Game #126 Preview: Bundy vs Gaviglio

The Blue Jays continue their 3 game home series against the Orioles this evening. Tonight’s game gets underway at 7:07 ET.

Blue Jays’ Starter

Sam Gaviglio looks to rebound from a bad start in Kansas City his last time out. The 28 year old righty went just 4.1 innings, surrendering 5 runs on 8 hits and a walk. Gaviglio took the loss in that game, and has not recorded a win since May 25, a streak of 15 straight starts. That stretch is the longest for a Blue Jay since Ricky Romero went 0-13 with a 7.42 ERA over a 15 start stretch in 2012. Prior to that, I’m not sure of the Jays’ longest streak. Jo-Jo Reyes ended his Major League record tying winless streak at 28 games while pitching for the Jays in 2011, but only the last 10 came as a Blue Jay. If Gaviglio doesn’t find the win column today, I’m sure someone else will find the Jays’ record holder. Tom Underwood from ‘78-’79 might be a good place to start.

On the season, Gaviglio is 2-6 with a 5.13 ERA. He has made just 1 start against Baltimore, a game that he went 7.2 innings. Unfortunately for him, he was left in just a little bit too long and allowed a fatigued 2-out 2-run home run to Chris Davis. He ultimately allowed 4 runs on 7 hits, but if he would have been pulled after 7 innings, he line looked a fair bit better. But still, it was one of his best starts of the season, which I guess isn’t surprising given the competition.

Orioles’ Starter

The Orioles roll out their ace in this one, Dylan Bundy. Bundy is having a bit of a step back this year after emerging as a solid starter the last couple of seasons. This season he is 7-11 with a 4.99 ERA, leading the Majors in home runs allowed at 30, a rate of 2.05 per 9 innings.

Bundy has faced the Jays twice this season, and had a poor start (5 runs over 5 innings, 3 home runs) and a good start (2 runs on 4 hits over 7 innings). Bundy’s season has been marked by a wild array of starts - he has 5 games with a game score over 75 including an 85 and an 87, and 5 games with a game score under 25 including an impressive -19 where he surrendered a Major League record 4 home runs without recording an out.

Blue Jays’ Lineup

As much as I want to keep seeing Danny Jansen out there, I would imagine that today’s game is Luke Maile’s to catch. Jansen might be back out there tomorrow catching Thomas Pannone, although I haven’t heard the catching plans yet.

Russell Martin seems likely to keep drawing starts at 3B, although Richard Ureña has been hitting well and is pushing for playing time as well before likely being sent back down to Buffalo on Friday.

Curtis Granderson will likely draw another start today, although at the expense of who I’m not sure. I’m still surprised no one has traded for him yet.

Orioles’ Lineup

John Andreoli was called up yesterday as Mark Trumbo headed to the DL. Andreoli made his Major League debut earlier this year for the Mariners, and was recently claimed off waivers by the Orioles. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get a start in the outfield in this series.

Caleb Joseph has now made back to back starts behind the plate, leaving Austin Wynns on the bench. I would guess that Wynns is behind the plate for this one.

Otherwise it seems likely that there won’t be any other changes.

Yesterday’s Heroes

Kendrys Morales and Ramon Laureano both went 2-4 with a pair of home runs to earn the honour of being co-winners of our Monster Bat award. Morales helped the Jays’ to the 5-3 win over the Orioles, while Laureano helped the A’s to the 9-0 win over the Rangers and got the A’s back into a tie for first place in the AL West because ...

Robinson Cano, a couple days back from serving his 80 game suspension, hit a huge 3-run home run in the bottom of the 8th to give the Mariners a 7-4 lead over the Astros. That was pretty easy lead for Major League saves leader Edwin Diaz to nail down. Cano’s WPA King total was .459.

Jumping back to the A’s-Rangers game, we find our Pitcher of the Day. A’s starter Mike Fiers twirled 7 innings of 1 hit shutout baseball, also surrendering a walk a HBP while striking out 8 in his masterful start.

Find the Link

Find the link between Bundy and the Padres first pick in the 2017 draft.