AL East Rivals Clash. The Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles meet today, September 13, 2025, at Rogers Centre for a 3:07 PM ET showdown. This divisional matchup sees Toronto looking to extend their lead, while Baltimore aims to climb the standings. The game is the second of a three-game series, with the Blue Jays having won the first game 6-1.
Pitching Matchup: Veteran Arms Take the Mound
The Blue Jays will send three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer to the hill. Scherzer (5-3, 4.36 ERA) is making his 15th start of the season. According to MLB.com, the 41-year-old right-hander has recorded 70 strikeouts in 74 1/3 innings. For the Orioles, Tomoyuki Sugano (10-8, 4.51 ERA) will make his 28th start. Baseball-Reference.com notes that the 35-year-old Sugano has pitched 143 2/3 innings, with 96 strikeouts.
Scherzer’s Experience vs. Sugano’s Consistency
While both pitchers bring experience to the game, recent performances have been mixed. Scherzer allowed four earned runs in his last outing. Sugano has surrendered 15 runs over his last three starts. The pitching matchup is a key factor, with both teams hoping their veteran starters can provide a quality start and lead them to victory.
Projected Lineups: Key Hitters to Watch
The Blue Jays’ lineup is expected to feature Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who is batting .305 with 23 home runs and 78 walks, as per FOX Sports. George Springer, leading the team with 28 home runs, will also be a crucial part of the offense. Other notable Blue Jays players likely to be in the lineup include Ernie Clement, Alejandro Kirk, and Addison Barger. However, shortstop Bo Bichette is currently on the 10-day injured list with a left knee sprain, impacting the Blue Jays’ infield, according to team reports.
Orioles’ Offensive Leaders
For the Orioles, Gunnar Henderson leads the offense with a .269 batting average and 61 RBIs. Jackson Holliday, with 17 home runs, is another key player in the Orioles’ lineup. Ryan Mountcastle and Colton Cowser are also expected to feature prominently in the batting order, providing additional offensive firepower. According to Winners & Whiners, the Orioles’ offense has been inconsistent this season, and they will need a strong performance from their key hitters to compete with the Blue Jays.
Divisional Implications: Blue Jays Aim to Extend Lead
This game holds significant importance in the American League East standings. The Blue Jays (85-62) are currently leading the division, holding a 3.5-game lead over the New York Yankees, as reported by Dimers.com. They are looking to extend their advantage as the postseason approaches. The Orioles (69-78), while not in a playoff position, are striving to improve their standing within the division. They have won eight of their last 11 games, indicating a recent surge in performance.
Home Field Advantage and Win Probability
The Blue Jays hold a strong home record of 48-25, giving them a significant advantage in this matchup. Advanced simulations give Toronto a 62% win probability. Toronto’s offense ranks highly in the league in OPS and runs scored, while Baltimore’s offense is in the lower half, according to Sports Chat Place. The outcome of this game could further solidify Toronto’s hold on the AL East lead or provide the Orioles with a crucial divisional win as they attempt to climb out of the division’s basement.
Game Dynamics: A Closer Look
The Blue Jays secured a 6-1 victory in the previous night’s game, setting the stage for an intense second game. The pitching matchup, as previously discussed, will be critical. The Blue Jays’ offense, led by Guerrero Jr. and Springer, will need to continue their strong performance. The Orioles, on the other hand, will need to find a way to generate more offense and support Sugano on the mound. The absence of Bo Bichette from the Blue Jays’ lineup could also play a factor, potentially impacting their infield defense and offensive production.
Strategic Considerations for Both Teams
For the Blue Jays, maintaining their offensive momentum and securing a quality start from Scherzer will be key. Defensively, they will need to adjust to Bichette’s absence and ensure solid play in the infield. The Orioles will need to capitalize on any opportunities presented by the Blue Jays and get a strong performance from Sugano. Their offense will need to be more consistent and find ways to score runs against a tough Blue Jays pitching staff. According to Bleacher Nation, both teams will likely employ various strategic approaches, including aggressive base running and timely hitting, to gain an edge in this pivotal divisional matchup.
Conclusion
Today’s game between the Blue Jays and Orioles is a crucial AL East battle. With Scherzer and Sugano on the mound, and key hitters like Guerrero Jr. and Henderson in the lineups, expect an exciting contest. The Blue Jays, favored at home, aim to solidify their division lead, while the Orioles seek a vital divisional win.
