Blue Jays Series Preview: Home Opener Edition

Apr 4, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (6) works out prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (6) works out prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Game 3: Steven Wright (0-0) vs Marco Estrada (0-0)

Another knuckleball guy who has pitched just over 100 Major League innings for his career. There really isn’t much to give here. His 3.95 career ERA is respectable and right in line with a guy who has a knuckler. The Blue Jays don’t see many knucklers…well, I think maybe one. This could give our power bats fits. Be a little concerned.

Eatrada is returning from back issues but should be just fine for his 2016 debut. He kind of came out of homer happy nowhere…he led the NL in homers against in 204 and that trend did continue somewhat in 2015, though with fewer batters on it was hardly noticeable.

Next: Blue Jays notes on the new infield and David Price

Now after posting the 5th best ERA in the AL last year there is a lot riding on the arm of Estrada this year. Last yer he had a BABIP if .216…pretty damn good. He might not be able to sustain that, so look for a few more rough outings in Estrada’s future.

The occassional blowout loss for him will be fine if he is winnable in his other starts. Very key guy for the 2016 Blue Jays.