Blue Jays ALCS Game 6 X-factors

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Oct 16, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Aaron Loup (62) throws against the Kansas City Royals during the sixth inning in game one of the ALCS at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Loup

Aaron Loup is expected to be back tonight after missing a few games with a personal matter he had to attend to.  The Royals left handed batters have been hitting the ball hard this series, and the Jays have not had a suitable lefty out in the pen to shut them down.

Loup has not had a great season by any means, but without Brett Cecil, he is the best that is currently available.  Loup posted a 4.46 ERA in 42.1 innings with the Jays this year and was demoted to the Buffalo Bisons for a time.  As of late, it appears Loup has figured it out and regained control of the slider that made him a solid pitcher.

Loup has a unique delivery that is deceptive to left handed hitters.  He has a cross fire type throw that must seem like it comes from behind left handed hitters and then crosses the plate.  The path the ball takes through the zone is even harder to figure out when he is throwing sliders that sweep more dramatically than his fastball.  This season has been a grind for Loup and what better way to show that everything is fine and dandy then by getting a key out against the Royals hot left handed bats.  Look for Loup to show his worth as this game gets tense in later innings.

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