Yankees: MLB Players’ Weekend series preview against Orioles

This weekend, the Yankees look to improve their record against the Orioles in a four-game series during the second annual MLB Players’ Weekend.

The Yankees are the second-best team in baseball. They are stocked with young talent, trusty vets, and on pace for many, many wins, despite not playing their best lately. With all the success the Yanks have had this season, they are 6-6 against the MLB-worst Orioles.

Lacking a winning record against a team doing so poorly in the standings is a massive disappointment during this crucial run to the Postseason.

With the Yankees now missing Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez, Didi Gregorius and Aroldis Chapman, they’re in a difficult position. This month, they’ve undoubtedly had their share of struggles. When a team is missing the core of its lineup, winning games is a challenge.

In August, the Yankees are just 11-10.

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The last time the Bombers faced Baltimore, they split a two-game set. Prior to that, they split a four-game series. This season, the Yankees have shown difficulty in winning against teams with poor and losing records. The Red Sox are 14-2 against the Orioles, whereas the Yanks are an even .500. These winnable games can mean the difference in the final standings at the end of the season. The Red Sox have done their job. The Yankees have not.

However, this weekend, the Yanks are looking to rebound. With the Wild Card race well underway, the Yankees need to rack up as many wins as possible to be in the best position for Postseason play. When facing the O’s, it’s especially important to capitalize on every opportunity.

On Friday, C.C. Sabathia (7-4, 3.32 ERA) returns from the DL to take the bump against Alex Cobb (4-15, 5.09 ERA). The teams will play in a doubleheader (makeup of June 3) on Saturday. In Game 1, J.A. Happ (14-6, 3.84) gets the start, with the Orioles’ pitcher TBA.

Both teams’ pitchers are TBA for Game 2. In Sunday’s series finale, Luis Severino (16-6, 3.28 ERA) looks for another quality start against Dylan Bundy (7-12, 5.31 ERA).

This weekend, every team in the Bigs will honor its players with a weekend dedicated to showcasing the character and personal lives of the men who play the game.

Players’ Weekend is an opportunity for players to wear alternate jerseys with chosen nicknames on the back. Additionally, players will receive customized bats and cleats — and will be allowed to wear brightly colored batting gloves, compression sleeves and wristbands, if they so choose.

Some of the most notable Yankee nicknames this year include “The Knight” for Didi Gregorius, “Pickles” for Sonny Gray, and “Kraken” for Gary Sanchez.

MLB finds Players’ Weekend fun and inspiring for both players and fans alike. Yankee supporters can expect to get to know the players a bit better and understand what sparked their passion for the game and those who helped guide their exciting journeys.

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Last season, the Yankees played at home for the first-ever Players’ Weekend. They took two of three games from the Mariners. As August comes to a close, the Yankees hope they can continue Players’ Weekend success and win all four contests, as they play for the last time in Baltimore this season.