Baltimore @ New York preview
Yankee Stadium
Last Meeting ( Jul 30, 2012 ) Baltimore 5, NY Yankees 4
While it's likely a bit premature to panic, the New York Yankees have seen their lead in the American League East shrink to 6 1/2 games after dropping three straight and eight of their last 11. The host Yankees will look to stop the bleeding on Tuesday when they continue their three-game set versus the division rival Baltimore Orioles. New York may be without the services of first baseman Mark Teixeira, who exited Monday's series opening 5-4 loss with a wrist injury. He will have an MRI on Tuesday.
Baltimore is flexing its offensive muscle after scoring five or more runs in four of its last five contests. Nick Markakis collected three hits - including two RBIs - as the Orioles moved to within two games in the wild card standings. Baltimore is looking to improve its rotation prior to the trade deadline. The club is reportedly interested in acquiring Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Joe Blanton.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MASN, YES
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Chris Tillman (3-1, 1.66 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Ivan Nova (10-4, 4.08)
Tillman collected his second straight win after allowing two runs in six solid innings on Thursday. The 24-year-old overcame a season-high four walks to hand Tampa Bay a 6-2 setback. Tillman has struggled versus the Yankees, recording a 1-3 mark with a gaudy 8.71 ERA and 2.42 WHIP. He has not faced them this season, however.
Nova will attempt to secure his first win in over three weeks when he takes the mound on Tuesday. The 25-year-old Dominican allowed a career-high six walks to raise his pitch count as he exited after five innings in a no-decision versus Seattle on Wednesday. Nova is 3-1 in his career versus Baltimore - and received a no-decision after yielding five runs on May 14.
WALK-OFFS
1. Ichiro Suzuki extended his hitting streak to seven games after belting his 100th career homer - and first as a member of the Yankees.
2. Baltimore veteran Jim Thome will have an MRI on his ailing neck on Tuesday morning. The Orioles may see the return of 2B Robert Andino, who is working his way back from a left shoulder strain.
3. Robinson Cano has been held without a hit in his last 14 at-bats. He has fared well versus Tillman, going 7-for-11.