GDB 3.0: Toronto Blue Jays deploy new lineup in penultimate series game against Rays

What goes up, must come down.

That’s the swing we saw from the Jays’ electric game on opening day to game two of the season. They beat the Tampa Bay Rays 8-2, but they fell to that team in game two of their four-game series on Friday night by a score of 8-2.

Chris Bassitt didn’t have a perfect game on the mound, but he wasn’t the reason the Jays fell, as it was largely due to some unforced errors behind him. And once the bleeding started, it was impossible to stop.

The beauty of the game of baseball is that players can have quick memories, and having six games a week forces players to have quick memories. The even better news is that the Rays are sending Zack Littell to the mound — someone who has struggled against the Jays across the seven and one-thirds innings he’s pitched against them. In three appearances last year, he allowed a 6.14 ERA, but a lot of Toronto’s damage came in two relief appearances. His lone start saw him throw five and two thirds innings, allowing five hits, one walk and two runs to score, none earned.

The Jays, meanwhile, will send Yusei Kikuchi to the mound, who has had a fair amount of success against the Rays. In his two seasons with the Jays, he’s started six games making seven appearances, posting a 3-1 record and a 4.35 ERA across 31 innings.

There’s some lineup changes today for the Jays, too, as Daniel Vogelbach replaces Justin Turner as the designated hitter, Ernie Clement comes in for Isiah Kiner-Falefa at third base, and Brian Serven slides in behind the plate.

First pitch: 4:10 p.m. EST. TV & Radio: Sportsnet.

Weather: N/A.

Moneyline: TOR +110; TBR -128.
Spread: TOR +1.5 -189; TBR -1.5 +152.
Over/Under: o8.5 -102; u8.5 -120.

Tune into the latest edition of Blue Jays Nation Radio as the crew talks about all the happenings in Toronto and beyond.

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.