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Blue Jays testing Vladdy's defensive versatility as they eye series win over Pirates

The lineups are set as Chris Bassitt and the Blue Jays go for a series victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s defensive versatility will be put to the test in this contest.

By Eric Treuden |
May 20, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays first base Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) and third baseman Isiah Kiner-Falefa (7) take a break during batting practice before a game against the Chicago White Sox at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
May 20, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays first base Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) and third baseman Isiah Kiner-Falefa (7) take a break during batting practice before a game against the Chicago White Sox at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports / Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

That four-game win streak sure was a lot of fun, hey? The Toronto Blue Jays failed to make it five in a row on Saturday, falling to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 8-1 fashion. The Jays remain in a tie for last place in the AL East, two games back of the third-place Red Sox and 12.5 games out of first place. On Sunday, the club is going to significantly alter their defensive configuration in an attempt to shake things up a bit.

And we're all for it. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is going to make his first start at third base since all the way back in 2019.

Probable starting pitchers

  • For the Blue Jays, Chris Bassitt is set to make his 12th start of the year. The right-hander led the American League in wins, starts and batters faced last year but has gotten off to a bit of a slower start in the current campaign. Bassitt, 35, has a 4.03 ERA, 4.19 FIP and 97 ERA+ through 60.1 innings of work in 2024.
  • The Pirates will send youngster Quinn Priester to the mound to make his 14th career start and sixth of the season. The 23-year-old hurler was the Pirates' fourth-ranked prospect as recently as last year and is supposed to be a long-term piece in Pittsburgh's rotation. So far this year, he's sporting a 4.33 ERA and ghastly 6.37 FIP while allowing over 10 hits per nine innings.

Toronto Blue Jays starting lineup, June 2

  • 1. LF Davis Schneider
  • 2. C Danny Jansen
  • 3. 3B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
  • 4. SS Bo Bichette
  • 5. DH Daniel Vogelbach
  • 6. 1B Justin Turner
  • 7. RF George Springer
  • 8. CF Daulton Varsho
  • 9. 2B Isiah Kiner-Falefa

Pittsburgh Pirates starting lineup, June 2

  • 1. DH Andrew McCutchen
  • 2. LF Bryan Reynolds
  • 3. RF Connor Joe
  • 4. SS Oneil Cruz
  • 5. 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes
  • 6. 2B Nick Gonzales
  • 7. 1B Rowdy Tellez
  • 8. CF Ji Hwan Bae
  • 9. C Grant Koch

What channel is the Toronto Blue Jays game on today?

  • Game time: 1:37 p.m. ET
  • Sportsnet, Sportsnet+ and TVA Sports will have the Blue Jays broadcast.
  • Pirates fans can catch the game on SportsNet-PIT.

How do I stream the Toronto Blue Jays game today?

How can I listen to the Toronto Blue Jays game today?

  • The Blue Jays broadcast will be on SN590 and the SN App.
  • Pirates fans can tune into the game on KDKA-FM 93.7.
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