New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles: James Paxton vs. Alex Cobb

The Yankees’ first homestand of the season is over, and boy, was it a doozy. They went 2-4 against two of the league’s worst teams. The offense only mustered 20 runs in six games and three starting position players hit the IL. Things are bleak in Yankeeland right now, but it’s still early. The team gets a chance to avenge some early losses, as they open up a three-game set in Baltimore this afternoon.

James Paxton looked as good as advertised in his Yankee debut against the Orioles last week, and he gets the ball again in game one today. In 5.2 innings, Paxton surrendered two runs — one earned— and punched out five Orioles. The two runs ended up as the difference in the game, and J-Pax (can we call him J-Pax?) took the loss.

Alex Cobb makes his season debut for the Orioles today. Cobb is the ace of this Orioles staff, but the Yankees didn’t see him during the opening series because of a groin strain. Despite a 4.90 ERA last year, the Yankees didn’t do much against Cobb last season. In three starts, he held the Yankees to just three runs while striking out 12 and walking three.

All things considered, the Yankee lineup doesn’t look too bad today. Tyler Wade will start the game at second base today after subbing in yesterday following Troy Tulowitzki’s injury. Thairo Estrada got called up in the corresponding roster move. Luke Voit is at DH today while Greg Bird mans first base. First pitch is at 3:05pm ET, on YES for TV viewers, and WFAN for radio listeners. You can also stream the game on fuboTV.