Orioles vs Blue Jays Preview: Can Baltimore Clinch the Series? | Beatline Orioles

Alright, let's talk about the big picture first.

The Orioles come in at 72-77, sitting 5th in the AL East.

They just lost yesterday 7-3 to the Blue Jays, which leveled the series after they had taken the opener 7-4 thanks to some huge hitting from Dylan Beavers and Kobe Mayo.

Right.

And that loss was tough because Alejandro Kirk hit a two-run homer and Brett Bateman added a solo shot.

But now it's all about survival.

The Blue Jays are 74-75, fourth in the division.

So neither team is really playing for anything other than pride and momentum heading into the offseason, unless those wildcard spots are still wide open.

So, who's starting? For Baltimore, we know Shane Baz has been in the mix.

Yesterday was a bit of a struggle, but he's got the stuff to bounce back.

Who do you see starting tonight if the rotation holds up?

Given the injuries, the Orioles are stretched.

We know Chris Bassett, Kyle Braddish, and Trevor Rodgers are on the roster.

But with Jameson Talon on the 15-day IL and Ryan Mountcastle on the 60-day IL, the pressure is on the starters to eat innings.

I think Baz gets the nod again, or potentially Brandon Young if they want to rest him.

Brandon Young? That's a swing and miss move.

If they go with Young, they're betting on high strikeout potential over command.

What does that mean for the Blue Jays hitters?

It means they need to be patient.

If Young is wild, the Blue Jays can exploit gaps in the defense.

But if he finds a spot, his velocity is elite.

The key for Baltimore is getting early strikes.

You don't want to fall behind Duro to two against a lineup that includes Alejandro Kirk,

And for Toronto, they need to capitalize on any mistakes.

They won yesterday, so they have momentum.