MLB analyst has gloomy forecast for Baltimore Orioles in AL East race

It was a disappointing weekend for the Baltimore Orioles as they lost their home series against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Although the Orioles once again held the lead in the American League East for a few days, they will now look up at the New York Yankees in the standings as they begin another week.

Like Baltimore, the Yankees haven't been playing particularly well lately, with neither team trying to pull away from the other. Considering the Orioles were playing at home against a Rays team that has been eliminated from the playoff race, a loss at this stage of the season isn't ideal.

With about three weeks to go in September, the race between Baltimore and New York will be one of the most exciting headlines to follow.

Rowan Kavner of Fox Sports recently commented on the race for the AL East and doesn't think the Orioles' chances are particularly good.

“After the Yankees' recent decline, it's basically a gamble right now. But as bad as things have been for the Bronx Bombers lately, they can still play Oakland and Pittsburgh before the season ends. The worst teams the Orioles will face are the Rays, Giants and Tigers, all of whom are evenly matched. If they were playing the same opponents the rest of the game, I'd take the O's. But they're not, so I'm leaning toward the Yankees.”

The Orioles' remaining schedule could well be the deciding factor in the race for the AL East. Next week, Baltimore will face the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers on the road. Both teams have a record above .500 and are in the playoff race themselves. Plus, you can argue that they are both playing better than the Orioles right now.

Even though Baltimore's schedule gets more difficult towards the end, they will play three games against the Yankees, but unfortunately both will be away games.

Of the Orioles' final 18 games, 12 are on the road, and they will play only three games against a team that is currently under .500, the San Francisco Giants. Even that series won't be easy for Baltimore, as the Giants aren't a bad team despite their under .500 record.

It will not be an easy road for the Orioles to win the AL East because, even though they are right next to New York, they will have to beat much better teams in the home stretch.