:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63572369/1137671753.jpg.0.jpg)
The Blue Jays look to continue their winning ways today, trying to officially thrust themselves into a “winning streak” in game 3 of their 4 game series against the host Twins. Tonight’s game gets underway at 7:40 ET.
Blue Jays’ Starter
Rookie right hander Trent Thornton gets the start for the Jays, looking to bounce back from a terrible start his last time out. In 3 innings against Tampa Bay, Thornton surrendered 5 runs on 8 hits, walking 2 and allowing 3 home runs, 2 of which landed in the 500 level at Rogers Centre.
Prior to that, Thornton was enjoying a great start to his career. He had thrown 10.2 innings, allowing just 2 runs on 5 hits, striking out 15 to just 2 walks. So now that we’ve seen both the good and the ugly from Thornton, we’ll see what kind of pitcher he can settle in as over the long.
Twins’ Starter
Former Ray Jake Odorizzi gets the ball for the Twins, making his 4th start of his second season in Minnesota. Odorizzi’s season started off great, as he threw a 6 inning masterpiece against Cleveland, allowing 1 run on 1 hit, striking out 11. Since then, though, he has struggled with walks, issuing 7 over 5.2 innings. He has, however, allowed just 4 hits over 11.2 innings this season, so he does have that going for him.
Blue Jays’ Lineup
Maybe Eric Sogard really is our ideal leadoff man? The 32 year old veteran made his first start of the season for the Jays yesterday, and he proceeded to go 3-5 with a double and a stolen base, scoring a pair of runs. If he can hit more like his 2013 and 2017 self, then I would definitely enjoy having him around. I can pretty much guarantee he’s back in the lineup again tonight, playing either second or third and batting leadoff.
I’m a little concerned with what Randal Grichuk playing RF yesterday means, as my initial thought is that the team is already giving up on the thought of him playing CF. If that’s the case, it sounds like we’ll see more of Socrates Brito until Anthony Alford is called back up.
Twins’ Lineup
We’ve gotten to watch Willians Astudillo each of the first two games, but today might be a day we don’t get to, as he seems to play a couple and then get a day off. But if he were to be in there today, I would guess that it’s at catcher.
Nelson Cruz was on the bench in last night’s game, seemingly just to get as many left handed batters into the game against Sanchez as possible. Look for Cruz to be back at his normal DH spot tonight.
Yesterday’s Heroes
Yonder Alonso went 4-4, launching a home run and also chipping in a double to earn our Monster Bat award. His bat, along with Yoan Moncada who launched a pair of home runs of his own, helped lead the White Sox to the 5-1 win over the Royals.
Mike Minor threw the league’s second shutout (and just second complete game) of the season last night, so he gets our Pitcher of the Day win, despite an excellent start from James Paxton over the Red Sox last night as well. Minor’s efforts led the Rangers to the 5-0 win over the Angels.
Christian Walker had a game tying single in the top of the 7th, followed by a go ahead home run in the top of the 9th, giving him the WPA King crown. He put up a .475 mark to help lead his Diamondbacks to the 9-6 win over the Braves.
Find the Link
Find the link between Odorizzi and former Blue Jay Francisco Cordero.