McFarland, not Gausman, to start Friday vs. Yanks

BALTIMORE -- Orioles rookie T.J. McFarland will make the first Major League start of his career on Friday night against the New York Yankees.

McFarland, a Rule 5 Draft pick from Cleveland this winter, made the Opening Day roster in the bullpen and has been pitching in long relief. The 24-year-old lefty got the nod over top pitching prospect, right-hander Kevin Gausman, who manager Buck Showalter said will be available out of the bullpen.

"It's his turn," Showalter said of McFarland, who has pitched to a 4.14 ERA in 18 appearances. "He's [had] four days' rest. Be ready to go 80-plus pitches tomorrow at least, and hopefully pitch five or six innings. The Yankees will have something to say about that.

"Mac is throwing the ball well and deserves an opportunity while we have an opportunity to take a look at it. We had a couple options, he was one of them and that's where we are going to go tomorrow."

The Yankees were held to two hits by Rangers lefty Derek Holland on Wednesday afternoon and enter the weekend set behind the Orioles and Red Sox, in third place in the American League East.