The Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees are set to clash in game two of their three-game series on Wednesday evening at Yankee Stadium. While the American League East title has largely been decided, both teams have critical adjustments to make as the postseason approaches. The Orioles are hoping to reintegrate important players into their lineup and revive their offensive momentum. Meanwhile, the Yankees are sorting through their surplus of starting pitchers to establish a solid rotation for the playoffs. This matchup will feature Orioles’ right-hander Zach Eflin (10-9, 3.53) against Yankees’ lefty Nestor Cortes (9-10, 3.77), with the game scheduled for 7:05 PM EST.
Baltimore’s Eflin Aims for Consistency
The Baltimore Orioles are gearing up for the Wildcard Round starting on October 1st. After a competitive summer against the Yankees, the team has faced challenges in recent weeks. They entered Yankee Stadium needing a sweep to keep their postseason hopes alive, especially with New York’s magic number at one. In a thrilling twist, the Orioles celebrated their playoff berth with a 5-3 victory on Tuesday night, powered by three solo home runs. This marks their second consecutive season clinching a playoff spot.
For game two, the Orioles will rely on Zach Eflin, who has proven to be a valuable asset since his trade from Tampa Bay. With a record of 10-9, a 3.53 ERA, and a WHIP of 1.13 across 27 starts, Eflin has delivered 13 quality starts this season. He has pitched 160.2 innings, allowing 162 hits while striking out 133 batters and walking only 19. His last outing against San Francisco saw him allow just one run in six innings, contributing to his team’s momentum.
Key Injuries: Starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez, reliever Burch Smith, second baseman Jorge Mateo, and reliever Felix Bautista are unavailable.
Yankees’ Cortes Seeks Redemption
The New York Yankees are on the verge of clinching the AL East title for the second time in three years, entering this series following a successful West Coast trip where they won five of six games. However, in a surprising turn, the Yankees lost to the Orioles 5-3 on Tuesday night, preventing them from officially sealing the division title.
Despite their strong position, the Yankees have several key decisions to make in the coming games, particularly regarding their starting rotation for the playoffs. Nestor Cortes, who is taking the mound on Wednesday, is eager to secure a spot in that rotation. Although he was recently used in relief, Cortes has expressed a desire to return to starting. With a season record of 9-10 and a 3.77 ERA across 30 starts, he has produced 13 quality outings. In 174.1 innings, Cortes has struck out 159 batters while allowing 162 hits and 20 home runs. His latest performance included six shutout innings against Oakland, showcasing his readiness for the postseason.
Key Injuries: Relievers Jake Cousins, Lou Trivino, and Jonathan Loasiga are sidelined.
Key Betting Insights for Orioles vs. Yankees
The Yankees still have significant motivation as the regular season winds down, especially with Nestor Cortes pitching on Wednesday night. Cortes is eager to prove himself worthy of a playoff rotation spot after being briefly relegated to a relief role. The Yankees have emerged victorious in three of Cortes’ last five starts. Additionally, Aaron Judge remains an exciting element in the lineup, as he continues his pursuit of a remarkable milestone. While reaching 60 home runs seems unlikely, Judge’s presence ensures the Yankees remain competitive. Other veterans like Anthony Rizzo and DJ LeMahieu are also expected to play, adding depth to the lineup as they seek to regain their rhythm. Given the Orioles’ current position and the uncertainty surrounding Eflin’s usage, the Yankees appear to have a clearer path heading into this match.
