masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgNEW YORK – The Orioles can’t be eliminated from playoff contention today, no matter what happens. The Tigers’ rescheduled game on Monday further complicates the situation.
Let’s simplify it: The Orioles win and they’re in the playoffs. They win and the Blue Jays lose, they’re the home team in the wild card game. The Jays win and they’re the home team. Both teams lose and the Jays are the home team because they own the tiebreaker.
The possibility still exists that we could have a three-way…

NEW YORK – The Orioles can’t be eliminated from playoff contention today, no matter what happens. The Tigers’ rescheduled game on Monday further complicates the situation.

Let’s simplify it: The Orioles win and they’re in the playoffs. They win and the Blue Jays lose, they’re the home team in the wild card game. The Jays win and they’re the home team. Both teams lose and the Jays are the home team because they own the tiebreaker.

The possibility still exists that we could have a three-way tie, but really, let’s focus on today and how the Orioles are trying to clinch and also secure the top wild card.

mark-trumbo-back-gray-swing.jpgMark Trumbo tied his season high yesterday with four hits – also on April 4 – and has collected multiple hits in five of his last eight games, going 14-for-32 with three doubles, four home runs, six RBIs, three walks and six runs scored.

Michael Bourn has reached base in his last six plate appearances, with four hits and two walks. He is leading off for the first time with the Orioles

Matt Wieters is 9-for-27 in his last seven games.

For the Orioles
Michael Bourn RF
Adam Jones CF
Manny Machado 3B
Mark Trumbo DH
Matt Wieters C
Chris Davis 1B
Jonathan Schoop 2B
Hyun Soo Kim LF
J.J. Hardy SS

Kevin Gausman RHP

For the Yankees
Brett Gardner LF
Jacoby Ellsbury CF
Gary Sanchez C
Brian McCann DH
Mark Teixeira 1B
Didi Gregorius SS
Aaron Hicks RF
Ronald Torreyes 3B
Donovan Solano 2B

Luis Cessa RHP