Can The Orioles Hang On In The AL East?
AL East Gambling Report Card: New York's Struggling For Answers

The New York Yankees led the AL East for most of the first half. However, the Baltimore Orioles outplayed the Yankees over the last month and a half and now have a slight edge in the AL East Gambling Report Card.
The Orioles and Yankees are fighting for the AL East, but both teams will likely make the playoffs. On the other hand, it’s unlikely the Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays will find themselves in a position to make the playoffs.
The Rays are currently .500 and haven’t exceeded expectations this season. Meanwhile, at 44-52, the Toronto Blue Jays have been one of the biggest disappointments this season. They’ll likely become sellers by the Trade Deadline.
Lastly, the Boston Red Sox have been one of the most impressive teams this year. Projected to finish last in the division, the Red Sox are heading into the second half of play at 53-42. Boston is 24-25 at home but a shocking 29-17 on the road. The road dominance is why they’re still in play for a potential playoff spot.
Here’s a look at the full AL East gambling report card heading into the second half of the season.
Baltimore Orioles (58-38): O/U 95.5 Wins, -105 To Win Division
- Grade: A
The Baltimore Orioles have the division’s best AL East gambling report card. The Orioles are 58-38 and have plenty of reinforcements in the minors that will help them come September.
The rotation lacks behind Corbin Burnes and Grayson Rodriguez. But Dean Kremer is a solid third man. Ultimately, the Orioles must find another primetime starter at the Trade Deadline.
Meanwhile, the lineup has been red-hot. They’ve got so much power between Gunnar Henderson, Anthony Santander, and the rest of the lineup. The issue isn’t the lineup. It’s the lack of depth pitching.
That’s because John Means, Kyle Bradish, and Tyler Wells are all injured and out of the starting rotation. Felix Bautista and Danny Coulombe are also unavailable in the bullpen.
Still, the Orioles leaped over the Yankees and looked like they’d hold on throughout the rest of the season. It’s been a great year for Baltimore. The franchise is just getting started and usually has the highest MLB implied runs per game this year.
New York Yankees (58-40): O/U 97.5 Wins,-125 To Win Division
- Grade: B+
The Yankees look fantastic on paper.
The starting rotation is deadly. Just look at the group. The Yankees have Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil, Carlos Rodon, Marcus Stroman, and Nestor Cortes. It’s one of the best rotations in the MLB. However, Gil has struggled a lot after a massive start to the season.
Cole has been inconsistent since returning to the mound. Meanwhile, Carlos Rodon is still giving up too much power. They’ll be in great shape if the rotation can settle in and lean on each other. Recently, that just hasn’t been the case.
The Yankees’ lineup has been all Juan Soto and Aaron Judge. Without those two, the Yankees would be terrible offensively. New York lost Giancarlo Stanton and Anthony Rizzo for the time being, and they have gotten sporadic play from everyone since then.
With New York in second place in the AL East, they’re only betting at B+. Our MLB predictions believe the Yankees will finish second in the division.
Boston Red Sox (53-42): O/U 86.5 Wins, +1600 To Win Division
- Grade: A-
The Boston Red Sox were expected to be one of the worst teams in the MLB this year. However, unlike previous years, the Red Sox made moves when things started to turn. Typically, in Red Sox fashion, they wait to make moves with their team until it’s too late.
Not this time.
The Red Sox have a solid foundation of starters and are getting some really good baseball out of Jarren Duran. Everyone knew Rafael Devers would carry the Red Sox, but nobody expected Duran to come on as strong as he has.
The Red Sox get an A- for their AL East gambling report card.
Tampa Bay Rays (48-48): O/U 79.5 Wins, +20000 To Win Division
- Grade: C-
It’s always interesting how the Rays won so much over the last few years. However, the Rays are finally starting to recognize their lack of spending.
Tampa Bay is sitting at .500 but still has a good starting rotation. It’s a mixture of young and older guys. With Shane Baz, Taj Bradley, and Ryan Pepiot, there’s much to like with this rotation. If nothing else, they’ll continue to improve and grow for next year.
Toronto Blue Jays (44-52): O/U 76.5 Wins, +50000 To Win Division
- Grade: D-
There’s no reason the Blue Jays have been this bad. Toronto’s starting rotation is in order, and the starters have played in the majority of games.
At this point, we could see Bo Bichette and other notable names get traded at the deadline. If Toronto can’t win with Jose Berrios, Yusei Kikuchi, Chris Bassitt, and Kevin Gausman in the rotation, it’s probably time to rebuild and start with a new core of players.
The under 76.5 wins would be one of our MLB best bets, as the Blue Jays are likely to trade for prospects at the deadline.
For MLB betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
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