September 30th to October 2nd – Boston Red Sox
Similar to the 2021 campaign, the Toronto Blue Jays will finish the season facing two AL East rivals which could have heavy implications on the division standings.
The New York Yankees head to Toronto for a three-game series earlier in the week but the Boston Red Sox will be in town for the last weekend series at the Rogers Centre before the Jays head to Baltimore to end the campaign.
FanGraphs currently projects the Blue Jays, Yankees, Red Sox, and Rays to be within seven wins of each other (85 to 92), showcasing the absolute power held in the AL East. With the Red Sox projected to win 87 games this year (third in the division), these games late in the season can have a huge implication on the standings and whether the Jays can make the playoffs or their position entering the postseason.
The Red Sox features a solid lineup in Rafael Devers, Xander Bogaerts, J.D. Martinez, and newcomer Trevor Story with their biggest downfall being the pitching corps, especially with the recent departure of Eduardo Rodriguez this offseason and ace Chris Sale beginning the year on the 60-day IL. Lots can change between now and the end of the year but inter-division games have lots riding on them, so earning a few wins against the Red Sox before finishing the year in Baltimore could be the icing on the postseason cake.
Promotions-wise, the Jays will be celebrating fan appreciation weekend and giving away a vest to the first 15,000 fans on Saturday night.