The Blue Jays host Baltimore for a three-game set with Toronto chasing its first AL East crown since 2015, having split with the Yankees and Red Sox but stumbling against the Orioles and Rays. Baltimore has surged to 50-41 since May 30 and owns a 1.14 ERA bullpen in September as it tries to derail Toronto’s march. Bo Bichette’s knee injury muddies Toronto’s lineup, forcing shuffle and depth as the Jays aim to extend their division lead while juggling a tough weekend slate.

Friday features Rogers against Bassitt, Saturday’s duel pairs Sugano with Scherzer, and Sunday’s TBD faces Bieber as Toronto looks to keep pace with its rivals. After the series, Toronto hits the road to Tampa Bay before visiting Kansas City, keeping the pressure on the rest of the division and leaving fantasy managers weighing lineup moves around injuries and bullpen usage.

Orioles-host-Dodgers clash headlines the night as Cal Ripken Jr.’s 30th Iron Man anniversary is celebrated and Trevor Rogers eyes another big win for Baltimore. Rogers has been dominant in August, yielding one earned run in every start and posting a 1.39 ERA through his first 14 outings, boosting Baltimore’s mark to 11-3 in his starts and 4-1 at Camden Yards. Yamamoto, Dodgers’ top spark, is an unknown commodity for Baltimore at home, setting the stage for Basallo’s late heroics and a matchup that leans Orioles’ way as they chase a series win.

Rogers’ August surge contrasts with Yamamoto’s steady Dodgers form; Freddie Freeman is the one Los Angeles hitter with multiple knocks off Rogers, making him a key player for the Dodgers’ offense. Basallo’s Camden Yards walk-off caps a mini-resurgence for Baltimore’s young bats, while the night’s celebration adds emotional juice to a game that could tilt the season series. The Orioles’ lineup features a mix of youth and steadiness as they aim to extend the series win against the reigning champs.

Bradish returned with a 94.9 mph sinker and nasty sliders, stacking six efficient innings on 81 pitches. The rebound mirrored his prime form from 2023-24, suggesting velocity, control, and spin are back post-Tommy John.

Baltimore may not need a full rotation rebuild in 2026, as Kremer and Bradish form a solid core, while the offense still needs a winter overhaul. Beavers, Holliday, and Basallo offer upside as the farm’s ascent continues, and plans to add a playoff-tested arm loom in the offseason.

Septembers’ context includes Roansy Contreras and Dietrich Enns in the linked pieces and a pipeline surge in Basallo-Dylan Beavers. The mix hints at a brighter, more balanced future for the Orioles beyond 2025.