The struggling Blue Jays (61-52) host a three-game homestand against the Baltimore Orioles (59-55) at the Rogers Centre, a week after a pair were retired in Baltimore. The Blue Jays still hold the top wild card spot in the American League, but are just 2.5 games ahead of the surprising Orioles, who are in fourth place. The top three get spots in the playoffs. With Yusei Kikuchi starting the series opener for Toronto, it’s a nervous time for Blue Jays fans. Here’s a look at the series. Potential pitchers Monday, 7:07 p.m. ET / 4:07 p.m. PT: Toronto LHP Yusei Kikuchi (4-6, 5.13 ERA) vs. Baltimore RHP Kyle Bradish (1-4, 6.42 ERA) Tuesday, 7:07 p.m. ET / 4:07 p.m. Baltimore RHP Dean Kremer (4-4, 3.69 ERA) Wednesday, 3:07 p.m. ET / 12:07 p.m. PT: Toronto RHP Ross Stripling (5-3, 3.16 ERA) vs. Baltimore RHP Austin Voth (3-1, 5.34 ERA) (All games on Sportsnet) Latest for the Blue Jays The Blue Jays have not won any of their last four series after dropping two of three over the weekend against the visiting Cleveland Guardians. Losing six of its last eight, Toronto left its margin at the top of the wild-card standings. Shaky defense didn’t help Kevin Gausman on Sunday as the starter gave up five runs in 4.2 innings in a 7-2 loss. Wladimir Guerrero Jr.’s 22-game hitting streak also ended as he went 0-4. The Blue Jays have scored all three runs in the series against the AL Central-leading Guardians. Latest for the Orioles The Orioles avoided being on the wrong end of history when Jorge Mateo doubled on the first pitch of the ninth inning Sunday to break up Tampa Bay Rays starter Drew Rasmussen’s perfect game. However, the contest remained in the books as a 4-1 loss for the Orioles, giving the Rays a 2-1 victory in an important series – Tampa is third in the wild-card race. Baltimore has scored just three runs in the last two games in Tampa after collecting 19 hits and scoring 10 runs while opening the series with a win. Still, the Orioles are 8-4 in August and remain in the playoff race after trading first baseman Trey Mancini and Jorge Lopez at the trade deadline. Injury report The Blue Jays are expected to get starter and outfielder George Springer back for the opener after a stint on the injured list with a lingering elbow problem. Stripling is also expected to return Wednesday after being sidelined with a glute/hip strain. Meanwhile, Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle (15 home runs, 55 RBI) is listed as day-to-day with left wrist/hand soreness after being hit by a pitch on Saturday. Series of seasons The Orioles lead 4-2 with 13 games remaining after last week’s series finale in Baltimore was rained out and postponed until September as part of a doubleheader. One of the toughest losses during this chilly stretch for Toronto came last Tuesday, when Rougned Odor hit a go-ahead walk off Yimi Garcia in the eighth inning of a 6-5 victory — a game that went on after an hour and 18 minute rain delay. . Odor, of course, is a man Toronto fans love to boo after the clown punched Jose Bautista years ago. Next The Blue Jays travel to the Bronx for four games against the AL East leading New York Yankees before heading to Boston for three games against the Red Sox.
