The New York Yankees are set to host the Baltimore Orioles for a four-game series beginning Friday at Yankee Stadium. With the Yankees sitting atop the AL East at 20-11 and the Orioles at 15-16 in third place, this matchup carries early-season divisional weight.

New York boasts an impressive 8-2 record over their last 10 games, fueled by a stifling 2.15 ERA and a lineup that has outscored opponents by 26 runs. Meanwhile, Baltimore has gone 5-5 in their last 10, with a 5.43 ERA that has left them vulnerable.

Friday's pitching matchup features Yankees right-hander Will Warren (3-0, 2.59 ERA, 37 strikeouts) against Orioles lefty Cade Povich (0-0). Warren has been a bright spot in a rotation hit hard by injuries, giving the Yankees a reliable arm every fifth day.

Offensively, the Yankees are leaning on Ben Rice, who has 10 home runs and 23 RBIs this season. Aaron Judge has also been heating up, going 10-for-34 with four homers in his last 10 games. For the Orioles, Taylor Ward leads the team with a .304 batting average, while Samuel Basallo has contributed two home runs in his last 10 outings.

Both teams are dealing with significant injuries. The Yankees are without Giancarlo Stanton, Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Anthony Volpe, among others. The Orioles have a lengthy injured list that includes Felix Bautista, Zach Eflin, and Ryan Mountcastle.

With the Yankees favored at -172 and the over/under set at 8.5 runs, expect a competitive series as these division rivals meet for the first time in 2026.