Sun Jun 22 13:40:00 UTC 2025: **Orioles Stack Right-Handed Lineup Against Yankees’ Fried; Bautista Celebrates Birthday**
**NEW YORK** – The Baltimore Orioles have opted for a right-handed-heavy lineup as they kick off their series against the New York Yankees tonight. Key players like Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday, Ryan O’Hearn, and Cedric Mullins will start on the bench.
Jordan Westburg will lead off and play second base, while Ramón Urías takes on third base and cleanup duties. Luis Vázquez will man shortstop, and Coby Mayo returns to the lineup at first base. Adley Rutschman will serve as the designated hitter.
The decision is likely influenced by Yankees’ left-handed starter Max Fried, who boasts a stellar 1.89 ERA and a 9-2 record this season, having conceded only seven home runs in 95 innings. Fried has historically fared well at Yankee Stadium, holding a 1.45 ERA across seven starts. Right-handers have struggled against Fried this season, hitting .207/.245/.280.
While the Orioles have struggled against left-handed starters, their lineup is strategically designed to exploit potential weaknesses in Fried’s performance.
In other news, closer Félix Bautista is celebrating his 30th birthday today. A save tonight would make him the first Oriole to record a save on multiple birthdays, joining a select group of Orioles pitchers.
The Yankees enter the series in first place with a 43-31 record and are looking to build on yesterday’s 7-3 victory against the Angels after ending a six-game losing streak and three-game shut-out streak. They have a formidable plus-101 run differential, the best in the American League.
The Orioles, who have won or split their last five road series against the Yankees, are looking to narrow the gap and continue their strong record against New York since 2023 (17-12). The Orioles are allowing 1.80 fewer runs per game this month than in May, the largest decrease in the majors.
First Piper 