New York Yankees (13-15) vs. Baltimore Orioles (12-17) MLB Picks: It sure seems like for the first time this season, the spotlight will not be on Alex Rodriguez, as the Manny Ramirez-steroid scandal is dominating the airwaves. After undergoing offseason hip surgery, Rodriguez is set to make his season debut with the New York Yankees, as they embark on a 6-game road trip, which kicks off tonight against the Baltimore Orioles.
After missing 28 games, A-Rod will be making his return a bit earlier than anticipated, as the Yankees desperately need his offensive production. 
The Bombers, now losers of 5 consecutive games, are happy to hit the road after a terrible home stand, which saw the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays come into Yankee Stadium and sweep the place.
According to oddsmakers at Bodog.com, the New York Yankees [-165 ML] have been once again listed as the Sports Odds favorites to win tonight’s series opener against American League East rivals, Baltimore Orioles [+145 ML].
Tonight’s pitching matchup should be a great one indeed, as it features the Yankees No.1 guy, LHP CC Sabathia (1-3, 4.85 ERA) taking on Baltimore’s ace RHP Jeremy Guthrie (2-2, 5.05 ERA).
One of the biggest problems for New York this season has been a lack of consistent offensive production. The pinstripes hope that A-Rod can have an immediate impact on their lineup. "I'm glad he's coming back because he's a part of this team, and we're looking forward to getting him back," starting pitcher Andy Pettitte said. "But he can't go out there and throw the ball for us." The OVER/UNDER for tonight’s New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles MLB Picks has been listed at a combined total of 9½ runs scored.
Last night, the Yankees ended on the losing end of yet another close game. Closer, Mariano Rivera gave up back-to-back homers for the first time in his career, as the Rays escaped with an 8-6 victory. "None of us are asking him to be the savior," Girardi said. "All we're asking Alex is just be Alex. One guy cannot save this club."
One guy who is certain to get booed loudly throughout this series is Mark Teixeira. But “Big Tex” isn’t worried about what kind of reception his hometown fans will give him, instead he’s looking forward to seeing better pitches to hit with A-Rod in the lineup. "Alex is going to help everybody out, he's going to drive in a bunch of runs, he's going to get on base, he's going to play great 'D,'" Teixeira said Thursday. "So I'm going to give him a big hug when I see him tomorrow."
Sports-Odds MLB Picks: [New York Yankees -1½; -105]
