The final Monday night of the MLB regular season features only three games, with just one having playoff implications. The Toronto Blue Jays (77-79) visit the Baltimore Orioles (75-81), both still technically in contention for the AL’s last wild-card spot. The loser will likely finish their season tonight. The game is evenly matched, with both teams listed at -109 odds on DraftKings, and the Over/Under for total runs set at 7.5. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. ET at Camden Yards, with cool weather and 8 mph winds blowing in. Baltimore is a slight favorite on the money line, though the majority of bets are leaning toward the Over 7.5 runs.
Baseball fans can place bets using some of the best sports betting apps and take advantage of bonuses. SportsLine’s Projection Model, which simulates games 10,000 times, offers predictions and expert insights daily. A suggested same-game parlay for the Blue Jays vs. Orioles includes Toronto with a +1.5 alternative line, under 1.5 runs in the second inning, and an alternative under 9.5 runs total, with a FanDuel parlay price around +134.
The Chicago White Sox have dominated much of the AL Central but currently sit second while holding the AL’s No. 6 seed by a three-game lead over Toronto and Houston, and five games over Baltimore. The White Sox are slight favorites at +110 for the final wild card, with Toronto and Baltimore as long shots at +1800 and +10000 respectively; Baltimore trails Toronto 6-4 in their head-to-head series. For either of these teams to make the playoffs, a perfect finish is likely necessary.
Baltimore got some relief recently when Toronto announced their ace Dylan Cease will likely miss their next start due to shoulder soreness requiring an MRI. Cease, who could finish second in AL Cy Young voting, did not look effective in their last outing. Toronto’s rotation, already plagued by injuries this season, will see right-hander Trey Yesavage return from the injured list for his first start since early August. Yesavage, once a Rookie of the Year favorite, will pitch approximately three innings after a minor rehab stint and has struggled somewhat against Baltimore this year. Toronto star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. exited Sunday’s game with lower back issues.
On the managerial front, Blue Jays coach John Schneider’s status for 2027 remains uncertain after a disappointing season. Meanwhile, Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias confirmed manager Craig Albernaz will return for his second year, though he hinted at upcoming front-office changes, pending ownership decisions.
Baltimore’s struggles were compounded without All-Star closer Felix Bautista, who returned from right shoulder surgery on Saturday and pitched for the first time since July 2025. The bullpen suffered without him after the team signed Ryan Helsley to fill the closer role, but Helsley only made 17 appearances due to elbow injuries and is finished for the season.
Right-hander Shane Baz, Baltimore’s most disappointing offseason addition, starts tonight. He leads the majors with 15 losses and is considered one of the least effective starters in the league, partly due to poor run support. Baz won his only start against Toronto this season but overall has been tough-luck. The SportsLine model projects Baz to pitch 5.7 innings with around 2.4 earned runs allowed.
Baltimore’s recent 3-0 loss to the Brewers marked a missed chance to stay alive in the playoff race. Despite generally not backing road teams, the model favors the Blue Jays to win narrowly, with a suggested bet on under 1.5 runs in the second inning when the lineups are near the bottom.
Fan Take:
This game represents the final flicker of hope for two struggling teams on the playoff brink, offering a dramatic end to a tough season. For baseball fans, it’s a reminder of how every game in September can shift the postseason landscape and highlights the resilience and unpredictability that make the sport thrilling to follow.
Source: www.cbssports.com
