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The Blue Jays have handled their closest pursuers pretty well as they chase their first division title since 2015, winning the season series against both the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, but they haven’t been able to figure out the AL East’s bottom feeders, going a combined 5-11 against the Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays.

The O’s come to town having won eight of nine, including a sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates to finish a 5-1 homestand that featured four walk-off wins. Despite sitting in the division’s cellar, Baltimore has gone 50-41 since May 30 鈥� the fourth-best record in the American League 鈥� including taking three of four from the Jays at Camden Yards just before the trade deadline. The Jays have the best record over that span at 56-34.

The Baltimore bullpen has been especially strong lately, with a sparking 1.14 ERA in September.

After taking two-of-three against the Houston Astros in their first series since聽Bo Bichette聽went on the injured list with a knee injury 鈥� he’s not eligible to return until Sept. 17 but likely won’t be back by then 鈥� 色色啦 will try to increase their division lead over the Yankees and Red Sox, who meet at Fenway Park this weekend.

Game time, TV, probable pitchers

Fri. Sept. 12, 7:07 p.m. ET on Sportsnet: Trevor Rogers (8-2, 1.51 ERA) vs. Chris Bassitt (11-8, 3.97 ERA)

Sat. Sept. 13, 3:07 p.m. ET on Sportsnet: Tomoyuki Sugano (10-8, 4.51 ERA) vs. Max Scherzer (5-3, 4.36 ERA)

Sun. Sept. 14., 1:37 p.m. ET on Sportsnet: TBD vs. Shane Bieber (2-1, 4.30 ERA)

Looking ahead

The Jays will begin a four-game series on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday before visiting the Kansas City Royals next weekend.