Showalter on the Blue Jays, Pearce on Buehrle, Schoop on team chemistry

Two teams that could be battling for the top spot in the American League East all year open the Orioles' home schedule today as the Toronto Blue Jays are in town for a weekend series.

Toronto went 2-1 in New York against the Yankees with a team batting average of .218 and 15 runs scored. The Blue Jays walked eight times, struck out 29 and hit three homers. Their team ERA is 2.77.

"Athletically and talent-wise, they can compare with anybody. Lot of big arms. They could really pop this year," manager Buck Showalter said.

The Orioles are facing Toronto left-hander Mark Buehrle. He went 13-10 last year with an ERA of 3.39. He gave up 10.2 hits per every nine innings, but walked just 2.0 per nine.

He usually works fast, but he sure doesn't throw fast. Think a 180 from Kevin Gausman. Buehrle's average fastball velocity last year was 83.9 mph, according to FanGraphs PitchFX.

Still, he has had a long career and plenty of success. And he sure knows how to pitch.

"We have to use what he has against him," Steve Pearce said. "We've faced him a bunch. You can try to do too much. He's very good at changing speeds and he can even put on the brakes more, going from slow to slower. And he works quick. Very good at what he does."

Pearce is 2-for-5 against Buehrle. Everth Cabrera, batting leadoff at shortstop today, is 3-for-4 against him. Delmon Young, starting at designated hitter and batting fifth, is a career .420 hitter (21-for-50) with four homers and nine RBIs.

With 19 straight AL East games to begin the 2015 schedule, a fast start could be big for the Orioles. Every win they get also pins a loss on a division rival.

"It is definitely important," Pearce said. "It would be nice to give our club a little cushion leaving the AL East. Toronto is a good team with a potent offense. We want to get off to a fast start today against them."

Jonathan Schoop is in today's lineup, batting eighth at second base. He said his left elbow is fine after he was hit there by a pitch on Wednesday night.

Before today's game, Schoop was asked about the O's outlook for this year and team chemistry.

"We do everything every day to win. If we don't, we come tomorrow looking to win," he said. "We trust each other. One day it is one guy, another day the next guy. Everybody gets along. We have veteran guys and our leaders make you always feel like part of the team. The chemistry is really good."

The Orioles are 17-6 all-time in home openers since Camden Yards opened in 1992. They are 12-2 in home-opening games since 2001.