Blue Jays and Orioles Meet in Near-Elimination Game Amid Wild Card Race
On Monday night the Toronto Blue Jays traveled to Baltimore for a game both sides described as almost a must-win contest, with the final American League wild card spot on the line; the start of the game was delayed.
A must-win atmosphere
Entering the final week of the regular season, the Toronto Blue Jays visited the Baltimore Orioles on Monday in a game both sides are treating almost like an elimination contest, since a loss could effectively end either team's postseason hopes. Before first pitch, the game was already listed as delayed, according to Bluebird Banter, though the source did not specify the reason.
The Blue Jays entered the night three games behind the Chicago White Sox for the final AL wild card spot, a position they share with the Houston Astros. Because the White Sox hold the tiebreaker, Toronto would need to finish ahead of them if the Cleveland Guardians win the AL Central. The Orioles trail by five games, giving them smaller but still alive hopes, as reported by Fox News.
Pitching matchup
Toronto turned to right-hander Trey Yesavage, making his return from the injured list. He carries a 5-5 record, 3.65 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 91 strikeouts over 93.2 innings this season. In two previous starts against Baltimore this year, he allowed seven earned runs over 10.2 innings, and the Blue Jays lost both games. Baltimore countered with Shane Baz, who is 6-15 with a 4.11 ERA; in his lone outing against Toronto this season he allowed just one earned run over 5.2 innings.
Roster moves and Cease injury update
To clear a spot for Yesavage, the Blue Jays optioned Spencer Arrighetti, sent reliever Joe Mantiply to Buffalo, and recalled Chad Dallas, according to Bluebird Banter. The outlet also noted that Blue Jays minor leaguer Sean Keys was named the organization's minor league player of the year, having hit 28 home runs with a 1.019 OPS, and was included in Monday's lineup.
Adding to the tension, the Blue Jays received concerning news about starter Dylan Cease. An MRI revealed shoulder inflammation that is unlikely to require surgery, Cease told reporters Monday, a report confirmed by TSN citing MLB.com. He described the shoulder as "heavy and achy," and he and the team are still deciding whether he will pitch again this season. In his first season since signing a seven-year, $210 million contract, the 30-year-old has posted a 2.40 ERA with 239 strikeouts over 169 innings, leading AL starters in strikeouts per nine innings. He lasted just 2.2 innings in his most recent start against the Texas Rangers on Friday, showing a noticeable drop in velocity.
