Series Preview: Blue Jays Looking to Flow Right Along Against A’s

Aug 5, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays opening pitcher

(36) pitches against Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

Game 1: Kendall Graveman (6-7, 3.90 ERA) vs Drew Hutchison (10-2, 5.42 ERA)

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Oakland trots out Mr. Graveman in the city he so briefly called home. His overall season hasn’t been horrible and he has lasted right from the get go. He has been a bit inconsistent month to month but overall has held his own in his first full MLB season. His ERA is a full run and a half lower on the road (3.10) than it is at home (4.64) which is a bit odd considering the pitchers paradise games in Oakland can be. He was roughed up for 6 earned against the Blue Jays last time out so he will look for a bit of redemption…

But the one man who needs some redemption lately is Drew Hutchison. He has been absolutely awful on the road this year and stellar at home. Here’s hoping he doesn’t finally bring home what he does on the road or this could be a long evening. The only reason he is even in the rotation still is the offense that keeps propping him up with his 10 win record. Truth is he has regressed and lost complete control of his fastball. In his last 7 games his ERA is 5.60 and he has given  up 47 hits in 35+ innings. One way to clean that up a bit? Shrink the ERA with men on 3rd to something much much smaller than 42.43. The only way he prevails is the world leading offense behind him.

Next: Game 2: Papa Buehrle Leads the Way