Toronto Blue Jays finish home stand with White Sox

May 24, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion (10) hits a two run homer in the fifth inning against Seattle Mariners at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Blue Jays will wrap up their home stand with a three game set against the Chicago White Sox as they look to begin their ascent through the weak AL East.  Despite dropping two of three to the Seattle Mariners over the weekend and a horrendous record as of late, the Toronto Blue Jays may be poised to slowly turn the corner in the coming weeks.

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Shortstop Jose Reyes is set to return to the lineup on Monday after a rehab stint with the AAA Buffalo Bisons which will help to balance the Blue Jays’ batting order.  His presence will slide Josh Donaldson, Edwin Encarnacion and Russell Martin down a spot, thus removing a replacement-level player from the bottom of the order.  When Jose Bautista is ready to return, the top five should be feared once again.

Toronto’s pitching has been their achilles heel, however, and recent improvements in that department must continue to snowball.  After another encouraging outing from the young Aaron Sanchez on Sunday, the Jays will send Drew Hutchison, R.A. Dickey and Marco Estrada to the mound against the White Sox.  Sanchez’s start was the sixth consecutive game where the Jays received 6.0+ IP from their starter.  With the potency of their lineup, the continuation of that trend will go a long way in the win column.

Next: Opponent profile: Chicago White Sox

May 20, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons (5) takes the ball from starting pitcher Drew Hutchison (36) after relieving him in the seventh inning against Los Angeles Angels at Rogers Centre. The Angels won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Game 1:  Monday, May 25th  –  7:07 ET

Drew Hutchison takes the hill for Toronto in the series opener as he looks to finally get over the hump and enter a groove.  Hutchison allowed four earned runs over 6.2 IP in his last outing and showed signs of progress in the two starts prior.  Against a struggling lineup and considering his recent flashes, there’s reason to be optimistic about this start.  He may finally be able to slip his ERA under six, too!

Hector Noesi will start for the White Sox as they look to limit the innings of young star Carlos Rodon, who originally replaced Noesi in the rotation.  The right-hander enters play with a 5.60 ERA and 1.64 WHIP, so when considering the fact that he hasn’t stretched his arm over 4.1 IP in three weeks, this could be a juicy matchup.

The Blue Jays should be prepared for a low-to-mid 90’s fastball from Noesi with a slider and changeup that he drops in to the mid-80’s.  Patience should be the primary approach at the plate for Toronto, though.  Through 17.2 innings pitched in 2015, Noesi is averaging 5.60 BB/9.

Next: Game 2: Can Dickey build on complete game?

May 21, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher R.A. Dickey (43) celebrates the win with center fielder Kevin Pillar (11) at the end of a game against the Los Angeles Angels Jays at Rogers Centre.The Toronto Blue Jays won 8-4. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Game 2:  Tuesday, May 26th  –  7:07 ET

The Blue Jays will start R.A. Dickey in game two and hope to see more of the same from the veteran.  Dickey had his strongest outing of the season in his past start, throwing a complete game against the Los Angeles while striking out seven and walking just two.  He did allow four earned runs, but these deep starts with two-to-four runs against are what the Jays need consistently from the knuckler.

Lefty John Danks will counter for the White Sox after one of his weakest outings, allowing five earned runs on four walks and six hits over 5.1 IP against the Cleveland Indians.  Danks enters with a 5.11 ERA and 1.43 WHIP.

Danks will usually sit around three to five strikeouts per start and shouldn’t creep too far over 90 MPH with his fastball.  He will also feature a cutter with a frequent low-80’s changeup when he’s ahead in the count.

Next: Finale: Blue Jays look to tame Samardzija

May 22, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Marco Estrada (25) pitches against the Seattle Mariners in the second inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Game 3:  Wednesday, May 27th  –  12:37 ET

Marco Estrada takes the mound in game three looking for the sweep win.  While Estrada is likely keeping a seat warm for Daniel Norris, who is currently tinkering with his game at AAA Buffalo, he’s done well to earn his keep.  He is coming off a 7.0 inning outing, his longest of the season, and continued to impress despite his four earned runs allowed.  As always, it’s about avoiding the long ball.

Beloved 2014 Blue Jays trade target Jeff Samardzija will counter for the White Sox, but he has yet to match his fantastic 2014 numbers in the early stages.  Two back-to-back eight inning starts are a sign of a revival, though, and his last outing may have been his best.  Samardzija tossed 8.0 strong against the Minnesota Twins, allowing just three hits with nine strikeouts.

Samardzija will come with a mid-90’s fastball that drops into the low-90’s as he adds two-seam or cutting action.  He will also turn to a splitter late in some counts, and features a mid-80’s slider that he has thrown on nearly one quarter of his pitches.

Next: WATCH Podcast Ep.20: Daniel Norris & Dwight Smith

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• Blue Jays: Snapping cold streaks at the right time
• Who Should the Blue Jays Extend First: Guerrero, Bichette or Manoah?
• Blue Jays now hold the top Wild Card spot, and yes that’s a good thing
• Blue Jays may have the tools to use a Bullpen Day
• Blue Jays win important first game after Bichette’s late inning heroics