Toronto Blue Jays vs. Baltimore Orioles: Preview, Predictions and Picks for May 14, 2024

Published on:
May 14, 2024 6:13 AM
The Toronto Blue Jays, currently leading the series 1-0, are set to face the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 6:35 PM. Despite the Jays' struggling road record of 10-13, they'll look to capitalize on their recent series lead. Meanwhile, the Orioles will aim to capitalize on their strong home record of 14-9.
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Toronto Blue Jays
Baltimore Orioles

Blue Jays vs Orioles starting pitchers

In the upcoming matchup between the Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles, the pitching duel features Chris Bassitt for the Blue Jays against Kyle Bradish for the Orioles. Bassitt, with a season ERA of 5.06 and a WHIP of 1.55 over 42.2 innings, is looking to overcome his struggles, having achieved 40 strikeouts and 5 wins so far. Contrastingly, Bradish presents a more promising figure with a stellar 1.86 ERA and a WHIP of 1.24 in just 9.2 innings pitched, hinting at his potential despite a smaller sample size this season. This game sets the stage for an intriguing clash of experience versus emerging talent, with Bradish aiming to maintain his low ERA and Bassitt seeking redemption and consistency on the mound.

Blue Jays vs Orioles game preview

The Toronto Blue Jays are walking into their upcoming game with some evident struggles in their offensive game, as highlighted by their current standing at 28th in both runs scored and the number of hits, alongside a batting average of .231 that places them 21st in the league. The team's inability to consistently put runs on the board or effectively get on base is a clear area of concern. However, an optimistic perspective can be gleaned from the leadership by example provided by players such as Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who leads the team with a .276 batting average and 19 RBIs. Despite the team’s lower-tier performance in many offensive categories, their resilience and potential glimpsed in sporadic games this season suggest that with strategic at-bats and tighter execution, they could flip the script against a strong opponent like the Orioles.

On the other side, the Baltimore Orioles enter the game with a more prolific and balanced offensive lineup, as evidenced by their rankings: 7th in runs scored and 15th in hits, combined with a commendable team batting average of .243. What really stands out is their explosiveness in power-hitting, led by Gunnar Henderson who tops the charts with 12 home runs and 27 RBIs. Their young catcher Adley Rutschman is also having an outstanding season with a .309 batting average, providing both the firepower and consistency needed at the plate. However, the Orioles do show some vulnerability in their on-base capabilities, ranking 28th in walks, which indicates an area where their offensive push could be mitigated. Nevertheless, the Orioles come into the game with an edge in power and contact-hitting that could be critical in dismantling the pitching strategies of the Blue Jays.

Baltimore Orioles injuries

  • Connor Norby (2B): Day-To-Day
  • Max Wagner (3B): Day-To-Day
  • Grayson Rodriguez (SP): 15-Day-IL
  • Bruce Zimmermann (RP): Day-To-Day
  • Hudson Haskin (OF): Day-To-Day

Toronto Blue Jays injuries

  • Justin Turner (3B): Day-To-Day
  • George Springer (RF): Day-To-Day
  • Danny Jansen (C): Day-To-Day
  • Kevin Kiermaier (CF): Day-To-Day
  • Orelvis Martinez (SS): Day-To-Day

Blue Jays vs Orioles predictions

The Blue Jays are looking fierce heading into this one, folks. I'm telling you, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is due for a big game - I'm talking 2-3 RBIs, at least one of them a bomb to left field. And don't even get me started on Bo Bichette, he's on a tear right now. I'm projecting him for at least two hits, one of them a double, and a run scored. And let's not forget about George Springer, he's been quietly putting together a solid season. I think he gets on base twice and scores a run.

But the Orioles aren't going down without a fight, folks. Gunnar Henderson is an absolute stud, and I think he goes deep tonight - look for him to go 2-4 with a homer and two RBIs. And Adley Rutschman is the real deal, he's been on a tear lately. I think he gets two hits and a walk, and sets the table for the Orioles' offense. And let's not sleep on Cedric Mullins, he's been a sparkplug for this team all season. I think he gets on base twice and scores a run.

So, all things considered, I'm taking the Orioles in this one. I think their offense is too potent, and Kyle Bradish is due for a solid start. The Blue Jays have been struggling on the road, and Chris Bassitt has been inconsistent all season. I think the O's take it 6-4, with Henderson and Rutschman leading the charge. But hey, that's just my two cents - what do I know?

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