New York @ Baltimore preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 2, 2012 ) Baltimore 8, NY Yankees 3

Seven weeks ago, the New York Yankees held a 10-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East. As the Yankees roll into Camden Yards for the start of a four-game set on Thursday, the East is very much up for grabs. The Orioles had whittled that deficit all the way down to zero on Tuesday but will enter the weekend a game down after falling on Wednesday. New York dropped two of three to Baltimore at home last weekend.

The Orioles squandered their chance to go into the series on equal footing with a 6-4 loss to the last-place Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday. Baltimore had not allowed a run in taking the first two games from the Blue Jays but lost for just the third time in their last 12 games. The Yankees had dropped 10 of 14 heading into Wednesday, when they held a 20-minute team meeting prior to the series finale with Tampa Bay. They responded with a 6-4 win, getting contributions from Russell Martin and Alex Rodriguez. The Orioles outscored New York 17-8 in the Bronx last weekend.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, YES (New York), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH David Phelps (3-4, 3.13 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Jason Hammel (8-6, 3.54)

Phelps has not earned a win in any of his last three starts and lost his command last time out, issuing six walks in 4 2/3 innings against the Orioles. He limited the damage to three runs and three hits but did not factor in the decision as New York went on to win. Phelps made three relief appearances against Baltimore earlier in the season, combining to yield four hits in five scoreless innings. The 25-year old is 1-2 with a 3.79 ERA in seven starts.

Hammel was one of the candidates for the final spot on the AL All-Star team with a strong first half but will be making his first start since July 13 after undergoing right knee surgery. The veteran right-hander threw a bullpen session in Toronto on Tuesday and will be on a limited pitch count Thursday. Hammel had lost his last four starts before hitting the disabled list and has faced the Yankees twice already this season, going 0-1 while allowing a total of seven runs (six earned) in 11 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Orioles slugger Mark Reynolds has six homers in the last six games, including four against the Yankees last week.

2. Martin’s two hits on Wednesday lifted his average to .203 - the first time it has been above .200 since June 22.

3. New York LHP Andy Pettitte threw a 16-pitch simulated game on Wednesday and plans to throw again over the weekend.