MLB: Orioles vs Yankees Odds, Analysis, & Picks

Divisional rivals clash on Friday, June 20 as the Baltimore Orioles visit the New York Yankees for the beginning of a three-game set at Yankee Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 7:08 PM EDT. The O’s, who have struggled this season, just split a four-game set with the Tampa Bay Rays. The first place Yanks meanwhile ended a six-game skid on Thursday, beating the Los Angeles Angels in the series finale.

Odds provided by Sports Interaction.

Orioles vs Yankees Odds

The Yankees are a heavy -220 home favorite, while the Orioles return as a +180 underdog.

These two met earlier this season, with Baltimore winning two of three.

Orioles vs Yankees Analysis

Baltimore has easily been one of the most disappointing teams in the Majors. They were seen as a legitimate contender but have failed to live up to expectations, sitting at 32-42 with the All-Star break not far away. The Orioles are struggling in all areas, ranking towards the bottom of the big leagues in runs scored, average, hits, and team ERA. On a more positive note, the Orioles have started to play better, going 6-4 in their last 10 contests. They will also send of their better arms to the mound in the opener in Tomoyuki Sugano.

The Japanese right-hander is 5-4 so far with a 3.38 ERA in 14 starts. While he’s allowed 13 home runs, Sugano has been quite reliable for the O’s. He’s given up three earned runs in back-to-back starts but Sugano tossed five scoreless against the Yankees in late April. He actually pitches much better on the road as well, compiling a 2.85 ERA while holding opponents to a .224 average. Hopefully, he can find success against the slumping Yankees offense.

Whenever New York loses, it’s a topic of concern. The Yanks were swept by the Boston Red Sox before losing three in a row to the Angels. Thankfully, they steered clear of another sweep with a 7-3 victory on Thursday. Aaron Boone’s group is only 4-6 in their last 10 games but they still remain in first place in the American League East with a 43-31 record. That being said, the Rays are breathing down their necks, just 2.5 games back in second.

Aaron Judge is having another MVP campaign and he’s the No. 1 reason the Yankees are in top spot. However, it’s hard to also ignore the dominance of Max Fried, who will face the Orioles on Friday. The southpaw has been all New York could’ve asked for and more, going 9-2 with a 1.90 ERA in 15 starts. He’s struck out 90 in 95 innings of work while issuing only 20 free passes. Fried has a stellar 1.43 ERA at Yankee Stadium, with opponents hitting a mere .170. Lights out.

Orioles vs Yankees Picks

Fried is absolutely nasty and he’s held this Orioles lineup to a .184 average across 38 at-bats. The left-hander is unhittable at home, and Baltimore isn’t exactly thriving offensively. I’ll take the southpaw to bring his best and set the tone for the Yankees, who will build on Thursday’s performance and do some damage against Sugano.

Pick: Yankees -220 /Sports Interaction