Blue Jays preview: The search for answers heads to Minnesota

Game 4:  Sunday, May 22nd   –   2:10 ET

Marcus Stroman (4-1, 4.23 ERA) vs.
Phil Hughes (1-6, 5.70 ERA)

The staff ace is coming off the toughest outing of career, one that marked his first loss in 16 starts.

Stroman allowed 13 hits against the Rays, a career high. Seven runs crossed as Stroman only managed two strikeouts, so he’ll be looking for a hard reset agains the Twins in the series finale.

“You really have to put it in perspective and know that,” Stroman told MLB.com following the game, “and do everything you can to wash the start whether it be good or bad, and focus the next four days preparing for the next one. I realize I’m going to have days like that. I never get discouraged regardless of the outing and never take my starts into the next one.”

Phil Hughes is still listed as the tentative starter for the Twins, but that could change later today during his throwing session. He’s been pitching through shoulder fatigue recently and was removed early from his last start.

Next: Latest roster notes on Travis, Morales, and Leon

That outing went just fine, though, as Hughes allowed just one earned run over six and a third innings. His three starts prior were more difficult, with Hughes allowing 15 earned runs. That outing went just fine, though, as Hughes s over just 11 innings.

Hughes has allowed seven home runs this season and is coming off 29 allowed last year, so this could be a good opportunity for the Blue Jays bats to shine.