Game #29 Preview: Brewer vs Wholestaff

After a miserable loss at the hands of the last place Red Sox last night, the Blue Jays will try to correct their ways this evening as they play game 2 of their 3 game series at Sahlen Field. Tonight’s game is set for 6:37 EDT.

Blue Jays’ Starter

The Blue Jays are likely going with Johnny Wholestaff today, relying on their excellent bullpen from start to finish in this one. If I was running things, I’d probably just start with Shun Yamaguchi, considering he hasn’t pitched since last Thursday, and just run with him as a normal starter before bringing in Julian Merryweather, Ryan Borucki and Jacob Waguespack to fill the gap. Those 4 will likely form some part of the puzzle to get through the first 7 or 8 innings. Anthony Kay could also be available, but at the same time, he’s lining up to be able to start Friday’s game against the Orioles.

Red Sox’ Starter

Colten Brewer will get the start for the Red Sox, although it’s looking like it’ll be more of an extended Opener as opposed to as a Starter. Brewer has made 9 appearances this season, with 7 as a reliever and 2 as a starter. He has averaged 2 innings per appearance, but his two opening a game went 2.2 innings and 4 innings. To me as a Blue Jays’ fan, that looks like a starter.

Through 18 innings, Brewer has allowed 8 runs (7 earned) on 18 hits, 10 walks and 2 home runs, striking out 17 along the way. One of those innings came against the Jays a few weeks ago, and he made it through a clean inning.

Blue Jays’ Lineup

Travis Shaw left yesterday’s game with a knee injury, and it feels like there’s a good chance that he’s out for a least a few games. Even though he himself has been bad this year, this still feels like a bit of blow, because of what the options are. With Shaw gone, third base likely becomes a Joe Panik/Brandon Drury platoon. Or maybe they consider sliding Vladimir Guerrero Jr. back over there is Shaw is out for any length of time. None of these should be options.

I was surprised/relieved to see Randal Grichuk back in the lineup after coming out of the game the day before with a lower back problem. Seems like maybe he’s OK, which is good to see.

I’m sure we’ll see Reese McGuire behind the plate today, as Danny Jansen has been behind the plate for 3 straight games against lefties, and Brewer is a righty. Not that it really matters though, as both catchers are hitting quite poorly at the moment.

Red Sox’ Lineup

Their 9 runs yesterday was the second most they have put up all season, behind the 13 they put up on Opening Day against Tommy Milone and the Orioles.

Rafael Devers had a good game at the plate, going 2-5 with a triple. He did still strike out 3 times though, so probably not quite as much in Red Sox land as they continue to hope for a rebound even somewhat resembling his 2019 season.

Mitch Moreland continued his great season last night, collecting another pair of hits and 2 more walks, increasing his OPS to 1.274. He doesn’t quite qualify for the league lead, but if he did, he would now be sitting in first place in the Majors with that mark.

Yesterday’s Heroes

Brandon Belt went 4-5 with a pair of home runs and double, driving in 5 and also drawing a walk to pick up the Monster Bat award. He helped his Giants to the 10-8 extra inning win over the Dodgers. One of those home runs was a game tying one in the bottom of the 9th, and even though he struck out in the bottom of the 11th, he still gets the WPA King title with an astonishing .946 mark. If he could have won the game there, he would have had a 1.314 WPA for the day.

Pitcher of the Day is a very easy one, as Lucas Giolito threw the first No-Hitter of 2020. He threw just 101 pitches while striking out 13 to just 1 walk, holding the anemic Pirates off the bases. He obviously picked up the win as well in this one, as the White Sox won 4-0.

Find the Link

Find the Link between Rafael Devers and the 2017 versions of Jose Ramirez and Giancarlo Stanton.