Series Preview: Blue Jays must crawl back vs. Milwaukee Brewers

The first half of May saw the Toronto Blue Jays find life and resurge into the team fans know they really are. After a miserable week playing the Atlanta Braves and the Baltimore Orioles, the Blue Jays must crawl back against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Toronto (19-26) continues to sit in the basement of the American League East whereas Milwaukee (25-19) sit at the top of the National League Central standings.

The Blue Jays and Brewers already met for a two-game series at the Rogers Centre in April. Now, both teams will play another two-game series at Miller Park.

What You Need To Know

TV: Sportsnet One (Tuesday), Sportsnet (Wednesday)

Radio: Sportsnet 590 The Fan

Probable Starters

Tuesday, May 24 7:40 p.m. ET

RHP Joe Biagini (1-2, 3.41 ERA) vs. RHP Jimmy Nelson (2-2, 3.86 ERA)

Biagini’s transition into the starting rotation will continue with his fourth start on Tuesday night. The right-hander had a very rough outing against the Atlanta Braves last Wednesday. Biagini allowed the Braves to score six runs early in the game but, he retired the next 12 batters he faced.

Nelson has never faced the Blue Jays. He’s been having a spectacular month of May, with a 1.15 ERA, 18 strikeouts in 15 2/3 innings pitched. Nelson will look to build off that success in his fourth start of the season.

Wednesday, May 24 1:10 p.m. ET

RHP Marcus Stroman (4-2, 3.00 ERA) vs. RHP Matt Garza (2-0, 2.43 ERA)

Stroman came up big in his last in Atlanta. Not only did he hit his first career home run, but the Stro-show has allowed two runs or less in seven of his last nine starts. The 26-year old did pitch against the Brewers on April 12. The result ended with Stroman pitching a complete-game loss.

Garza has stepped up in the Brewers rotation this month. The veteran right-hander has allowed four earned runs while striking out 11 batters in three starts. Garza will hope for that type of success against the Blue Jays.

Players To Watch

Devon Travis is swinging a hot bat this month after going cold in April. Travis’ slash line has improved to .239/.278/.394/.673 with one home run, and 10 RBI in May. His 14 doubles have surpassed Aaron Hill’s 2009 record of 12 doubles in a month as a Blue Jay.

Keon Broxton, like Travis, was swinging a cold bat in April. Broxton’s slash line currently sits at .270/.329/.453/.781. So far this month, he’s 24-for-69 with three home runs, 10 RBI, and four stolen bases.

More from Toronto Blue Jays News

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• Blue Jays: The goalposts are moving in the right direction
• Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays advance to the Championship Series
• Blue Jays: Comparisons for Alek Manoah’s Second Season
• Blue Jays: Adam Cimber, the unlikely decision King

Player Injuries

Toronto

LF Darrell Ceciliani (10-day DL left shoulder subluxation)

3B Josh Donaldson (10-day DL strained right calf)

LHP J.A. Happ (10-day DL left elbow inflammation)

LHP Francisco Liriano (10-day DL left shoulder inflammation)

1B Steve Pearce (10-day DL right calf strain)

OF Dalton Pompey (60-day DL concussion)

RHP Aaron Sanchez (10-day DL right middle finger laceration)

RHP Bo Schultz (60-day DL torn right UCL- out for season)

RHP Glenn Sparkman (60-day DL fractured right thumb)

SS Troy Tulowitzki (10-day DL strained right hamstring)

Milwaukee

RHP Junior Guerra (10-day DL strained right calf)

Despite the overwhelming difference of player injuries, it seemed as if Tulo was going to make a triumphant return to the lineup over the weekend. Unfortunately, that never happened as Tulo, and Donaldson are now rehabbing at Class A Dunedin. Outside of any setbacks between the two, Tulo could be the first one back later this week.

Meanwhile, Ryan Braun made his return from the 10-day DL on Sunday against the Chicago Cubs. Braun has been out of the Brewers lineup since May 10.

Next: Blue Jays: Dioner Navarro takes time off

The Brewers lead the all-time series 163-119, that’s including the sweep from last month. The Blue Jays have struggled in interleague play this season, going 2-7 in nine games.