It took just over a month for the 10-game cushion the New York Yankees had in the American League East to completely disappear, a 19-26 stretch that has left them tied with the Baltimore Orioles for top spot and less than two games ahead of the Tampa Bay Rays. The Yankees’ struggles have completely changed the complexion of the AL playoff race, setting up an interesting sports betting weekend of baseball with three key matchups that will have major playoff implications. 
New York Yankees @ Baltimore Orioles
Saturday, 7:05 PM ET
The Yankees’ offense took a couple of big hits with injuries to both Alex Rodriguez and more recently Mark Teixeira, but with A-Rod back there is little room left for error. New York can take back control of the AL East with a successful three-game set against the Orioles this 5Dimes weekend, and should feel very comfortable with a pitching matchup that pits CC Sabathia against Joe Saunders. Sabathia is 13-4 with a 3.42 ERA on the year, and the Yankees’ offense should have no problem at all against Saunders, who has allowed at least five earned runs in three-straight starts before shutting down a depleted Toronto Blue Jays’ lineup in his last outing.
MLB Betting Pick: New York Yankees
Texas Rangers @ Tampa Bay Rays
Saturday, 7:10 PM ET
Saturday, 7:10 PM ET
While the Orioles are the focus now in a tie for first place, the Rays are right there with them after four-straight wins earlier in the online sportsbook week. The best scenario for Tampa Bay would be for neither the Yankees or the Orioles to be swept, which would allow them in to a tie for the Wild Card or first place in the division with a sweep of the Rangers. While there are a lot of ‘ifs’ in that situation the Rays do have David Price to lean on Saturday opposite Yu Darvish. Price struggled in his last start against Texas, but has bounced back well after rough outings in the past. Darvish on the other hand has been solid in his past two outings, which could mean he is due for a Bodog loss.
MLB Betting Pick: Tampa Bay Rays
Detroit Tigers @ Los Angeles Angels
Saturday, 9:05 PM ET
Saturday, 9:05 PM ET
While the Yankees, Orioles, and Rays battle for supremacy over in the AL East, it’s the Tigers chasing the Chicago White Sox in the AL Central with the deficit down to a single game. Detroit will be in tough this weekend as they head to the west coast to play a Los Angeles team that is fighting just to remain in the hunt. Saturday’s matchup will feature a battle of Cy Young award candidates as Justin Verlander battles Jared Weaver, and while both pitchers are capable of shutting the other team down, Weaver has the more desperate offense behind him. For all of the latest AL matchup odds, make sure to check out the best sports betting sites.
MLB Betting Pick: Los Angeles Angels
