Game #127 Preview: Blue Jays @ Rangers

The Blue Jays look for their second consecutive sweep out west this afternoon as they take on the Texas Rangers in the series finale. Marco Estrada looks to continue his fine form in the Arlington heat against fellow Mexican (and fellow former Brewer) Yovani Gallardo. Gallardo is having another solid year and will be a real test for the potent Jays lineup in today's contest. After a rough July, the righty turned it around in August and has his ERA back down to 3.25 although he hasn't pitched more than 6.0 innings since the end of June. Gallardo is a weird case, as his K-rate (15.2%) is the worst in his career by a good margin and his BB% (8.6%) isn't great either, but his FIP has stayed down thanks to nearly halving his career HR/9 number to a very respectable 0.66 HR/9.

The Mexican, like Colby Lewis last night, mainly throws a fastball and slider although he also curveball which he features mostly against lefties. His hard stuff comes in around the low-90's and he really doesn't get many swings and misses, making it kind of remarkable that he does so well for himself on a yearly basis. It'll be interesting to watch the matchup this afternoon because when the Jays sluggers put the ball in play, it usually doesn't end up being caught.

I promise this isn't a recording, but Gallardo ALSO has begun to throw his slider more often than any of his other pitches which is exactly what was pointed out about last night's starter in Lewis:

If you have a good memory, then you'll recall that Gallardo already faced the Jays this season in his best start of the year throwing 8.1 innings of shutout ball. There was a mix of strong pitching and good luck in that contest as he only struck out four batters while allowing just three hits. You can watch the BABIP-filled highlights below:

Hopeful Lineup

1. Troy Tulowitzki SS
2. Josh Donaldson 3B
3. Jose Bautista RF
4. Edwin Encarnacion DH
5. Justin Smoak 1B (sigh, fine whatever)
6. Dioner Navarro C
7. Kevin Pillar CF
8. Ben Revere LF
9. Ryan Goins 2B

Bullpen Usage

Find The Link

Find the link between Yovani Gallardo and the newest reliever to the Blue Jays organization on the active roster.

Bring out the brooms!