Bob Haynie: Orioles Set To Battle Yankees And Injuries
After winning the first two games, the Orioles had to settle for a series split with the Chicago White Sox. Not only did they lose the last two contests of the four-game set, the Birds lost their closer and starting shortstop as well.
Closer Zach Britton sprained his left ankle in Saturday night's 8-7 loss to the White Sox and had to leave the game. Fortunately, an MRI did not reveal any serious damage and a trip to the DL seems unlikely. Britton could be back on the mound by the end of the week.
Unfortunately, shortstop J.J. Hardy will be out for an extended period of time. Hardy fouled a Chris Sale pitch off his left foot on Sunday and suffered a hairline fracture. He is headed to the DL and is expected to be out of action for six to eight weeks.
Hardy joins starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo (shoulder) on the shelf for the Orioles.
With Hardy out, it looks like Manny Machado will move over from third base to shortstop and Ryan Flaherty will take over at the Hot Corner. Machado, by the way, was named the American League Player of the Month for April.
The series split with the White Sox cost the Birds their spot on top of the American League East standings. The Boston Red Sox, who have won eight of their last ten, now reside there.
Next up for the Orioles is a three-game series with the New York Yankees at Camden Yards.
The Yankees (8-15) have lost five consecutive games and are in last place in the AL East. They are 13th in the AL in runs scored and sport a .234 team batting average. On the pitching side, New York's 4.79 team ERA is 14th in the AL.
The Orioles have won five-straight over the Yankees and will try and make it six-straight for the first time since 1997. This series against their scuffling division foes could be just what the Birds need to regain some of their early season momentum.
