baseball over the past few months. In addition, team ace Trevor Rogers is set to take the mound. Will there be an upset tonight in the Bronx? Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Friday’s meeting between the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees.
New York is favored (-156) over Baltimore, with the over/under set at eight runs. Let’s break down which side has the edge on DraftKings Sportsbook entering tonight’s contest.
Orioles vs. Yankees prediction, preview
As previously mentioned, getting hits off of Rogers is no easy task. That’s true for every team, even New York’s lethal lineup. Over 17 outings this season, the 27-year-old has allowed more than two runs only once. When these two teams met last Friday, the southpaw held the Pinstripes to one hit over six scoreless innings. However, it is worth mentioning that the Yankees have recorded the league’s highest OPS vs. left-handed pitching. If (big if) anyone is equipped to hit Rogers, it should be the Bronx Bombers.
If there’s any good news for New York, it’s not as if this Baltimore lineup is very dangerous. Thanks to a combination of midseason trades and untimely injuries, the Birds are looking lackluster at the plate. Since September 1st, the team has scored 75 total runs. That’s the third-worst mark in baseball during that time. Over four games between these rivals last weekend, the Orioles notched a combined six runs. Other than Gunnar Henderson, there aren’t many names that strike fear into opposing pitchers.
It’ll be rookie Will Warren making the most important start of his young career. Through 157.1 innings of work, the righty has posted a 4.35 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 164 strikeouts. Over his last two appearances vs. Baltimore, the 26-year-old has surrendered three earned runs (2.61 ERA). Interestingly enough, Warren is a much better pitcher at home (3.28 ERA) than on the road (5.52 ERA). That could spell trouble for a struggling lineup on Friday night.
Orioles vs. Yankees pick, best bet
Best Bet: Orioles vs. Yankees under eight total runs (-108)
At this point, it’s almost impossible to go against Rogers, even against the Yankees. Still, it’s also difficult to trust Baltimore’s underperforming hitters. Even though New York swept the White Sox this week, it was a closely fought, low-scoring series. A similar outcome could occur on Friday night.
