MLB Predictions 2012: Baltimore Orioles vs. Toronto Blue Jays, May 29th Preview

The Baltimore Orioles (29-20) and Toronto Blue Jays (25-24) continue a three-game American League East series on Tuesday night at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:07 ET.

The Blue Jays were released as minus-155 home favorites in the MLB betting odds, but the Orioles have received a good amount of sharp action in the early going as the total stands at 8.5.

Toronto returned home off a disappointing 1-5 road trip to post a 6-2 victory in the series opener, going "under" the total for the first time in six games. The Blue Jays are 3-6 this season at home when the total is 8.0 to 8.5.

Ricky Romero (5-1, 3.86 ERA) is set to make his 11th start of the year for the Blue Jays, with the club alternating wins and losses over his last three outings. He didn't earn a decision in a 5-4 road setback to the Tampa Bay Rays last time out, issuing a season-high seven walks in six innings of work.

The left-hander has registered a perfect 4-0 record and 3.09 ERA in five home outings and opponents are hitting just .194 against him. 

In 12 career games versus the Orioles, Romero has gone 6-3 with a 3.10 ERA, including a 3-1 mark and a 2.25 ERA in four outings a year ago. He will need to pitch carefully to Baltimore outfielder Adam Jones, who is 11-for-37 (.297) against him.

The Blue Jays are 13-3 in Romero's last 16 starts as a favorite, while the "over" is 6-1-1 in the last eight games.

Baltimore is mired in a three-game losing streak and has lost six of eight overall, but is still tied atop the AL East standings with the Tampa Bay Rays. The Orioles are 8-3 against left-handed starters this year, with the "over" going 7-4 in those contests.

Jake Arrieta (2-5, 4.87 ERA) has fallen off a bit in May for the Orioles, posting a 1-3 record and 5.28 ERA, as opponents are hitting .306 against him. He held opponents to just .216 .BA in five April outings.

The right-hander enters the game with a 1-1 record and a 2.77 ERA in four road outings, issuing just five walks and striking out 30 batters. The 26-year-old is 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA in two career outings at this particular ballpark.

In four career starts versus the Blue Jays, Arrieta is 3-1 with a 3.80 ERA, holding outfielder Jose Bautista hitless in eight lifetime at-bats.

The Orioles are 10-1 in their last 11 road games versus southpaws, but they are 13-42 in their last 55 games in Toronto.

Umpire Doug Eddings gives the road underdogs a slight edge in this affair, with Arrieta coming away with a 5-3 home victory over Romero on June 4th of last year with him behind the plate.

Pick: Baltimore Orioles +125

Follow on Twitter: @JeffGrantSports