It might be only mid-May, but the Baltimore Orioles are playing a meaningful series with the Toronto Blue Jays this weekend.
The two contending bird teams are slated for a three-game series that could change the standings for the second and third spots in the AL East.
The Blue Jays have had the Orioles’ number in season series meetings. The last time the Orioles won a season series against the Jays was in 2017 when they went 12-7 against Toronto.
As a new era of Orioles baseball is underway, the Birds closed the gap, going 9-10 last season against Toronto. At one point, the Orioles took five straight against Toronto last season, and the June series helped springboard the Orioles to a 10-game winning streak.
This season, a more cohesive unit will enter Toronto, looking to show once again that the Baltimore Orioles are legitimate threats.
The Orioles will send Kyle Gibson to the mound to open the series and have Grayson Rodriguez and Dean Kremer follow to close the series. Toronto will counter with Yusei Kikuchi, Alek Manoah and former Oriole, Kevin Gausman.
BATTERY ❌-FACTOR
This series could have many different components to choose from for the BATTERY ❌-FACTOR, but the one that stands out the most is Orioles manager Brandon Hyde.
Hyde, who is 24-43 as the Orioles skipper against Toronto, has helped to guide the growth of this young team. Between questions of his lineups to how he manages the bullpen, this will be a series that will be scrutinized from every angle and decision.
How Hyde reacts to this high-pressure set will help determine not only for the fans but for the team the direction the Orioles are headed. It’s not often you’re playing important games this early in the season, but Hyde’s ability to assess and respond in crucial situations will be the deciding factor.
GAME 1 STARTING LINEUPS
Baltimore Orioles (28-16): Managed by Brandon Hyde
1. Cedric Mullins CF
2. Adley Rutschman C
3. Ryan Mountcastle 1B
4. Anthony Santander DH
5. Austin Hays LF
6. Ryan McKenna RF
7. Jorge Mateo SS
8. Adam Frazier 2B
9. Joey Ortiz 3B
SP. Kyle Gibson RHP (4-3, 4.67 ERA)
Toronto Blue Jays (25-19): Managed by John Schneider
1. George Springer RF
2. Bo Bichette SS
3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. DH
4. Daulton Varsho LF
5. Matt Chapman 3B
6. Brandon Belt 1B
7. Whit Merrifield 2B
8. Danny Jansen C
9. Kevin Kiermaier CF
SP. Yusei Kikuchi LHP (5-0, 3.89 ERA)
First pitch is scheduled for 7:07 p.m. EST at Rodgers Centre in Toronto. Friday’s game will be televised on Apple TV+, but you can also listen via your local Orioles Radio Network station. Saturday’s game will start at 3:07 p.m. EST, with Sunday’s series finale starting at 1:37 p.m. EST.
How do you see this series playing out? Let us know in the comments below! Make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook, Twitter and TikTok, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!
Like Stephen’s content? Follow him on Twitter – @SRJHeckman
The Baltimore Battery 