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Blue Jays Alter Infield, Begin 4-Game Series vs. Orioles
The Toronto Blue Jays are gearing up to host the Baltimore Orioles in an exciting four-game series starting Monday night. In a bid to spark their offense, the Blue Jays are trying out Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at third base. Meanwhile, the Orioles are determined to maintain their strong performance despite some recent hiccups.
Blue Jays’ Infield Adjustment: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at Third Base
In a bold move to shake things up, the Blue Jays shifted Vladimir Guerrero Jr. from first base to third during their 5-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday. This switch allowed Toronto to bring in Daniel Vogelbach as the designated hitter and put Justin Turner at first base.
Impact of the Move:
- Guerrero’s Performance: Guerrero managed to go 1-for-4 with an RBI single and successfully handled several grounders at third base, a position he hadn’t played since June 2022.
- Vogelbach’s Contribution: Vogelbach proved the strategy’s worth by hitting a crucial two-run double, showing the positive effect of this lineup adjustment.
Manager John Schneider’s Perspective:
- Strategic Flexibility: Schneider made it clear that Guerrero’s move to third isn’t permanent but adds valuable flexibility. “It’s not a position change by any means,” Schneider said. “It just offers some flexibility.”
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s Readiness:
- Player’s Commitment: Guerrero showed his readiness and willingness to adapt for the team’s benefit, stating, “I’m ready to play third. Today, it happened and I was ready for it.”
Orioles’ Recent Performance and Offensive Form
The Orioles come into this series after a narrow 4-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays at home. Despite the loss, they demonstrated their offensive potential with 15 hits but struggled to convert those opportunities into runs.
Manager Brandon Hyde and Cedric Mullins’ Comments:
- Scoring Opportunities: Hyde noted, “We got 15 hits; we just didn’t get the hits with runners in scoring position today.” Mullins added, “It’s kind of weird for us not to put many runs on the board with that many hits.”
Current Form:
- Winning Streak: The Orioles have been on fire, winning eight of their last ten games and showing their resilience and competitive edge.
Key Pitching Matchups
The series opener will feature a tantalizing pitching duel between Toronto’s Kevin Gausman and Baltimore’s Grayson Rodriguez.
Grayson Rodriguez (Orioles):
- Season Stats: Rodriguez has a strong 5-2 record with a 3.53 ERA this season. Against Toronto, he has a 4.32 ERA in three career starts.
Kevin Gausman (Blue Jays):
- Career Against Orioles: Gausman, who previously pitched for the Orioles, holds a 1-3 record with a 4.61 ERA in five starts against Baltimore, adding an intriguing twist to the matchup.
Injury Update: Jorge Mateo
Orioles second baseman Jorge Mateo is currently in concussion protocol after being struck by a bat. His status remains uncertain as he undergoes further tests.
Impact on Lineup:
- Hyde’s Concern: “We’re just waiting to see. He’s going to get some more tests, and then we’re going to see how he feels tomorrow,” Hyde said.
Series History and Outlook
The Orioles and Blue Jays split two games in mid-May, with one game postponed. This series is a chance for both teams to establish dominance and gain momentum.
Conclusion
As the Blue Jays and Orioles gear up for their four-game series, strategic adjustments, player performances, and key matchups will be vital. Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s shift to third base provides Toronto with new options, while Baltimore aims to keep their winning streak alive despite recent challenges. Fans can look forward to a competitive and strategic showdown as both teams battle for success.
