Game Four Thread: Toronto Blue Jays (2-1) at Tampa Bay Rays (1-2)

Apr 2, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Dioner Navarro (30) singles during the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Blue Jays have a chance to do something very special tonight, possibly winning their first series in Tampa since taking a three-game set April 6-8, 2007. For those who don’t wish to go back through the history books, that means the Blue Jays have an 0-19-1 record at the Trop since that April week. Nearly 7 years have passed and now the Blue Jays have a chance to take one tonight by winning 3 of 4.

Of course, they have to finish the win to do it, so let’s not get ahead of ourselves too quickly.

Toronto Blue Jays Lineup:
Melky Cabrera LF
Colby Rasmus CF
Jose Bautista RF
Edwin Encarnacion DH
Adam Lind 1B
Dioner Navarro C
Brett Lawrie 3B
Maicer Izturis 2B
Ryan Goins SS

Brandon Morrow P

Tampa Bay Rays Lineup:
David DeJesus DH
Desmond Jennings CF
Ben Zobrist 2B
Evan Longoria 3B
James Loney 1B
Logan Forsythe LF
Matt Joyce RF
Ryan Hanigan C
Yunel Escobar SS

Chris Archer P

Of Note

This will be the first MLB start for Brandon Morrow since May 28th of last season. After struggling through 10 starts a season ago and then a trapped radial nerve in his forearm, Morrow endured a rough spring as well, resulting in his plummeting down the rotation depth chart. However in his last outing, an exhibition against the New York Mets in Montreal, Morrow went 5.2 innings allowing 2 hits and 2 walks while striking out 8. He’s ready to go.

This will also be the first start for Chris Archer since signing his contract extension with Tampa. The Rays awarded the 25-year-old with a 6-year deal (plus two option years) worth $25.5 million ($43.75 if options are exercised). Tampa continues to find quality, young pitching and locks them up.

Wil Myers, who has punished the Blue Jays in this series, was a late scratch from the line-up with flu-like symptoms.