The Orioles are going to bat without two of their regulars: J.J. Hardy is still feeling the effects of a strained thumb and Chris Davis isn't very good right now.
Just as the series last week with the Blue Jays, this has potential to be big for the A.L. East. A sweep by the Yankees and the Orioles' lead will be cut to just three games. A sweep by the Orioles and the Yankees will be nine games out with just 45 games to go. Let's root for that outcome, OK?
Chris Capuano will make his fourth start for the Yankees, where he's put up a 2.84 ERA and had two solid starts out of three. Capuano was released by the Red Sox earlier this year, so the only explanation for his success so far with the Yankees is Satan. Or small sample size. All you need to know about him is that he's a lefty with a 89 mph fastball. For more on the pitching matchup between Capuano and Bud Norris, check out Alex's series preview.
J.J. Hardy thought he'd be ready to play today, but he is still not ready. Keep your fingers crossed that his sprained thumb heals up really soon, because until then it's both Flaherty and Schoop in the lineup.