Toronto Blue Jays look to stop skid against surging Angels

May 9, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Drew Hutchison (36) throws a pitch during the first inning in a game against the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 7-1. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Game 2:  Tuesday, May 19th  –  7:07 ET

Game two sees Drew Hutchison take the mound with his ERA still sitting above 6.00 for the season.  His past two outings have been very encouraging, however, allowing just one earned run in each.  Most recently against the Houston Astros, Hutchison struck out nine batters over 6.0 innings, walking just one.

The strikeout capability has always been there for Hutchison and I do believe that he’s about to ease back into a groove, but the next step he will need to take is working deep into games.  With none of the Blue Jays starters providing any guarantee of 7.0+ innings to give relief to a battered bullpen, Hutchison’s pitch count will be imperative to watch on Tuesday.

Hector Santiago will take the ball for Los Angeles and look to continue his recent tear.  Excluding his May 2nd start against the San Francisco Giants, Santiago has allowed one earned run or less in five of his past six starts.  The left-hander will lean heavily on a sinking fastball and cutter, with a changeup and slider that he uses sparingly later in counts.

Next: Game 3: Do something, Dickey