Blue Jays: Stage is set for series to remember in Montreal

The stage is set for the Toronto Blue Jays and St. Louis Cardinals to bring baseball back to Montreal for the fifth consecutive year, however, this year the midweek series will be even a little more special.

The Blue Jays have formally announced that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will be making the trip to La Belle Province for the exhibition games. As you as know the uber-prospects father Vladimir Guerrero Sr. spent eight seasons with the Montreal Expos from 1996 to 2003.

The games will be played on Monday and Tuesday evening this time around with the Jays heading home to Toronto at the conclusion to prepare for the start of the regular season on Thursday afternoon versus the New York Yankees.

Marcus Stroman is tabbed to toe the rubber in the first game opposite Cardinals starter Michael Wacha. The hurler appears to be reveling in the opportunity to pitch in Montreal. Stroman was slotted to be the Opening Day starter however his spring training timeline was derailed due to inflammation in his throwing shoulder. Stroman will now get the ball in the final game of the series versus the Bronx Bombers on Sunday.

“I can’t wait,” I think Canadian fans are the best in the world. I love pitching in Toronto, I love pitching in Canada. We have an entire country that’s behind our backs each and every day and that’s extremely special. I love our fans, I get out there and see them every off-season across the country and I can’t wait to get there in Montreal, then against the Yankees on Sunday.”

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Montreal fans will also be afforded the pleasure of getting a first-hand look at Bo Bichette who will also be making the trek from Dunedin to Montreal for the series. Bichette has impressed throughout spring training when called-upon during Grapefruit League action play. The 20-year olds father Dante Bichette is also no stranger to Olympic Stadium having played in the National League from 1993 to 2000.

Tickets for both games are still available through Evenko and can be purchased HERE if you’re so inclined.

Blue Jays President Mark Shapiro voiced his opinion on the Montreal series and the passion that Quebec baseball fans bring every time the Blue Jays come to town.

“We always look forward to playing in front of our fans in Montreal, the atmosphere at Olympic Stadium over the last few years has been truly special, and is a reminder of the passion for baseball that exists in Quebec, and how far reaching the Blue Jays fan base truly extends.”

One of the most memorable moments thus far of the Montreal Series has to be the exchange between Russell Martin and his father after he performed the national anthem. The elder Martin later came on the field to pull his son from the game in an emotional moment that tugged at the heartstrings of many baseball fans across the country.

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There will undoubtedly be another special moment in the makings this year when both Bo and Vladdy play on Canadian soil for the first time and it just happens to be in Montreal.