Series Preview: Series 8 vs. Orioles

This four game series can help get the Yankees out of a real funk. The Yankees historically hit extremely well in Baltimore. With a 9-12 record, the Bombers can hit their way to a winning record if they pull off a series sweep, which is not impossible. However, the way the team has played, a sweep will be more difficult than it should be. Situational hitting, baserunning, and defense still need fine tuning, but I am not so sure it will truly get much better anyways.

Game 1

Monday, April 26 — 7:05 pm — YES Network

Probable Pitchers: Deivi Garcia - RHP (NYY) vs. Matt Harvey - RHP (BAL)

Photo Via: Paul J. Bereswill — NY Post

Game Notes: The Yankees recalled Deivi Garcia to make the Monday night start in Baltimore. The start will be his first of the season. Garcia had a rollercoaster 2020 season, going 3-2 with a 4.98 ERA. He allowed 35 hits in 34.1 innings last season, so Deivi will need to lower that rate in order to maintain serviceability.

His counterpart, Matt Harvey, is attempting to resurge his career with the Orioles. Harvey has a 5.12 ERA in 19.1 innings this season. He has been knocked around for 24 hits in those innings, so the Yankees offense has a chance to fill up the box score in the hitter’s park.

Game 2

Tuesay, April 27 — 7:05 pm — WPIX

Probable Pitchers: Corey Kluber - RHP (NYY) vs. Bruce Zimmermann - LHP (BAL)

Game Notes: Corey Kluber will get a chance to navigate the Orioles lineup, something he so badly needs. Kluber has struggled with command and also with putting away hitters once he gets to two-strike counts. The Orioles are prone to the strikeout and not particularly dangerous to pitch in the zone to, so Kluber should be able to excel if his breaking ball is dancing and fastball is accurate. Kluber has yet to earn a win, 0-2, and has a 5.40 ERA this season.

Bruce Zimmermann will face a right-handed loaded Yankees lineup. He will have a more difficult time than Kluber in finding easy outs, but the Yankees offense has not exactly been firing on all cylinders this season. Zimmermann has a 4.57 ERA so far this season.

Game 3

Wednesday, April 28 — 7:05 pm — YES Network

Probable Pitchers: Domingo Germán - RHP (NYY) vs. TBD - SP (BAL)

Game Notes: Domingo Germán really settled in last time he pitched, which was against the Cleveland Indians. His first inning included his own error, which resulted in a three-run disaster. He then fired 5 scoreless innings to earn his first win of the season. Baltimore will be a good opportunity for him to earn his second, but also leaves him vulnerable to the home run if he does not spot his changeup well.

The Orioles have yet to name a pitcher for Wednesday’s game. Manager Brandon Hyde says he will announce Wednesday’s starter on Tuesday.

Game 4

Thursday, April 29 — 1:05 pm — YES Network, MLB Network

Probable Pitchers: Jordan Montgomery - LHP (NYY) vs. Jorge López - RHP (BAL)

Game Notes: Jordan Montgomery carved up the Orioles lineup the first time they faced each other this season for 6 scoreless innings. This will be his second matchup with the Birds.

Jorge López ran into trouble against the Yankees in his start against them this season. He now owns an 8.15 ERA in 2021, so the Yankees offense will be foaming at the mouth to get to the fourth game of this series.

Sluggers to Watch

D.J. LeMahieu rolled 6 ground balls over to shortstop last series, but he did get Sunday off to work in the cage. Expect to see a major adjustment from LeMahieu, who is off to an underwhelming start in 2021.

Gleyber Torres had 5 hits, including a 3-hit game, in Cleveland. He also hit into some bad luck with line drives going right at fielders. He still has yet to get an extra-base hit this season, but he has hit 8 home runs and 4 doubles with a .333 average and .452 on-base percentage in his career at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

Cedric Mullins is on fire for the Orioles. He is hitting .346/.404 on the season. If he is able to set the table for the Orioles, the series can become a real pain for Yankees pitchers.

Injury Report

Miguel Andújar (carpal tunnel syndrome) returned from the 10-day injured list, but was optioned to the Alternate Site.

Luke Voit (torn meniscus), Zack Britton (arthroscopic elbow surgery), Clarke Schmidt (elbow strain), and Luis Severino (Tommy John surgery) are all out for the series.

Orioles slugger Anthony Santander (sprained ankle, 10-day IL) and veteran Chris Davis (strained lower back, 60-day IL) are out and will not return for this series.

Relievers Hunter Harvey (strained oblique, 60-day IL) and Mac Sceroler (shoulder tendinitis, 10-day IL) are each out for the series as well.