Blue Jays vs Orioles Series Preview: Rivals Jockeying for Position in AL East

American League East rivals Baltimore and Toronto will convene at Camden Yards Tuesday to open a three-game series. Both clubs are currently vying for position behind Tampa Bay, owner of the best record in baseball at 48-20.

The Orioles swept a three-game series from the Blue Jays in Toronto last month, with two of the victories coming in extra innings. Can the Blue Jays return the favor this week? Let’s break down the series in our Blue Jays vs Orioles series preview.

Pitching Powers Toronto

While Toronto (37-30) is known mostly for its powerful offense, don’t sleep on its pitching. The Blue Jays rotation has been formidable this season, with right-handers Kevin Gausman and Chris Bassitt forming a potent one-two punch. Gausman and Bassitt, who will pitch Tuesday’s series opener, have each made 10 quality starts, tied for second-most in baseball behind Cubs right-hander Marcus Stroman, with 12. Gausman also leads the AL and is second in MLB in strikeouts with 117, trailing Atlanta’s Spencer Strider (121).

As a whole, Toronto’s staff leads the majors with 636 punchouts and is ninth with a 3.88 ERA. Its 32 quality starts are second to Seattle’s 33.

Right-hander Jose Berrios has returned closer to form, registering a 3.61 ERA and 8.1 K/9, both of which are improvements over last season. Additionally, the bullpen has been strong, as closer Jordan Romero ranks second with 18 saves, per MLB players stats.

Orioles Standing Firm

The Orioles have won four straight and six of nine. At 41-24, they’re sitting comfortably in second place in the AL East, 5.5 games behind Tampa Bay. With a run differential of plus-38, the Orioles seem to destined to remain in contention, jockeying for position in arguably baseball’s strongest division.

Like Toronto, the Orioles have been productive offensively, ranking seventh in runs (323), 12th in homers (76), and 10th in OPS (.745). Outfielder Austin Hays, one of MLB’s average leaders at .301, has been a steady presence near the top of Baltimore’s lineup, along with catcher Adley Rutschman (.800 OPS, 8 HR) and outfielder Anthony Santander (.333 OBP, 9 HR).

Outfielder Cedric Mullins remains on the 10-Day Injured List with a groin strain, while first baseman Ryan Mountcastle was out through the weekend against Kansas City with an illness. Josh Lester started in his absence.

Betting Trends

Baltimore is 40-25 against the spread. That’s the second-best mark in baseball behind Texas (41-23). Interestingly, the Orioles are just 15-17 ATS at home compared to an MLB-leading 25-8 on the road.

Conversely, Toronto is just 33-34 ATS, including 17-18 away from home. Keep that in mind when assessing our Blue Jays vs Orioles series preview.

Game 1

Dean Kremer pitched well against Toronto last month, allowing just one run over 5.2 innings in an 8-3, 11-inning victory. For the season, he is 8-3 with a 4.89 ERA. Home runs (12 allowed in 70 innings) have been an issue.

He opposes Bassitt, Toronto’s big offseason acquisition, who is second in baseball with 10 quality starts. Bassitt is 7-4 with a 3.29 ERA.

Toronto opened as a slight -120 moneyline favorite, with Baltimore priced at +110. The total rose to 9 after opening at 8 and is juiced toward the under at -118.

Game 2

Bradish is coming off a five-inning stint against Milwaukee on Thursday, in which he allowed three runs and struck out a season-high 10. The 26-year-old right-hander is 2-2 with a 4.25 ERA.

His counterpart, Berrios, is 6-4 with a 3.61 ERA, a full run lower than last season (5.23). The two-time All-Star has 70 strikeouts in 77.1 innings.

Game 3

The 28-year-old Wells owns an impressive 3.24 ERA and 0.85 WHIP. He’s also struck out 74 batters in 75 innings. Kukuchi, meanwhile, is 6-2 with a 4.34 ERA, but he’s allowed 18 homers, matching Kansas City‘s Jordan Lyles for the most in baseball. Keep that in mind while assessing our Blue Jays vs Orioles series preview.

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