Blue Jays welcome Orioles in battle of the birds

Aug 13, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Mark Buehrle (56) acknowledges he applause of fans as he leaves the game against Oakland Athletics in the eighth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Game 3: Sunday, September 6th  –  1:07 ET
Mark Buehrle (14-6, 3.53)  vs.  Chris Tillman (9-10, 4.87)

The veteran lefty will close out the season on Sunday with an extra day of rest under his belt, something the Blue Jays hope will help to kickstart his velocity. Buehrle’s pitching rarely showcases a lot of zip, but it’s been particularly flat over his past few starts. In his past 10 outings, Buehrle has failed to surpass three strikeouts.

Now seeking his 15th win on the season, Toronto’s defense behind him will again be the most important factor with so many balls being put into play. If Buehrle does continue to struggle with some nagging injuries and his velocity, don’t be surprised if he’s pushed back in the rotation once more during the next go around.

Baltimore will counter with Chris Tillman, who’s patiently waiting for the season to end. The 27-year old right hander is coming off three straight losses, and really hit the wall in his last outing against the Tampa Bay Rays. Tillman lasted just 4.2 innings on September 1st, allowing seven runs on eight hits. He’s shown the ability to break out for a hot start, however, so the Blue Jays will need to stay on their toes.

Next: Blue Jays finally getting 2B stability with Goins, Travis

More from Jays Journal

• Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays advance to the Championship Series
• Blue Jays: Comparisons for Alek Manoah’s Second Season
• Blue Jays: Adam Cimber, the unlikely decision King
• Toronto Blue Jays: Has the Shift Killed Kevin Gausman’s 2022 Cy Young Hopes?
• Blue Jays: What Yusei Kikuchi’s latest stumble should mean