GDB 75.0: Blue Jays head on the road to face Cleveland and their impressive home record

The Toronto Blue Jays hit the road after a disappointing home series that saw them get swept for the first time this season at the hands of the Boston Red Sox. The bullpen struggled, both Kikuchi and Gausman had less than impressive starts, and the bats continued to not capitalize on opportunities – leaving too many men on base and putting up three runs in each contest that wasn’t enough given the pitching woes.

It’s an interesting time in the schedule, as the Jays will face Cleveland and Boston on the road after facing both teams at home this past week; a quick turnaround that could play either in favour or against the Blue Jays depending on which side made the proper adjustments. The club will also have a new face on the roster in Orelvis Martinez, who replaces Bo Bichette on the roster as the Jays shortstop is currently on the IL with a right calf strain. He gets to make his MLB debut tonight, batting eighth and slotting in at second base.

The Jays also announced earlier today a roster move, bringing back Yariel Rodríguez from the IL while optioning Ryan Burr back to Buffalo. Rodríguez will make the start tonight for Toronto and likely be followed by a few bullpen arms, with the right-hander likely aiming for the 80-pitch mark given his recent starts in triple-A. At the big league level, Rodríguez owns a 4.11 ERA through four starts.

Opposite Rodríguez on the mound will be veteran Carlos Carrasco, who the Blue Jays faced last weekend. The club was able to tag five runs against the right-hander through five innings, tagging Carrasco with six hits and two walks compared to two strikeouts while earning the loss on the day.

Coming off the sweep, it will be interesting to see how the Jays respond against Cleveland and their league-leading 23-9 record. The Guardians have thrived at Progressive Field and feature a stellar bullpen that sits atop the MLB charts in terms of ERA (2.36), so getting to the starter early will be crucial for the Blue Jays, who have not had much success in the first inning.

First Pitch: 7:07 pm EST

TV & Radio: Sportsnet, SN590

1. Davis Schneider (R) LF

2. Justin Turner (R) DH

3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (R) 1B

4. Daulton Varsho (L) CF

5. Danny Jansen (R) C

6. George Springer (R) RF

7. Addison Barger (L) 3B

8. Orelvis Martinez (R) 2B

9. Isiah Kiner-Falefa (R) SS

1. Steven Kwan (L) DH

2. Andres Gimenez (L) 2B

3. Jose Ramirez (S) 3B

4. Josh Naylor (L) 1B

5. Tyler Freeman (R) CF

6. Will Brennan (L) LF

7. Johnathan Rodriguez (R) RF

8. Brayan Rocchio (S) SS

9. Austin Hedges (R) C