The New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles could be headed in opposite directions at this point in the season. The Yankees are healthy and thriving while Baltimore has injuries that could prevent them from snapping a four-game losing streak. With both Adam Jones and Ryan Flaherty not expected to play against New York, Baltimore could be facing another tough game.
Jones appeared to get injured in Friday's lose to the New York Yankees while crashing into the fence attempting to get a ball. He stayed in the game, but only managed to go 1 for 5. According to manager Buck Showaler, Jones is suffering from sore ribs and might not be able to play on Saturday as he may be resting. Flaherty is still recovering from a strained right groin that caused him to miss 11 games. He returned on Friday, but there is doubt as to just how healthy he really is.
The Orioles are desperate for a win. They lead the league with a .318 average during day games. Jones was leading that effort with a .576 average in the afternoons, so losing him could be a major blow to the offense. Flaherty is batting .444 in the afternoons. Baltimore will start Wei-Tin Chen who is 0-1 with a 2.83 ERA this season, but he is 0-4 with a 3.62 ERA in his last nine starts overall. Against the Yankees he is 2-4 with a 5.18 ERA in 10 starts.
New York will counter with Chase Whitley who is 1-0 with a 0.75 ERA this season. He is coming off an impressive game when he pitched seven scoreless innings, but the Yankees fell 3-1. He is likely hoping that both Jones and Flaherty are out for the afternoon game in order to help make his job easier. While Baltimore thrives playing in the afternoon, the Yankees are just .187 during day games.
Yankees hitters are hoping to have a big day off the heals of Alex Rodriguez cementing his place in history. Jacoby Ellsbury has the most success against the Chen in the regular season. He is 7 for 16 while Bret Gardner is 4 for 8.