The Toronto Blue Jays and the Baltimore Orioles will begin a Labor Day doubleheader on Monday afternoon. Both squads are still looking up at the New York Yankees in the AL East, but a doubleheader sweep for either squad could be huge.
Does either side have an obvious advantage in this tilt? Find out in our free MLB picks and predictions for Blue Jays vs Orioles on Monday, September 5.
Blue Jays vs Orioles odds
| Team | Moneyline | Run line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto Blue Jays | -175 | -1.5 (-110) | Over 8.5 (+100) |
| Baltimore Orioles | +150 | +1.5 (-110) | Under 8.5 (-120) |
Odds courtesy of DraftKings as of September 5.
Blue Jays vs Orioles picks and predictions
Both the Blue Jays and the Orioles come into this contest on solid runs, with the former taking five of their last six, and the latter winning four of their last five. But it’s been defense that’s ruled the day for both squads, not offense. These pitching staffs should have their way in the first half of the doubleheader.
Kevin Gausman produced a 2.70 ERA in August and owns an outstanding 2.01 road ERA in 2022. He’ll take on a Baltimore lineup that’s played to a modest .219 batting average over the last week. Orioles hit leaders Anthony Santander and Cedric Mullins are a combined 9-for-42 (.214) in that stretch.
Once Gausman departs, a Toronto bullpen that’s pitched to a 3.45 ERA over the last two weeks will take over. Closer Jordan Romano (30 saves) could be held back in this one after working two straight days, but Adam Cimber (3.28 ERA), David Phelps (2.87 ERA), and Yimi Garcia (2.36 ERA) all provide solid alternate options for interim manager John Schneider.
Mike Baumann counters for Baltimore in his first MLB appearance since June 19. There’s not much form to go on for the second-year Minnesota native, but his last two outings — both against the Rays — were decent. Baumann allowed only one run in 4 2-3 combined innings in relief.
Baumann shouldn’t be expected to pitch deep into this one, but that’s not a big deal, as he is backed by an Orioles bullpen that’s third by ERA (2.03) over the last two weeks. Felix Bautista (1.21 ERA, nine saves) and Cionel Perez (1.69 ERA, seven holds) have been lights-out in the second half of the season.
This staff will take on a Toronto lineup that’s also failed to gather hits over the last week, producing a .224 batting average in that stretch. George Springer’s struggles (.091) stand out.
The line of 8.5 runs is more than fair and would be playable down to 8 runs.
My best bet: Under 8.5 (-118 at Unibet)
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Blue Jays vs Orioles betting preview
Jump to:
•Side analysis •Over/Under analysis •Starting pitchers •Injuries •Weather •Trend to know
Spread analysis
The Orioles are 6-3 in the season series with the Blue Jays and look like a decent wager as sizable home underdogs to make it 7-3 on Monday afternoon.
Gausman had a nightmarish outing in his lone start against the Orioles this year back on June 16, as he was sent to the showers after allowing five earned runs in only 2 1-3 innings at Rogers Centre. That could have been a fluke, but there’s also a chance that Baltimore pounces on Gausman once more and turns this one into a laugher.
Baumann and the stingy Baltimore bullpen can be trusted against a Toronto offense that has run hot-and-cold at times this year. Don’t be surprised if Vladimir Guerrero Jr. & Co. flail at the plate here.
Over/Under analysis
The Blue Jays are averaging a modest 3.6 runs over their last 10 games, while the Orioles are managing only 3.1 runs per game in the same span.
Gausman is more than capable of working deep into games for Toronto and averaged over six innings per start in August. Even if he builds a high pitch count and is chased early, the Blue Jays have the pieces in the bullpen to help pick up the slack.
Baumann is a mostly unknown quantity on the mound, which could serve to keep the Blue Jays’ bats on their back foot. The Orioles’ relief corps has been a Top-10 unit all year and should do its part in keeping this game low-scoring.
Blue Jays vs Orioles game info
• Location: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD
• Date: Monday, September 5, 2022
• First pitch: 1:05 p.m. ET
• TV: Sportsnet, MASN
Starting pitchers
Kevin Gausman (10-9, 3.14 ERA): Gausman closed out of the month of August by notching his fourth quality start in seven chances against the Cubs (six innings, two earned runs) on Tuesday. The former Oriole has some outstanding road splits this season, authoring a 2.01 ERA and an 87/11 strikeout/walk ratio. He’s surrendered only two home runs over 76 innings.
Michael Baumann (1-2, 4.50 ERA): Baumann makes his first appearance for the Orioles since June 19 in what appears to be a “bullpen game.” Baumann has pitched in seven games for Baltimore this year, all in relief. He’ll try to lower his 4.50 ERA and 1.58 WHIP in this spot.
Key injuries
Find our latest MLB injury reports.
Weather
Be sure to monitor the gametime conditions with our MLB weather info.
Betting trend to know
The Under is 9-1 in the Orioles’ last 10 games. Find more MLB betting trends for Blue Jays vs. Orioles
