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Toronto Blue Jays probable pitchers & starting lineups vs. Tampa Bay Rays, March 31

Can the Blue Jays leave Tampa with the series split with their ace hitting the mound?

By Edward Eng

Wild Card Series - Toronto Blue Jays v Minnesota Twins - Game One
Wild Card Series - Toronto Blue Jays v Minnesota Twins - Game One / David Berding/GettyImages
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After a heated contest in the third game of the four-game set, the Toronto Blue Jays will be all pumped up to face the Tampa Bay Rays in the series finale on Sunday. The Jays have dropped two straight games following their impressive Opening Day win as the Rays’ pitching staff have held the Jays’ offence mainly in check for the past couple of days. As a result, the Jays will look to their ace to help recoup a win in the finale so that they can leave Tampa with a respectable series split. Things won’t be any easier as on deck waiting will be the 2023 AL West division winners Houston Astros. So the Jays will need all the motivation they can get heading into the next tough series in Houston.

Probable starting pitchers

  • After spending the majority of spring training on the sidelines dealing with right shoulder fatigue, the timing couldn’t be any better as Kevin Gausman is finally back to make his season debut. Gausman is coming off a stellar 2023 campaign in which he compiled a 12-9 record with a 3.16 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, along with an AL-leading 237 strikeouts in just 185 innings pitched over 31 starts. In doing so, he finished third in AL Cy Young voting and became a second-time All-Star. If there is anyone that can single-handedly get the Jays back on track, Gausman is that exact one to do so.
  • The Rays will counter with an opener in right-handed pitcher Shawn Armstrong, with Tyler Alexander to follow up as the bulk reliever. Armstrong was one of the Rays’ best relievers last season, as he posted a sparkling 1.38 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, with 54 strikeouts in 52 innings pitched. He made 39 appearances for the Rays, including serving as the opener on six occasions, so this isn’t anything new for the 10-year veteran. For Alexander, he was claimed off waivers by the Rays from the Detroit Tigers last November. He won a spot in their pitching staff following a strong spring in which he gave up only two runs with one walk and five strikeouts in 9 innings of work. Together, they will hope to make it three straight wins for the Rays over the Jays.

Toronto Blue Jays starting lineup, March 31

The starting lineup for the Blue Jays has been updated to reflect Bo Bichette's scratch due to neck spasms.

  • 1. DH George Springer
  • 2. 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
  • 3. 3B Justin Turner
  • 4. CF Daulton Varsho
  • 5. C Alejandro Kirk
  • 6. SS Ernie Clement
  • 7. LF Davis Schneider
  • 8. RF Cavan Biggio
  • 9. 2B Isiah Kiner-Falefa

Tampa Bay Rays starting lineup, March 31

  • 1. 1B Yandy Díaz
  • 2. 2B Brandon Lowe
  • 3. LF Randy Arozarena
  • 4. DH Harold Ramírez
  • 5. 3B Isaac Paredes
  • 6. RF Amed Rosario
  • 7. CF José Siri
  • 8. C Ben Rortvedt
  • 9. SS José Caballero

What channel is the Toronto Blue Jays game on today?

  • Game time: 1:40 p.m. ET
  • Sportsnet, the SN App, and TVA Sports will have the Blue Jays broadcast.
  • Rays fans can catch the game on Bally Sports Sun.

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 Sportsnet.ca.
  • Rays fans can tune into the game on WDAE 620 AM/95.3 FM and WBQN/1300AM
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