The Toronto Blue Jays have a tough task ahead after splitting a two-game set with the Philadelphia Phillies to maintain their .500 record.
Starting Thursday, the Blue Jays will face off against the Kansas City Royals, who boast the best record in the American League along with a new arsenal of weapons.
Here’s what to watch this weekend…
Thursday, July 30 – 7:07 p.m. ET
Danny Duffy vs. Marco Estrada
Friday, July 31– 7:07 p.m. ET
Johnny Cueto vs. Drew Hutchison
Saturday, Aug. 1– 1:07 p.m. ET
Yordano Ventura vs. Mark Buehrle
Sunday, Aug. 2– 1:07 p.m. ET
Edinson Volquez vs. TBD (David Price?)
Blue Jays make another blockbuster The Blue Jays filled a glaring hole in their starting rotation, acquiring all-star left-hander in a stunning transaction with the Detroit Tigers Thursday morning. Toronto needed to add a starting pitcher before Sunday after designating Felix Doubront for assignment earlier in the week to make room on the 25-man roster for Troy Tulowitzki and GM Alex Anthopoulos said Price will either start Sunday or Monday. Price has a 7-0 record in with a 3.86 ERA with 48 strikeouts in nine career starts at Rogers Centre.
Here comes Johnny Toronto wasn’t the only team to make a splashy trade over the last week as Kansas City acquired ace Johnny Cueto in a deal with the Cincinnati Reds. Cueto, a power right-hander with a big fastball, will make his Royals debut Friday night at Rogers Centre and it will be fascinating to see how he holds up against the most potent offensive lineup in MLB. Cueto recorded a 2.62 ERA with 120 strikeouts in 130.2 innings with the Reds this season.
All eyes on Tulowitzki The Blue Jays’ new shortstop was exceptional in his first game following a shocking blockbuster trade with the Colorado Rockies, going 3-for-5 with two doubles, a home run, and three RBI while displaying his impressive range on defence. Tulowitzki is one of the best position players in baseball, when healthy, and he’ll certainly be a focus of this weekend’s series.
Zobrist starts in left The Royals made another solid acquisition this week, landing super-sub Ben Zobrist in a deal with the Oakland Athletics. Initially, Zobrist is expected to fill a void in left field with Alex Gordon (groin injury) sidelined until at least September, but he could play some second base as well. Zobrist’s versatility provides excellent lineup flexibility for manager Ned Yost. In Oakland, he batted .268 along with six home runs, 20 doubles, two triples and 33 RBI.
What’s up with Edwin? The Blue Jays raised some eyebrows after making Edwin Encarnacion a late scratch before Wednesday’s game with a jammed left middle finger. Manager John Gibbons told reporters that Encarnacion suffered the injury during batting practice and he will be re-evaluated on Thursday. His status is worth monitoring because the Blue Jays are already missing second baseman Devon Travis, who re-aggravated a shoulder injury on Tuesday and may land on the disabled list.