Game Threat: Jays (39-34) vs. Diamondbacks (34-39)

Image via the great @JAHappster

I know what you’re thinking and no, today’s Diamondbacks starter isn’t the same Robert “Bobby” Ray who took the ball four times for the Blue Jays in 2009 — a year in which they went twelve starters deep and gave the ball a holy-shitting amount of times to guys like Brian Tallet (25 starts) and Scott Richmond (24)!

Oh, you weren’t thinking that? I’m the only one who thinks that whenever he sees Ray’s name starting for Arizona?

Well, at least it got me down to a third paragraph in this late Game Threat!

Now let’s beat these fuckers already!

Ezeeekieuhhhhlle Cullehealllehhhah is out of the lineup tonight (sadly, for those of us who can’t get enough of Buck Martinez’s pronunciation of his name) with a sore Achilles. Darrell Ceciliani is in right field in his place, and Devon Travis finally takes his rightful-ish spot at the top of the Jays’ order.

Also, Ben Nicholson-Smith writes atSportsnet that Marco Estrada is on track for his next start, despite experiencing tightness in his back in last night’s loss. John Gibbons is kinda hoping his ace will keep his bat on his shoulder in Colorado, though. 

Great stuff from Brendan Kennedy of the Toronto Star, as he looks at the evolution of J.A. Happ. (It’s worth getting past the groan-worthy headline).

TV: Sportsnet One
Next Game(s): Friday @ Chicago (AL), 8:10 PM ET
AL East Standings: BAL (-), BOS (1), TOR (2.5), NYY (6), TBR (8.5)
And now, the lineups…

Devon Travis(R) 2B

Josh Donaldson(R) 3B

Edwin Encarnacion(R) DH

Michael Saunders(L) LF

Russell Martin(R) C

Troy Tulowitzki(R) SS

Justin Smoak(S) 1B

Kevin Pillar(R) CF

Darrell Ceciliani(L) RF

J.A. Happ LHP

Jean Segura(R) 2B

Phil Gosselin(R) 3B

Paul Goldschmidt(R) 1B

Rickie Weeks(R) DH

Welington Castillo(R) C

Peter O’Brien(R) LF

Yasmany Tomas(R) RF

Nick Ahmed(R) SS

Michael Bourn(L) CF

Robbie Ray LHP