Toronto Blue Jays series preview: On the road to Houston

May 10, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays opening pitcher R.A. Dickey (43) throws the ball against Boston Red Sox in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

Game 2:  Friday, May 15th  –  8:10 ET

R.A. Dickey will follow Hutchison on Friday night, and it’s been a worrying start to 2015 for the veteran. Dickey’s last outing against the Boston Red Sox saw him allow six earned runs over 6.0 innings pitches, but the most worrying part of Dickey’s recent struggles is his inability to record strikeouts.  In each of his last two starts, Dickey has walked three batters but struck out none.  Something needs to change for Dickey, and fast.

Dallas Keuchel will get the start for Houston, and few starters in baseball are dealing like he is through the first month plus.  Keuchel sits at 4-0 with a 1.39 ERA and 0.85 WHIP, but did have his weakest outing of the season in his last trip to the mound.  The Blue Jays have a tendency to struggle terribly against aces or pitchers riding a hot streak, so this will be a test.

Keuchel will feature a fastball with movement around 90 MPH and compliment it with a slider or changeup sparingly.  The velocity is much like Toronto will see in game one from Hernandez, but Keuchel has had several starts earlier in the season with three walks surrendered.  He’s by no means unhittable, but the Blue Jays will need Dickey to shine in this matchup.

Next: Game 3: Estrada fighting for his role