The Toronto Blue Jays fell to the Seattle Mariners 4-0 final evening within the first sport of their American League wild-card series.
Here are 5 issues to know heading into Game 2 of the best-of-three series:
ON DECK
Kevin Gausman, who earned a 12-10 regular-season document with a 3.35 earned-run common, will begin for Toronto this afternoon. Seattle will counter with Robbie Ray, who had a 12-12 document with a 3.71 ERA this 12 months.
“I’ve by no means pitched an elimination sport earlier than, however I began the final sport of the season in 2016 (for the Baltimore Orioles),” stated Gausman. “We wanted to win that sport.
“So I’ve pitched in quite a lot of significant video games in my profession. Obviously not an elimination sport however I’ve simply received to go on the market and pitch to my strengths.”
RAY RETURNS
Ray received the Cy Young Award because the AL’s greatest pitcher whereas enjoying for the Blue Jays in 2021. He did not pitch when the Mariners visited Toronto earlier this season, as a substitute being positioned on Seattle’s restricted checklist for gamers not absolutely vaccinated towards COVID-19. He stated yesterday he was excited to return to Toronto.
“I believe you simply have to manage your feelings. Not let the state of affairs get too massive. Not let the gang management how you are feeling in regards to the sport,” stated Ray.
“It’s, clearly, going to be very loud right here. The roof is closed. They’re going to be packed out. The followers listed here are loud. They love baseball. They love the Blue Jays. So, it may be loud.”
BLUE JAYS INJURIES
Second baseman Santiago Espinal was on Toronto’s 23-man post-season roster on Friday however neglected of the Game 1 lineup as he continued to recuperate from a left indirect pressure. Outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (hamstring) was left off the roster fully, nonetheless. Interim Blue Jays supervisor John Schneider’s hope is that Toronto can advance to the American League Division Series towards the Houston Astros with out Gurriel. Schneider hinted that Espinal might make the lineup towards the left-handed Ray in Game 2.
“You attempt to break down each potential state of affairs that will happen the following three days, whether or not they’re good or dangerous, and attempt to make your greatest choice,” stated Schneider.
SPRINGER FINE
Blue Jays outfielder George Springer has battled with a sore proper elbow for many of the season. It appeared like his left elbow was additionally going to be hurting after he was hit by a pitch within the eighth inning of yesterday’s loss. Springer was capable of get his elbow out of the best way of a 97.9 m.p.h. four-seam fastball from Mariners starter Luis Castillo. The pitch, nonetheless, did hit his wrist. Schneider stated after the sport that Springer was OK.
“X-rays are adverse for a fracture,” stated Schneider. “He’s feeling all proper, and we’ll see how he feels (Saturday), however hoping he is good to go.”
POP UP
Relief pitcher Zach Pop of Brampton, Ont., made his post-season debut within the eighth inning. The 26-year-old Pop gave up a single to Eugenio Suarez earlier than putting out Cal Raleigh. He allowed a double to Mitch Haniger earlier than being changed on the mound by Trevor Richards.
This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed Oct. 8, 2022.