Toronto and Baltimore are right in the mix in a surprisingly mediocre American League East, and a division series like this week's three-game set at Camden Yards will go a long way toward separating the contenders from the pretenders.
The Blue Jays are 6-1 on the road, having wrapped up a four-game sweep at Kansas City on Monday to pull even with the Yankees atop the AL East at 10-6. The Orioles are just a game back despite losing two of three to the Angels over the weekend.
Baltimore's offense has struggled lately, scoring three runs or fewer in five of the past six games.
The Blue Jays have won two close games since placing closer Sergio Santos on the disabled list with right shoulder inflammation, as former Reds closer Francisco Cordero has stepped in and converted two saves.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SN (Toronto), MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Henderson Alvarez (0-1, 4.66 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Tommy Hunter (1-1, 5.79 ERA)
After two strong outings to start the season, Alvarez was roughed up for a career-high six runs in 6 1/3 innings Thursday against Tampa Bay. He allowed two home runs and has given up four in 19 1/3 innings this season. Three of Alvarez's 13 career starts have come against the Orioles, and he is 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA. He faced them on April 14 and allowed three runs over seven innings but didn't get a decision in a 6-4 loss.
Hunter has been hit hard in his last two starts. He gave up eight earned runs in 5 2/3 innings Wednesday against the White Sox. Hunter has allowed six home runs in his past two starts, including four over six innings against the Blue Jays on April 13. Hunter is 1-3 with a 6.65 ERA in nine games (seven starts) against Toronto.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Orioles have made 19 errors in their first 16 games, and nine different players have made at least one error.
2. The first two hitters in the Blue Jays' lineup - SS Yunel Escobar and 2B Kelly Johnson - have hit Hunter well. Escobar is 7-for-14 with two home runs against him, and Johnson is 3-for-9 with two homers.
3. 1B Chris Davis is the one Orioles hitter who has had success against Alvarez - he is 4-for-5 with a home run and four RBIs against him.