Apr 16, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays opening pitcher Aaron Sanchez (41) against Tampa Bay Rays in the fifth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports
Over the course of the past week, the Toronto Blue Jays have been on both sides of a three-game series sweep. After a dominant home series in which they put up 24 runs against the Baltimore Orioles, the Jays’ bats managed just 6 runs over their three losses in Tampa Bay. For the Toronto Blue Jays, it’s time to find balance.
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This begins with a trip to Fenway Park to face the 10-9 Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox hold a 2-4 record over their last two series’ and have had some serious troubles with their starting pitchers, none of whom carry an ERA under 4.00 entering Monday’s opener. Boston dropped a blowout 18-7 game to the Orioles last night in Baltimore, so the Toronto Blue Jays aren’t the only team looking to rebound.
Some lineup stability may benefit Toronto, as both Jose Reyes and Jose Bautista could return at some point in this series. The return of Michael Saunders lessens the blow of Bautista’s injury, and should allow for the slugger to spend a handful of games at DH before assuming regular right field duties. In the meantime, John Gibbons will be watching for Kevin Pillar or Dalton Pompey to make their final case for playing time.
Aaron Sanchez will take the mound for the opener needing to improve upon his 7-walk outing from last week and quiet the rising roar of his doubters. Drew Hutchison and R.A. Dickey will follow, as the Red Sox will counter with Joe Kelly, Clay Buchholz and Rick Porcello. All three games come with a 6:10 ET start.
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