Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
First pitch: 6:35 p.m. ET
TV: SNET / MASN / MLB.TV
Both teams sit near the bottom of the AL East with fading (or already extinguished) postseason hopes. The Orioles took the series opener 4-3 on Monday night behind two home runs from Pete Alonso (his 39th and 40th of the season). This is Game 2 of a three-game set between two clubs playing out the string.
Starting Pitchers
Toronto RHP Max Scherzer (3-8, 6.07 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 72.2 IP, 54 K, 31 BB)
The 42-year-old future Hall of Famer has struggled in a limited 2026 campaign. He was tagged for six runs in five innings against these Orioles on Sept. 11. Recent outings have been mixed; command and velocity remain concerns in what could be among his final starts.
Baltimore RHP Chris Bassitt (8-5, 4.64 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 97.0 IP, 72 K, 37 BB)
The veteran right-hander (and former Blue Jay) has pitched better since returning from the IL, posting a solid stretch in August/September. He threw 5 innings of two-run ball against Toronto earlier this month and followed with a strong 6.2-inning, one-run outing vs. the Mets. Reliable innings-eater who limits hard contact when on.
Venue & Weather Forecast
Oriole Park at Camden Yards (outdoor park that can play neutral-to-slightly pitcher-friendly depending on wind).
Forecast: Cool and rainy conditions expected. Highs around 62°F with periods of rain (60-80% chance of precipitation throughout the day/evening), northeast winds 10-15 mph (gusts higher), and possible fog. Rain delays or impact on the total are possible; cooler temperatures and wet conditions typically suppress offense.
Injury Reports
Blue Jays
1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: Day-to-day (lower back tightness; out of Monday’s lineup, status for Tuesday uncertain).
CF Brett Bateman: Day-to-day (right hip discomfort after sliding catch Monday).
SP Dylan Cease: Shoulder inflammation (MRI clean of structural damage but status for rest of season uncertain).
OF Anthony Santander / Jonatan Clase: 60-day IL.
INF Luis Urías: 10-day IL (quad).
SP Jameson Taillon / Shane Bieber: 15-day IL.
Core pieces like Ernie Clement, George Springer, and Kazuma Okamoto expected to be available.
Orioles
2B Jackson Holliday: 10-day IL (wrist – likely out for season).
CF Luis Robert Jr.: 10-day IL (hamstring).
3B Blaze Alexander: 10-day IL (back).
1B Ryan Mountcastle: 60-day IL.
RF Tyler O’Neill / RP Ryan Helsley / SP Kyle Bradish: Longer-term IL.
C Samuel Basallo: Day-to-day (head – probable).
Offense leans on Pete Alonso, Gunnar Henderson, and Coby Mayo.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups & Roster Notes
Pete Alonso has been the Orioles’ offensive leader (40 HR, strong recent power) and has history of success in this series.
Gunnar Henderson and the middle of the Baltimore order pose challenges for Scherzer. For Toronto, Ernie Clement leads in hits/average, while Kazuma Okamoto provides power (around 33 HR range).
George Springer remains a key veteran bat. Bassitt’s sinker/changeup mix has historically limited right-handed power, while Scherzer’s fastball-slider combination will be tested by Baltimore’s power bats in potentially damp conditions.
Recent Team Forms
Blue Jays: Inconsistent (last 10 roughly 4-6). Lost the series opener 4-3 after scoring three early runs and going quiet. Road record 37-42.
Orioles: Also mixed (last 10 around 5-5). Snapped a skid with Monday’s win after being swept by Milwaukee. Home record 37-42. Both clubs have similar overall records and are mathematically on the fringe or eliminated from serious contention.
Season Series History
The 2026 season series has been competitive. Toronto holds a slight overall edge in prior meetings (roughly 6-5 heading into this series), with recent splits including Toronto wins in earlier September games and Baltimore’s Monday victory. Head-to-head has featured several close, low-scoring contests.
Betting Trends
Unders are common in cooler weather or with veteran pitchers who limit damage. Bassitt has been the more reliable recent arm; Scherzer’s high ERA and prior struggles vs. Baltimore create concern. Both teams’ offenses rank in the lower half of the league in runs scored.
GAME ODDS
Toronto Blue Jays 7.5
Baltimore Orioles – 117
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, September 21, 2026
