Game #7 Preview: Red Sox @ Blue Jays

Good morning! 

As expected, Marco Estrada has been activated from the disabled list and will start today's game for the Blue Jays. To make room on the 25-man roster, Franklin Morales heads to the disabled list with left arm fatigue. Before we get into today's lineups and pitching match ups, here's a quick update of yesterday's scores:

Boston 8, Toronto 4

New York 8, Detroit 4

Tampa Bay @ Baltimore PPD

The Blue Jays will be up against knuckleball pitcher Steven Wright in today's game. In eleven career major league starts, the 31-year old owns a 4.78 FIP, which suggests the Jays could have a great opportunity to put some crooked numbers on the scoreboard today. Wright struggles more against right-handed hitters, as reverse splits have led to a career 4.69 FIP against righties, compared to a 4.17 FIP against lefties. Today's lineup features seven right-handed hitters, creating a very encouraging sign for the Blue Jays.

Both Michael Saunders and Russell Martin return to the lineup today after sitting out in yesterday's contest. Josh Donaldson is being kept out of the field yet again, meaning Darwin Barney will draw into the lineup in place of Chris Colabello or Justin Smoak. 

Estrada makes his first start since signing a two year, $26 million contract this past offseason. He will be in tough to replicate a 3.13 earned run average yet again, but let's hope he can limit hard contact enough to be effective. Both pitchers have a history of giving up the long ball, so the fans in the outfield bleachers should stay alert at all times today. David Ortiz is back in the lineup, plus Chris Young draws in to offer some power from the right side of the plate. 

Steven Wright does have a tendency to lose control of his knuckleball, so a key for the Blue Jays will be drawing walks and giving themselves free baserunners. This can turn solo shots into two or three run homers, and help the Jays build up an early lead. Arnold Leon pitched two innings in yesterday's game and may not be available, plus Joe Biagini should be ruled out after pitching on back-to-back days. For the Red Sox, Robbie Ross Jr. pitched two innings yesterday, while Koji Uehara has been used on back-to-back days.

Other Games Around the A.L East:

Tampa Bay (Odorizzi) @ Baltimore (Worley)- 1:35 PM

New York (Tanaka) @ Detroit (Verlander)- 8:10 PM

Enjoy today's games!