GDB 81.0: Daulton Varsho returns to the lineup against the Yankees

Photo credit:© Wendell Cruz - USA Today

2 days ago

The Blue Jays haven’t been too great as of late.

On the field, they’ve only won one game in their past eight, defeating the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday to snap a seven-game losing streak. Still, they are 36-43 for the season, well out of the division race and 6.5 games behind the final Wild Card position.

With that being said, the New York Yankees have also had a rough go of things in recent times. Over their last 10 games, they’re 2-8 and are in the midst of a three-game losing streak, as they were swept in a two-game series against the New York Mets.

The Blue Jays are a perfect team to get back on track against, though. Case in point, Bo Bichette, one of Toronto’s worst hitters this season, leads off. There’s also a case that he may be a bit unsettled, given his comments when asked if he expects to be traded by Sportsnet’s Hazel Mae.

Spencer Horwitz is out of the lineup as the Jays face a left-handed pitcher. It’s kind of a shame, considering that Horwitz actually hit left-handed pitchers quite well in Triple-A, posting a .305/.414/.339 slash line in 70 plate appearances. However, it means that Ernie Clement returns to the lineup, and he’s cooked lefties this season.

This is the closest season we’ve gotten to 2021 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Since May 1st, the Blue Jays’ first baseman is slashing .324/.395/.489 with seven homers in 210 plate appearances, along with a 10.5 BB% and a 14.3 K% for a 154 wRC+. After a tough start, he’s really come on in recent times.

Daulton Varsho will make his first appearance for the first time since June 22, after injuring his back on a ground out in his final plate appearance. It’s good to have one of the better bats in the lineup.

First pitch: 7:07 PM ET

TV & Radio: Sportsnet, SN 590