Game Thread: Toronto Blue Jays (4-4) vs. Houston Astros (3-5)

Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Tonight the Toronto Blue Jays will once again try to climb above .500 for the first time since June 26, 2013 and have a pretty good chance in doing so as they take on the Houston Astros and right-handed starter Lucas Harrell.

Harrell, 28, struggled with control in 2013 and had nearly as many walks (88) as he did strikeouts (89). He gave up five earned runs in three innings his last time out against the Angels with three strikeouts and three walks.

Brandon Morrow takes the hill for the Blue Jays and will be looking to improve on his first start of the season. Morrow battled through five innings against the Rays on April 3 and only had two swinging strikes. Hopefully against a bit lesser opponent he’ll have a few more swings and misses tonight.

Melky Cabrera continues to swing a white-hot bat and currently is tied with Jose Bautista for the American League lead in home runs. Maicer Izturis is back in the two-hole after yesterday’s experiment with Adam Lind batting second against a lefty with reverse splits.

Toronto Blue Jays Lineup:

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

Brandon Morrow P

Houston Astros Lineup:

Dexter Fowler CF
Alex Presley RF
Jason Castro C
Jose Altuve 2B
Chris Carter DH
Marc Krauss 1B
Matt Dominguez 3B
Robbie Grossman LF
Jonathan Villar SS

Lucas Harrell P