Game Threat: Jays (70-54) vs. Angels (52-72)

Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Oh man, it’s an actual baseball game.

OK, granted, it’s one that’s being pitched by R.A. Dickey and also features several non-Mike Trout members of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, but it still counts!

And it’s still better than bullshit losses and gross scandals and whatever the hell else we’ve been talked about the last few days. So let’s please just fucking do this.

Aaaaand let’s keep the bullshit Red Sox from claiming sole possession of first place while we’re at it.

Yes indeed, Kevin Pillar is back from his wrist injury. And according to a Benny Fresh tweet, Pillar tells reporters, “I don’t feel there’s anything I can’t do out there.” We shall see. We shall see.

No Devon Travis in the Blue Jays lineup tonight, though the Jays are hopeful it’s only going to be a one day thing. He “is battling a ligament issue in the knuckle of the ring finger on his right hand,” according to a tweet from Arden Zwelling, who adds that he had a cortisone shot for the ailment. Hmmm…

Yes that’s Darwin Barney at second base, and yes he’s leading off. The Jays are facing a lefty, Tyler Skaggs, tonight, so that’s OK. No, really. (OK, it’s not great. But Barney has a .340 on-base against lefties this year, so… fine.)

TV: Sportsnet
Next Game(s): Tomorrow vs. Anaheim, 7:07 PM ET
AL East Standings: TOR (-), BOS (-), BAL (2), NYY (7), TBR (17.5)
And now, the lineups…

Darwin Barney(R) 2B

Josh Donaldson(R) 3B

Edwin Encarnacion(R) 1B

Russell Martin(R) DH

Troy Tulowitzki(R) SS

Melvin Upton Jr.(R) LF

Kevin Pillar(R) CF

Michael Saunders(L) RF

Josh Thole(L) C

R.A. Dickey RHP

Kole Calhoun(L) RF

Mike Trout(R) CF

Albert Pujols(R) DH

C.J. Cron(R) 1B

Andrelton Simmons(R) SS

Nick Buss(L) LF

Kaleb Cowart(S) 3B

Carlos Perez(R) C

Cliff Pennington(S) 2B

Tyler Skaggs LHP