Game #4 Preview: Moore vs Thornton

The Blue Jays look to make it 3 wins in a row today in the finale of their 4 game opening weekend series against the Tigers. Today’s finale gets underway soon, with the first pitch scheduled for 1:07 pm ET.

Blue Jays’ Starter

Funky right hander Trent Thornton makes his Major League debut this afternoon. Known for having a very crazy delivery (which I look forward to watching live on TV finally), and a curveball with top of the charts spin rate.

In the Astros’ system prior to coming over to the Jays in the trade that sent Aledmys Diaz the other way, Thornton spent 2018 in AAA. He had a modified work load, starting approximately once per week, but put up a fairly strong season. He struck out nearly a batter per inning, while walking very few. He has a bit of a fly ball tendency, and therefore will allow a few home runs, but there is some pretty good upside for having him in the rotation.

Tigers’ Starter

Left handed veteran Matt Moore makes the start for the Tigers, his 4th team in 4 years. Moore has not had the lustre and excitement level he had as a top prospect, having not fully rebounded from his 2014 Tommy John surgery. The velocity is still there, but he is not getting the whiffs as much, and more importantly, the positive results. But as long as Moore is healthy and pitching, there will be a faint glimmer of hope he’ll become the pitcher he was meant to be.

In 2018, Moore went 3-8 with a 6.79 ERA, splitting time between the rotation and bullpen for the Rangers. Moore made one start for the Rangers last season against the Jays on April 4, and got lit up pretty well. It’s a completely different Jays’ team now, but Moore gave up 5 runs with 4 walks over just 3.1 innings.

Blue Jays’ Lineup

Danny Jansen makes the start at DH, and has jumped to the top of the lineup. This may be the only way he gets to the top of the lineup, in games where he is the DH. But he’s one of the few on this team with good plate discipline, so top of the order could work out for Jansen.

Randal Grichuk is also back in the lineup and in RF for this game, which is relief after being out of the starting line up yesterday, and limited to DH duties on Friday.

Tigers’ Lineup

Miguel Cabrera is back in the game after taking a Sanchez fastball off the hand yesterday.

Josh Harrison gets the night off from second base, which means Niko Goodrum takes over the keystone, while Jeimer Candelario moves into the leadoff spot.

Yesterday’s Heroes

Cody Bellinger was the Hitter of the Day as he went 4-6 for the Dodgers on Saturday, hitting 2 home runs and drove in 6 runs as the Dodgers walked all over the Diamondbacks 18-5.

Trevor Bauer gets the Pitcher of the Day award, going 7 strong innings, allowing just 1 run on 1 hit and 1 walk, striking out 9 along the way. He led Cleveland to a 2-1 win over Twins. He didn’t get the win in the game, but he did also win the WPA King title as well, going 7 strong in a tight game. His WPA was 0.326.

I feel dirty for giving him 2 awards.

Find the Link

Find the link between Moore and Ryne Stanek.