By means of Monday’s video games, the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles are tied for the American League East lead with 67-46 data and 49 regular-season video games remaining.
Each groups have heated up and cooled down over the identical stretches this season, so the division race has stayed tight. The remaining schedule favors the Yankees, whom FanDuel pegs to win the division for the second time in three seasons.
In August, the Orioles will play 17 of their 24 video games in opposition to groups with a .500 document or higher. This features a three-series stretch in opposition to the playoff-contending New York Mets, Houston Astros, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Baltimore is 40-29 in opposition to groups with profitable data.
The Orioles’ schedule eases barely in September. They are going to play 12 video games in opposition to groups with profitable data, together with an important collection in opposition to the Yankees. General, 29 of their final 49 video games are in opposition to groups above .500.
The Yankees, in the meantime, solely have 5 video games in opposition to groups at present above .500 in August. Nonetheless, they play 17 video games in September in opposition to groups with profitable data.
Like Baltimore, New York has loved success in opposition to profitable groups (48-33 document). Lower than half of its remaining schedule is in opposition to groups at present below .500.
The fear for Baltimore is similar as all season: pitching.
The Orioles acquired Zach Eflin and Trevor Rogers on the commerce deadline, however Baltimore does not have a dominant rotation. In two begins, Eflin has pitched solidly, however Rogers pitched terribly in his first begin together with his new crew, permitting six hits, 5 runs and three walks in 4.1 innings.
For the Yankees, premature unhealthy pitching and hitting have raised issues.
The lineup grew to become barely deeper with the addition of outfielder/third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. on the commerce deadline. Nonetheless, catcher Austin Wells, second baseman Gleyber Torres and shortstop Anthony Volpe should play higher.
In August, New York is anticipated to get again first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who hasn’t performed since mid-June due to a proper arm fracture, and beginning pitcher Clarke Schmidt. Rizzo’s play underwhelmed earlier than his damage, however Schmidt pitched effectively (5-3, 2.52 ERA) earlier than a proper lat pressure sidelined him in late Could.
New York has a golden alternative over the subsequent month to beat groups beneath .500 and probably construct a sizeable lead over Baltimore earlier than the groups meet in a September collection. The Orioles have received six of 10 video games in opposition to New York this season.
If Baltimore performs effectively in opposition to the perfect groups, this divisional race may very well be selected the final day of the season.
Buckle up, Yankees and Orioles followers, as a result of this may very well be a wild journey.
