After winning six straight games, the Orioles have now dropped four of their last five. The bullpen only allowed two runs in the first nine games of the season, but surrendered eight runs in the final 1 1/3 innings of Friday night’s 10-5 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.

One of the bright spots in the bullpen is closer George Sherrill, who has not allowed a hit in 4 2/3 innings. He doesn’t overpower people – only three strikeouts – but he knows how to get the job done and collect saves. Don’t be afraid to grab Sherrill if you’re looking for a closer in your league. It’s hard to predict when Sherrill will get save opportunities since the Orioles are such an inconsistent team, but he’s still worthy of a spot on your fantasy squad because he’ll convert those chances on most occasions.

Before I give you some predictions on the two-game series between the Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays that begins tonight, I’d like to make an apology to all of the Orioles fans that read this blog. I'm somewhat superstitious, so I believe I may have inadvertently caused the two losses in Tampa Bay.

I’m sorry that I suggested keeping Rays center fielder B.J. Upton on the bench in fantasy leagues this weekend because they were playing the Orioles. I doubt he reads this blog, so he probably wasn’t angered by my prediction. Nevertheless, he emerged from his slump after I advised fantasy owners that he would not hit well. In the three-game series, Upton was 6-for-11 with a home run, a double, three runs scored and five RBIs.

On the other hand, Orioles center fielder Adam Jones struggled in the series. As I stated on Friday, this should be expected from him as the season progresses. Jones will have flashes of brilliance over the course of the season, but this series was clearly not one of them. Jones didn’t play in the series opener, but he was 0-for-8 with five strikeouts in the final two games, including four strikeouts in yesterday’s game.

Over the weekend, the Blue Jays swept the Texas Rangers in a three-game series. They are currently 7-5 and tied with the Orioles for first place in the AL East.

Pitching matchups

Monday 4/14: Matt Albers (1-0, 0.00) vs. Dustin McGowan (0-0, 3.27)
Tuesday 4/15: Steve Trachsel (1-1, 3.00) vs. Shaun Marcum (1-0, 2.57)

Who you should play from the Blue Jays

Vernon Wells, CF – After the first 12 games of the season, Wells is hitting .320 with three home runs and 12 RBIs. He is hitting .295 with 23 home runs and 75 RBIs in 431 career at-bats against the Orioles. Count on the veteran center fielder to collect a few hits during the two games in Baltimore and maybe connect for a home run.

Who you should bench from the Blue Jays

Frank Thomas, DH – I should have learned my lesson when I said to bench Upton in the last series, but Thomas shouldn’t be starting for your fantasy team while the Blue Jays are in Baltimore. Although he has tremendous career numbers against the Orioles (.311 batting average, 42 home runs, 125 RBIs in 142 games), Thomas has been slumping lately. He’s 1-for-13 in his last four games and is hitting .184 this season. Of course, Upton was having similar difficulty before he tore up the Orioles over the weekend.

Who you should play from the Orioles

Nick Markakis, RF – For the benefit of my fantasy team, it’s time for Markakis to start getting some extra-base hits. He was able to hit his first home run of the season yesterday, so it could be the start of a hot streak. Markakis has 13 hits this year, but only three have been for extra bases (two doubles and yesterday’s home run). In his career, Markakis is hitting .301 with five home runs and 20 RBIs in 34 games against Toronto. Look for him to have a successful homestand, including two solid games against the Blue Jays.

Who you should bench from the Orioles

Ramon Hernandez, C – Hernandez had a clutch home run on Saturday night, but don’t let that fool you. He’s had at least one hit in the last three games in which he has played, but don’t let that fool you either. In his career, Hernandez is hitting .231 in 61 games against the Blue Jays. Be sure to play another catcher on Monday and Tuesday if you’ve got one on your fantasy team.