Series Preview: Can the Blue Jays Tame the Tigers?

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Jun 28, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN;Toronto Blue Jays opening pitcher Drew Hutchison (36) pitches against Texas rangers in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

Game 1: Drew Hutchison (8-1, 4.99 ERA) vs Anibal Sanchez (6-7, 4.63 ERA)

Hutch is the luckiest man in baseball. He has the best winning percentage of any starter in baseball and he truly doesn’t deserve it. He has been all over the place. His WHIP is 1.42 and his BAA against is up to .280. He has not taken a step forward and if he continues this trend he may not be a lock for the rotation next season…especially if some of the other kids start knocking on the MLB door.

Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays /

Toronto Blue Jays

He may even be part of a trade package for an elite starter (like Cole Hamels). I know, I know we don’t have the depth to be giving pitchers away but what are we really giving away? He has an ERA of almost 9 on the road. Addition by subtraction.

Anibal Sanchez has been a perfect number 3. Eating a ton of innings, striking out batters and keeping his WHIP better than average (1.18). He doesn’t have the stuff to be anything more than a three and that’s fine. He is what the Blue Jays wish Drew Hutchison was. Keep the team in the game. Save the bullpen. Win more often than not. If there is a problem the Blue Jays can exploit it’s his rather brutal ERA with runners in scoring position (17.26). He has given up 18 home runs so far this season as well. this has the makings of a good ol’ fashioned barn burner.

Next: Game 2: Dickey vs Price