Disheartened Orioles Begin Home Series Against Blue Jays

The Baltimore Orioles have no reason to worry, but they are eager to increase their speed.

After a tough road trip, they will start a homestand with a game against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday night, the first of a three-game series.

Baltimore manager Brandon Hyde stated, "There is no sense of urgency at the moment, just a bit of frustration."

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The two teams split their first four games of the season in Toronto, but the Orioles have struggled to gain momentum and have yet to win consecutive games.

Hyde added, "We are off to a slow start and are working hard to put everything together. We have a talented team, but we are not playing up to our full potential right now."

The Orioles returned from a 2-3 trip with stops in Kansas City and Arizona, where they suffered a 9-0 loss on Wednesday.

Infielder Jackson Holliday expressed, "There is no cause for concern. Losing is frustrating, but it is only the 13th game of the season and we have a long way to go."

The Blue Jays are currently on a 10-game road trip and are coming off a 4-3, 10-inning loss to the Boston Red Sox on Thursday.

Tyler Heineman had three hits for Toronto, but their three-game winning streak came to an end. The team has been struggling offensively, scoring more than two runs in just two of their last seven games.

Manager John Schneider had some criticism for the umpire after Thursday's game, stating, "It's tough to battle nine hitters and an umpire. I have respect for them, but it wasn't a great day for him behind the plate."

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On the mound for the Orioles will be right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano, who will be making his first appearance at Camden Yards. The 35-year-old picked up his first career victory last Saturday against the Kansas City Royals.

Sugano said, "I was more patient and comfortable in my last start."

He made his MLB debut on March 30 against the Blue Jays, giving up two runs and taking the loss.

Hyde noted that he saw improvement in Sugano's second start, where he only allowed one run in 5 1/3 innings against the Royals.

He stated, "He looked relaxed and competed well. He was more like himself."

For Sugano, the goal is consistency. While his first win was a great accomplishment, he is focused on achieving more.

He said, "I am not here to win just one game in the major leagues. I am here to win every day and ultimately win a championship."

Sugano may have to deal with cold weather again, as the temperature is expected to be in the 40s for the game.

He stated, "Ideally, I do not want to pitch in cold weather."

The Blue Jays are coming off a cold series in Boston, so they may be more adjusted to the conditions.

Toronto's starter will be right-hander Bowden Francis, who did not face the Orioles during the season-opening series.

Francis went 1-0 with a 5.79 ERA in two starts and one relief appearance against Baltimore last season, giving up nine runs in 14 innings. He also had four no-decisions in shorter stints against the Orioles in 2023.