GDB -19.0: Bowden Francis takes the mound as Toronto Blue Jays continue Grapefruit League play against Twins

Bowden Francis returns to the mound for the Blue Jays Thursday as they continue their Spring Training schedule against the Minnesota Twins.

It offers the Jays — in some irrelevant small form or another — a shot at redemption for the unceremonious exit they had in last years Wild Card round. Okay, fine. they’ll get a chance at true retribution when the games matter in the regular season, and maybe even in the playoffs once again.

Nonetheless, it marks another important start for Francis as he and the rest of his teammates ramp up towards next weeks opening day. As I wrote about in his last start, he is looking to play a key role for the Jays as the season kicks off with both Kevin Gausman and Alek Manoah working their way through some ailments.

Francis threw 36 and one-third innings for the big club last season,  posting a 1.76 ERA, 3.86 FIP, and a .826 WHIP across the 20 games he appeared in. He was an important part of the team when Manoah was off the roster, and once again, Francis could look to fill in.

Even if both Gausman and Manoah are good to go when their time in the order comes up in the next week or two, he can still be a valued arm. He proved that last year with solid numbers, and his ability to be a swingman could prove key this season once again.

First pitch: 1:07 p.m. EST.

Moneyline: TOR -192; MIN +155.
Spread: N/A
Over/Under: N/A

TORONTO — RHP Bowden Francis

TWINS – RHP Bailey Ober

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Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@thenationnetwork.com.