Series Preview: Blue Jays Head to New York with Season on the Line

Sep 6, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Marco Estrada (25) throws a pitch during the first inning in a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Game 2: Marco Estrada (12-8, 3.18 ERA) vs Ivan Nova (6-7, 4.50 ERA)

Estrada has become that guy. That guy that comes out of seemingly nowhere to anchor down a rotation that had been in a state of flux. What can you say about Estrada? He is locked in and has full command of his pitches. He hasn’t given any indication that his arm is tired or that he can’t handle the added pressure.

Aside from some crooked numbers against Carlos Beltran (3 HR against) Estrada has dealt with the Yankee hitters about as good as you could have expected. He will surpass his previous season high in innings (150.2) set last year in Milwaukee during this game….hopefully.

Nova has the capabilities to take down the vaunted Jays line up. He has a 5.49 ERA in his last 7 starts and one wonders if fatigue on his arm setting in.  He hasn’t pitched extremely well at Yankee Stadium either where his ERA is almost two runs worse than it is when he is pitching elsewhere. He is still giving up a decent AO/PO of 1.41 so he has the stuff to temper the power bats of the Blue Jays. If he can stay out of the big inning he could keep the Yankees close in this game.

Next: Game 3 Preview: HE'S BACK!