Blue Jays @ Chicago White Sox: Full series preview

Game 3: June 26 @ 2:10 ET

Marcus Stroman (6-3, 5.23 ERA, 3.88 FIP) vs.
Chris Sale (12-2, 2.83 ERA, 3.28 FIP)

While I like the other two matchups for the Jays, I can’t say the same about this one. Stroman has really been struggling to miss bats and generate weak contact like he was at the start of the year, and he needs to show he can make adjustments in the big leagues.

His repertoire is so diverse and dynamic, but he consistently falls into patterns. I don’t think he needs a mechanical change, but instead, he needs to rethink his strategy against hitters. He doesn’t use his whole arsenal effectively, and he needs to start diversifying the looks he gives.

Two starts ago was a step in the right direction, but last week against the Orioles was more of the same problem as he got tuned on balls left in the middle portion of the plate when opposing hitters were expecting it.

Next: Blue Jays top pitching prospect update: Greene, Maese and more

On the other hand, Sale is absolutely sickening. His average velocity for both his sinker and fourseam are down this year, but that’s due in part because he isn’t pumping high velocity early in counts or starts anymore, instead he’s focusing on command and getting weak contact early in counts. His max velo is still north of 99 MPH, so he definitely still has the ability to blow it by any hitter.

His four-seam, slider and change all get whiffs above 10%, and he can use all three against both lefties and righties. He’s a workhorse, he’s had success against the Jays in the past, his stuff is some of the best in the league, and he is simply one of the best in the game. Let’s hope he has an off day on Sunday.