Blue Jays face White Sox as playoff race intensifies

Jul 3, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons (5) takes the ball to relieve starting pitcher Drew Hutchison (36) in the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Game 3:  Wednesday, July 8th   –   8:10 ET

Drew Hutchison vs. John Danks

Remember the endless pre-season lists naming Drew Hutchinson a “breakout” candidate? Some even went as far as naming him a dark horse candidate for the AL Cy Young award. Those were simpler times.

Hutchison has laboured through start after start, offering up the odd flash on potential between long innings and short outings. His inflated record of 8-2 pairs strangely with a 5.23 ERA, but his yo-yo act has produced plenty of nights that were “good enough”.

In Hutch’s last ten outings, his earned runs allowed have been: 5, 0, 3, 0, 8, 1, 4, 0, 4, 2. Notice the pattern? Toronto will hope that this continues for this start, at least, and sends the still-talented righty to a strong start on the road.

Chicago will roll out lefty John Danks, who has also struggled early with a 4-8 record and 4.95 ERA. Danks threw 7.0 innings of shutout ball against the Baltimore Orioles, but has allowed four earned runs or more in five of his last 10 starts. The veteran will sit in the mid-to-high 80s, with his curveball offering his only significant change in velocity.

Next: Game 4: Dickey hopes to avoid Shark attack