Game Thread: Blue Jays (12-14) at Royals (13-12)

Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

After pitching exactly how he needed to pitch to keep himself in the starting rotation, Dustin McGowan was let down by the bullpen. Last night was only the second time this season McGowan pitched more than 4 innings in a start. The bullpen allowed 7 runs on 8 hits and 2 walks in only 2 innings of work, where they used a total of 4 relievers to finish the game.

The bullpen, which is supposed to be a strength for this team, has been nothing but disappointment lately. Key relievers all have ERA’s over 4 including Steve Delabar (4.22), Brett Cecil (5.23), Aaron Loup (4.09), JA Happ (4.15), and intern closer Sergio Santos (8.31).

There are some good points from last night’s game. As stated above McGowan pitched 6 strong innings allowing 7 runs (only 2 were earned). More importantly he threw 92 pitches in the outing after he admitted that he fatigues after 60 pitches. Dustin was armed with an insulin pump located at the back of his belt which gave him the ability to pitch longer.

Another highlight from last night is that Melky Cabrera set the Blue Jays’ franchise record with the most hits in April with 41 (and he has one more day). Also, something to note is that Colby Rasmus is just above a .200 batting average (.202) and Brett Lawrie is also taking steps in the right direction with his batting average (.192).

Tonight’s matchup brings a couple of young bloods to the mound. Drew Hutchison will be facing a resilient Royals lineup after coming off a 9 strikeout over 6 inning performance against the Orioles.

The Blue Jays lineup will be taking on former top prospect Yordano Ventura. Personally, I am very excited to see him pitch. A power pitcher who doesn’t walk too many batter (1.12 WHIP), and who set the April record of the most pitches thrown over 100 MPH, the Blue Jays’ hitters many have their work cut out for them tonight.

Toronto Blue Jays lineup

Jose Reyes-SS
Melky Cabrera-LF
Jose Bautista-RF
Edwin Encarnacion-1B
Dioner Navarro-C
Juan Francisco-3B
Colby Rasmus-CF
Moises Sierra-DH
Chris Getz-2B

Drew Hutchison-P

Kansas City Royals lineup

Nori Aoki-RF
Omar Infante-2B
Eric Hosmer-1B
Billy Butler-DH
Alex Gordon-LF
Salvador Perez-C
Mike Moustakas-3B
Alcides Escobar-SS
Jarrod Dyson-CF

Yordano Ventura-P

All stats courtesy of MLB.com