Blue Jays Series Preview: Yankees step into the spotlight

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Sep 18, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Marcus Stroman (6) delivers a pitch against Boston Red Sox during the Jays 6-1 win at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Game 3: Wednesday, September 23rd  –  7:07 ET
Marcus Stroman (2-0, 3.00)  vs.  Ivan Nova (6-8, 5.11)

Toronto’s favorite son takes the ball for the series finale, and after his last outing against the Boston Red Sox, expectations are sky high. Stroman pitched 7.0 strong innings in that game, allowing just one earned run on six hits while pounding the zone with a devastating sinker.

The question of Stroman’s health no longer seems to be an issue (knock on wood), and general manager Alex Anthopoulos recently said on MLB Radio that he’d be in the conversation for game two of a playoff series if that situation presents itself. This Wednesday start will be the biggest of his Blue Jays career.

Nova gets the nod in place of the injured Tanaka, and the Blue Jays breathe a collective sigh of relief. The right hander has struggled mightily in 2015, and his most recent outing against the Blue Jays was a low point. Nova allowed 6 earned runs on 7 hits, and didn’t make it out of the 2nd inning. The pitching matchups line up well for the Jays in this series, now it’s time to do something about it!

Next: Have the Blue Jays given up on Maicer Izturis?

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