After a tough extra-innings loss to the Baltimore Orioles, the Toronto Blue Jays begin a week-long road trip 0.5 games out of first place in the AL East.
The Blue Jays now face the Houston Astros who are just 3.5 games back of Toronto in the Wild Card race…
Monday, August 1— 8:10 pm ET
Marcus Stroman vs Doug Fister
Tuesday, August 2— 8:10 pm ET
R.A. Dickey vs. Lance McCullers
Wednesday, August 3— 8:10 pm ET
Marco Estrada vs. Collin McHugh
Thursday, August 4 8:10 pm ET
J.A Happ vs Mike Fiers
PATERNITY LEAVE OR PITCHING?
Doug Fister is scheduled to pitch Monday, but the right-hander is awaiting the imminent birth of his first child, so pitching prospect Joe Musgrove might get the start against the organization that drafted him. Musgrove was the 46th overall pick in 2011 and was traded to Houston in the 2012 deal that sent J.A. Happ to Toronto. Now the 32nd ranked prospect by Baseball America, Musgrove has put up a 3.81 ERA with triple-A Fresno. Manager A.J. Hinch said “until my phone lights up with a text or call from him, we’re sort of status quo.”
STRONG START FOR STROMAN
Even if the Blue Jays acquire another starter, they need to get Marcus Stroman back on track. The right-hander has allowed at least four runs in eight of his last 13 starts, something he did just twice in his first eight outings of the season.
Stroman could have an advantage against the Astros, who lack familiarity with his stuff. Stroman has only ever faced four Astros hitters in his brief MLB career.
TOUGH BREAK FOR TULO
Just as he’s starting to hit his stride at the plate, Troy Tulowitzki faces another physical setback. Tulowitzki suffered a small chip in the thumb of his throwing hand when he was hit by a pitch Sunday. The shortstop hopes to avoid the disabled list and will test his hand to see if he can hold a bat before making a decision.
If Tulowitzki requires time off, Darwin Barney and Devon Travis would likely play every day in the middle of the infield. Both are great options having good seasons, but don’t underestimate Tulo’s worth. Only the Chicago Cubs have a better record than the Blue Jays since they traded for Tulowitzki before last year’s deadline.
ROSTER DECISIONS
The trade deadline looms Monday, meaning the Blue Jays’ roster could look different when the team takes the field in Houston. One player who won’t be with the team in Texas is Franklin Morales. The left-hander completed just four innings this year and has yet to live up to the $2 million dollar contract he signed. The removal of Morales gives Toronto flexibility to add another position player to cover for Tulowitzki or fortify their bullpen.
MASSIVE MONTH
This Astros series opens a month that could prove especially taxing considering that the dog days of summer will take the Blue Jays away from home. For the Blue Jays 16 of the 28 games this month are on the road, and they have just three days off.
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