The Baltimore Orioles play host to the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday night from Oriole Park at Camden Yards, in the finale of their three-game series. The Orioles have continued to surprise many in baseball as they continue to battle for one of the coveted Wild Card spots. Having won the first two games in the series already, the Orioles know that securing a sweet would be massive, though the Blue Jays aren't the type of team to back down from a fight. In what could be one of the most exciting games on Wednesday's slate, fans won’t want to miss this one.
The Blue Jays have been one of the best teams in the American League for much of the season but just when the window has opened for them to make a run at the top of the division, they have struggled to take advantage. They continue to sit atop the AL Wild Card standings but having only gone 5-5 across their last ten games leaves quite a bit to be desired. Beyond that, a sweep at the hands of a divisional rival is never ideal, so if nothing else they’ll be looking to avoid that in this one. With a losing record away from home, it could be a struggle to change the tides.
The lack of injuries has certainly been beneficial to Toronto this season, though they are battling some concerns in this one. George Springer (elbow) remains the lone position player out, though that is a big miss. Adding to that are four relievers out as well, casting some doubt over the state of the bullpen.
OFFICIAL: We've signed OF Jackie Bradley Jr. to a one-year contract!
Additionally, RHP Matt Peacock has been designated for assignment and INF Otto Lopez has been optioned to Triple-A. pic.twitter.com/PyScxED4vq
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 9, 2022
According to MLB.com, the Blue Jays will lean on Jose Berrios to take the mound in this one in what has been an up and down season for the righty. He comes in with an 8-4 record and 5.19 ERA, numbers that seem to be at odds with each other. He was shelled last time out against the Twins but was strong in his lone start against Baltimore on the season, as he looks to replicate that.
Offensively, the Blue Jays remain one of the most dangerous lineups in baseball, which continues to give them a leg up most nights. They rank top five in baseball in runs, average, and OPS, while ranking sixth in home runs and strikeout rate, both elite as well. Over the last week, the bats have been on fire for this group, as Vlad Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette are hitting over .300, while the depth of the lineup and power has been on full display as well. Wednesday could be the perfect opportunity for this team to break out in a big way.