Article:Yankees/Orioles Preview 5/8/09: A-Rod's Season Debut

I figured that since I was already gonna be at the game in Baltimore tomorrow, why not throw together a short preview?

Yes, you heard correctly, Alex Rodriguez will be making his season debut against the Orioles tomorrow after missing the first month of play due to a torn labrum.

The 11-17 Baltimore Orioles, currently sitting at the very bottom of the AL East (8 games behind the first place Jays), will start their "ace" Jeremy Guthrie up against the Yanks prized starter, C.C. Sabathia. Guthrie (2-2) and Sabathia (1-3) faced each other in the season opener back on April 6. The O's won the game 10-5 thanks to Guthrie's six solid innings pitched and three holds by the O's thin bullpen. Guthrie earned the win, Sabathia was hit with the loss after being torn apart by Baltimore batters in just four and a third innings (Sabathia walked five and allowed six earned runs on eight hits).

This time around, however, may be a little different. Both teams are under .500 and struggling to keep up with the red-hot Jays (20-10; won five of their last six). Both starters have been having terrible starts here in '09 and their records resemble exactly that. Guthrie's ERA is over 5.00, and before his start against the Jays on May 3 in which he lasted eight full innings, he hadn't reached the seventh inning a single time. Sabathia's ERA isn't much better (4.85) and both pitchers have walked quite a few batters so far.

The Yanks are on a four game skid (entering today) while the O's have lost seven of their last ten games. Both teams have the potential to put up a good amount of runs, but aren't able to keep a lead for long because of poor pitching. So, if you're looking for an offensive-oriented game, tune in to the Yankees/Orioles game tomorrow night at 7:05 ET. I feel as though there will be quite a few fans in attendance, especially since it will be the night of the long-awaited return of Alex Rodriguez (and because it's student night and upper reserve tickets are just $6).

Either way, should be a good game. I will be sure to get a couple of photos..

Oh, almost forgot: I believe the O's will make it two straight victories and extend the Yanks skid. 7-4 O's: Guthrie with his third win, Sabathia with his fourth loss.