With the lead atop the AL East back to only three games, the Toronto Blue Jays will hope Max Scherzer can guide them to victory in a crucial rubber match against the New York Yankees on Sunday.
The Blue Jays (82-60) lost a tight, rainy one on Saturday, sputtering to a 3-1 loss to the Yankees (79-63) after a lengthy rain delay and a scary potential injury to Bo Bichette slowed down any momentum.
After being tagged out at home plate on a slide at the top of the sixth inning and limping to the clubhouse, Bichette returned from the delay seemingly in good shape. Picking up a double and a walk in Saturday's showdown, he extended his on-base streak to 20 games.
However, he was not listed in the Blue Jays' starting lineup for Sunday's matchup. Ernie Clement will replace him at shortstop and in the cleanup spot in the batting order.
Watch Blue Jays vs. Rays on Sportsnet
The Toronto Blue Jays will look to clinch the AL East with a win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday. Catch the action on Sportsnet or Sportsnet+, starting at 3 p.m. ET / noon PT.
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Meanwhile, Scherzer (5-2, 4.11 ERA), who has won three of his last four outings, will take the mound for Toronto against Yankees ace Max Fried.
The 41-year-old last suited up on Aug. 31 in an 8-4 over the Milwaukee Brewers but left the game in the fourth with back tightness after giving up four runs on nine hits and two home runs.
On the other end, Fried (15-5, 2.98 ERA) is coming off two consecutive seven-inning gems against the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals, coming away with the win after only giving up one run in each of the outings.
However, he got crushed in his last outing against Toronto on July 23, lasting only 5.1 innings and giving up six runs (four earned) on six hits and three walks.
As it stands, the Blue Jays have won seven of their last nine meetings with the Yankees and eight of 12 this season.
Watch the Blue Jays go for the series win on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+, with Blue Jays Central coverage beginning at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT.
