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Settlement Sunday Preview, Potential Playoff Scenarios

By Kevin Papetti
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Last night's nail-biting victory allows the Blue Jays to control their own destiny. A win and they're in, but the team will be up against their former ace in David Price. It's David Ortiz's final regular season game at Fenway Park, and the Red Sox have home field in the ALDS on the line.

Every game today starts between 3:05 and 3:15 eastern time. Kevin Gausman and the Orioles are in New York to face Luis Cessa and the Yankees, while Justin Verlander and the Tigers are in Atlanta to play Julio Teheran and the Braves.


Expected Lineup- SP Aaron Sanchez

  1. Devon Travis- 2B
  2. Josh Donaldson- 3B
  3. Edwin Encarnacion- 1B
  4. Jose Bautista- DH
  5. Russell Martin- C
  6. Troy Tulowitzki- SS
  7. Melvin Upton Jr.- LF
  8. Kevin Pillar- CF
  9. Ezequiel Carrera- RF
The Blue Jays faced a southpaw starter just yesterday, and there is no reason to make any changes. Price will be limited in this start per Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe, so the Blue Jays could get to the bullpen very early. It will be interesting to see how many starters are in Boston's lineup, as the team will be playing for home field, but may opt to rest players in anticipation for the playoffs.

Scenarios:

Here are two visuals regarding the possible playoff scenarios:

Tigers @ Braves

It's a battle of two aces today, as both Justin Verlander and Julio Teheran boast an ERA in the low 3's. Verlander was dominant in September to the tune of a 1.93 ERA, while Teheran is struggling of late by allowing 12 runs in his last three starts. Look out for Justin Upton, who is on a tear since September 1st with 13 home runs.

The Tigers do not control their own fate, and need two wins in addition to a Blue Jays or Orioles loss. If necessary, the Tigers will head back to Detroit tomorrow to take on the Indians, Unfortunately, Cleveland will surely avoid pitching Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer, and could send out a roster full of backups.

MLB TV is free today, so make sure to tune into this one at 3:10 PM ET.

Orioles @ Yankees

Kevin Gausman is struggling of late, but a 3.66 ERA makes him one of Baltimore's best starters. Mark Teixeira is set to play the final game of his career, while 24-year old righty Luis Cessa will take the mound for the Yankees. Cessa allowed two earned runs in each of his last two starts, which is an encouraging sign for both Blue Jays and Tigers fans.

A Win Ensures Another Home Game

It should be an incredibly exciting day around baseball, and the Blue Jays will be aiming to play the "winner takes all" wild card game at home. There's nothing like meaningful October baseball.

Update:

It looks as though Boston will play its starting lineup:

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