Blue Jays Series Preview: Cincinnati Reds visit for the first time since 2009

The Toronto Blue Jays opened up their 10-game homestand with a series victory against the Texas Rangers. Now, they face the Cincinnati Reds who return to the Rogers Centre for the first time since June 2009.

Despite Toronto’s (23-27) five-game winning streak coming to an end on Sunday afternoon’s 3-1 loss to Texas, the Blue Jays will look to finish off the month on a strong and positive note. They welcome the Cincinnati Reds (24-25) to the Rogers Centre for a three-game series. This marks the Blue Jays fourth interleague match of the season.

Cincinnati is 4-4 in interleague action whereas the Blue Jays are 4-7 after playing the Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, and the Atlanta Braves.

What You Need To Know

TV: Sportsnet One (Monday, Tuesday), Sportsnet (Wednesday)

Radio: Sportsnet 590 The FAN

Probable Starters

Monday, May 29 7:07 p.m. ET

RHP Lisalverto Bonilla (0-2, 6.17 ERA) vs. RHP Marcus Stroman (5-2, 3.30 ERA)

Bonilla’s last outing on May 24 against the Cleveland Indians wasn’t that much of a significance. The righty allowed three earned runs on six hits and two strikeouts in a no-decision game for the 26-year old.

Stroman has allowed two runs or less in seven of his 10 starts so far this season. “Stro-show” will have a task at hand to keep the bullpen from being used before J.A. Happ’s potential return to the rotation on Tuesday’s game.

More from Toronto Blue Jays News

• Blue Jays: Adam Cimber, the unlikely decision King
• Toronto Blue Jays: Has the Shift Killed Kevin Gausman’s 2022 Cy Young Hopes?
• Blue Jays: What Yusei Kikuchi’s latest stumble should mean
• Blue Jays: Alek Manoah on pace to succeed in possible postseason
• Blue Jays: Bradley Zimmer has carved himself a valuable role

Tuesday, May 30 7:07 p.m. ET

RHP Asher Wojciechowski (1-0, 2.25 ERA) vs. LHP J.A. Happ (0-3, 4.50 ERA)

Wojciechowski made his debut for the Reds on May 20 against the Colorado Rockies. He had a good debut as he pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings. The 28-year old was drafted by the Blue Jays in the first round of the 2010 MLB draft.

Happ could make his return on Tuesday. The lefty had a rehab assignment with High-A Dunedin on Thursday. A return from Happ would be a surprise but don’t rule it out just yet. If he does start, he’ll most likely have a limited pitch count.

Wednesday, May 31 12:37 p.m. ET

RHP Tim Adleman (3-2, 4.95 ERA) vs. RHP Mike Bolsinger (0-2, 5.49 ERA)

In five starts this month, Adleman has pitched 24 2/3 innings while allowing 14 earned runs and 19 strikeouts. His last start on May 26 proved to be his best start as he pitched in eight scoreless innings.

Bolsinger has made four starts as a Blue Jay and all his starts came from this month. Unfortunately, he has struggled to find consistency in the Blue Jays rotation. Bolsinger’s last start came on May 26 when he struck out four batters and allowed two earned runs on six hits. His time in the rotation could come to an end in the coming week with Happ and Francisco Liriano possibly returning.

Players To Watch

First baseman Joey Votto will return to his hometown for the first time since 2009. He grew up near Etobicoke, Ontario, just west of Toronto. It’ll be more of a homecoming for the former NL MVP as he will catch a ceremonial first pitch Monday from his senior high school baseball coach, Steve “Whitey” Breitner.

Votto has 12 home runs, 39 RBI, one stolen base, and a slash line of .287/.413/.567 this season.

Devon Travis continues to swing a hot bat this month. With 15 doubles already this month, Travis went five-for-12 over the weekend against the Rangers. Travis’ slash line in May has been .360/.371/.640.

Player Injuries

Toronto

CF Anthony Alford (10-day DL left hamate fracture)

LF Darrell Ceciliani (10-day DL left shoulder subluxation)

LHP J.A. Happ (10-day DL left elbow inflammation)

LHP Francisco Liriano (10-day DL left shoulder inflammation)

1B Steve Pearce (10-day DL right calf strain)

OF Dalton Pompey (60-day DL concussion)

RHP Aaron Sanchez (10-day DL right middle finger laceration)

RHP Bo Schultz (60-day DL torn right UCL- out for season)

RHP Glenn Sparkman (60-day DL fractured right thumb)

Cincinnati

LHP Tony Cingrani (10-day DL strained right oblique)

RHP Anthony DeSclafani (60-day DL sprained UCL, right elbow)

LHP Brandon Finnegan (60-day DL strained left shoulder)

RHP Amir Garrett (10-day DL right hip inflammation)

RHP Nefi Ogando (60-day DL right-hand strain)

RHP Nick Travieso (60-day DL shoulder inflammation)

C Stuart Turner (10-day DL strained right calf)

Next: Blue Jays: Don’t look now but……..

The Blue Jays lead the all-time series 9-6. Both clubs last met in 2014 where the Reds took two of three at Great American Ballpark. After this series wraps up on Wednesday afternoon, the Blue Jays will welcome the New York Yankees for a four-game series.