The Blue Jays are still alive. Toronto avoided a sweep in Texas with a much-needed 7-2 win over the Rangers on Sunday, improving to 77-79 with six games remaining. The Jays enter the final week of the regular season three games behind the Chicago White Sox for the final AL Wild Card spot, with Chicago owning the head-to-head tiebreaker.
On game 157 preview of Flight Deck, Dan Riccio breaks down Toronto’s season-saving win in Arlington. The Blue Jays put together 11 hits against Jacob deGrom and the Rangers, with Nathan Lukes and Charles McAdoo each driving in two runs. Brett Bateman was the catalyst at the top of the order, reaching base three times and scoring all three times as Toronto finally generated consistent offence.
The game broke open in the seventh inning, when Toronto scored four runs to turn a one-run lead into a comfortable advantage. Spencer Miles provided three scoreless innings as the opener before the bullpen combined to shut Texas down the rest of the way, allowing the Jays to escape Arlington with at least one win.
But the victory came with another injury concern. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. exited in the fourth inning with lower-back tightness, an issue that had already been bothering him entering the game. John Schneider said the Blue Jays were being cautious and hoped Vladdy would be ready for Monday, making his status something to watch ahead of first pitch.
Dan will also get into the latest concern surrounding Dylan Cease. Toronto’s ace was sent for an MRI on his right shoulder after experiencing decreased velocity in his latest start and has already been scratched from Wednesday’s scheduled outing. With only six games left, could the Blue Jays be without their best starter for the remainder of the regular season?
Looking ahead, Trey Yesavage returns from the injured list to start the series opener in Baltimore. Yesavage enters at 5-5 with a 3.65 ERA and 91 strikeouts after missing time with left-knee inflammation. Toronto is expected to limit him to roughly three innings or 45-50 pitches, putting plenty of pressure on an already heavily used bullpen.
Baltimore counters with Shane Baz, who enters at 6-15 with a 4.11 ERA and 152 strikeouts. The Orioles are 75-81 and coming off a three-game sweep at the hands of Milwaukee, meaning both AL East teams enter this series desperately trying to keep their fading postseason hopes alive.
There is no room left for a prolonged slump. Toronto’s postseason elimination number is down to three, and even winning out may require help from around the American League. Can Yesavage give the Jays what they need in his return, can the offence build off Sunday’s 11-hit performance, and can Toronto keep its season alive for another night?
We finish with Dan’s picks presented by bet365.
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