Because of Rangers, Blue Jays’ Sunday technique can change fully

TORONTO – A number of weeks in the past, the Texas Rangers appeared to derail the Blue Jays’ season with a four-game sweep at Rogers Centre. Late Saturday evening in Seattle, they helped lengthen it.

By beating the Mariners in convincing 6-1 trend Saturday, the Rangers did greater than guarantee themselves of a spot within the post-season. In addition they secured the Blue Jays a playoff spot, with the id of Toronto’s Wild Card spherical opponent to be decided Sunday afternoon.

It wasn’t the best way the Blue Jays would have chosen to clinch, however it nonetheless counts. Backside line, they’re in. And even past that, clinching on Saturday was at all times far, far preferable to clinching on Sunday. With a tip of the cap to the Rangers, right here’s a more in-depth have a look at how getting in a day early will impression the Blue Jays’ technique transferring ahead…

Extra relaxation for Gausman 

First and most significantly, the Blue Jays now not have to make use of Kevin Gausman on Sunday. The proper-hander was lined as much as begin if wanted, however can now proceed resting in preparation for Tuesday, when he’ll pitch in opposition to the Rays or the Twins.

Following Gausman within the rotation will seemingly be Jose Berrios and Chris Bassitt, although the membership has but to announce any plans. That’s a wonderful prime three and it permits Yusei Kikuchi to shift right into a bullpen function for the primary spherical. In that function, he affords bulk innings if wanted – or impression stuff in shorter stints.

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“We see him as a very good pitcher,” supervisor John Schneider stated just lately. “Might be in a wide range of completely different roles once you get to the post-season … I imply, he can do both one. We’d like him.”

Roster transfer wanted?

Since Gausman gained’t be pitching Sunday, the Blue Jays now have six or seven extra innings to cowl of their common season finale. It’s value contemplating a roster transfer for somebody like Bowden Francis simply to ensure a closely taxed bullpen doesn’t need to tire itself out unnecessarily.

As a result of whereas reaching the 90-win plateau for the third consecutive season can be a major milestone, it’s extra vital to achieve the playoffs rested. A contemporary arm may assistance on that entrance, although optioning a participant to the minors or putting somebody on the injured checklist would impression early spherical playoff eligibility.

Lastly, a time without work

This a lot is definite concerning the Blue Jays’ Sunday lineup: Alejandro Kirk gained’t be in it. After catching actually each sport in September following Danny Jansen’s harm, Kirk has earned a day on the bench. Whereas Kirk has welcomed the rise in workload, he’s arguably the Blue Jays’ most indispensable participant and resting him when attainable is important.

In his place, count on Tyler Heineman to start out behind the plate. And as soon as the playoffs start, depend on Kirk to start out day by day.

Flexibility at DH

For many of the final week, Brandon Belt has occupied the Blue Jays’ DH slot to regain his timing following a stint on the injured checklist. It’s labored, as Belt has homered twice whereas placing collectively persistently good at-bats, however it’s restricted Schneider’s flexibility and prevented others from getting partial days off. 

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On Sunday, the Blue Jays have choices. If Belt desires to get just a few extra at bats, he may begin. In any other case, the Blue Jays may give George Springer a time without work his ft or supply Vladimir Guerrero Jr. a little bit of a breather (in truth, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Guerrero Jr. get a full time without work given the knee soreness he’s battled currently). 

Time for the bench to shine

With a gradual dose of high-stakes, high-stress video games, the Blue Jays have been inclined to depend on their regulars as a substitute of blending in bench gamers the best way they could earlier within the season. In consequence, at-bats have been onerous to come back by for Heineman, Santiago Espinal, Davis Schneider and even Whit Merrifield.

There’s a very good probability all 4 begin Sunday, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Blue Jays’ final bench participant, Cam Eden, alongside them. A technique or one other, the Blue Jays ought to look to get Eden an opportunity to steal a base. He has but to aim a steal within the majors, however could possibly be known as upon to just do that in a playoff sport. 

Higher to get the primary one out of the best way now. Because of the Rangers, Eden could get the possibility to run wild whereas a few of his extra skilled teammates take pleasure in just a little well-earned relaxation.

Extra from Sportsnet

With Mariners loss, Blue Jays punch ticket to playoffs in odd clinching situation

‘How about these Rangers?’: Blue Jays followers rejoice after crew clinches wild-card spot

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