MLB Game Preview: Toronto Blue Jays (8-6) vs. Baltimore Orioles (5-8)

Date and Time: Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 4:05 PM ET
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland

Team Overview:

• Toronto Blue Jays (8-6): The Blue Jays have had a solid start to the season, currently sitting in the middle of the AL East standings. Their pitching staff has been a strong point, boasting the seventh-best ERA in MLB at 3.23. Offensively, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been a key contributor, hitting .315 with three home runs and 12 RBIs. Bo Bichette has also been consistent, providing timely hits and solid defense.
• Baltimore Orioles (5-8): The Orioles have struggled early in the season, particularly with consistency at the plate. They rank 12th in MLB with a .241 team batting average but have been held to one run or fewer in four of their 13 games. Adley Rutschman has been a bright spot, leading the team with a .298 batting average and two home runs.

Pitching Matchup:

• Blue Jays: Bowden Francis (1-1, 3.18 ERA) will take the mound for Toronto. Francis has been reliable in his first two starts, allowing just four earned runs over 11 1/3 innings. He has a 1.15 WHIP and averages 7.9 strikeouts per nine innings.
• Orioles: Tomoyuki Sugano (1-1, 2.89 ERA) will start for Baltimore. Sugano has been effective in his first two outings, holding opposing hitters to a .243 batting average. He has a 1.29 WHIP and has shown good control, averaging 2.9 walks per nine innings.

Key Storylines:

1. Blue Jays’ Momentum: Toronto is coming off a strong series against the Boston Red Sox, winning three of four games. Their offense has started to click, and they will look to carry that momentum into this matchup.
2. Orioles’ Home Struggles: Baltimore has yet to find its rhythm at home, with a 1-4 record at Camden Yards. They will need a strong performance from Sugano to keep the Blue Jays’ offense in check.
3. Head-to-Head: The season series is currently tied 2-2, with both teams splitting a four-game series in Toronto earlier this year. This game will be crucial in setting the tone for the rest of the series.

Toronto Blue Jays                             8

Baltimore Orioles                            – 125

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 11, 2025