Series Preview: Cleveland Boys

Hopefully, someone has been watering the flowers for the Blue Jays. Since this is the first time since before the all-star break that the Blue Jays are back playing at the Rogers Centre. Canada’s team went just 4-6 during their ten-game road trip. The Blue Jays were actually able to win one of their three series during their road trip.

The Blue Jays came close to sweeping the Tigers before the team headed back to the Six. A home run from Nicholas Castellanos in the 10th-inning was the only thing that kept the Blue Jays from recording their first series-sweep since late-April against the A’s. The Blue Birds will now attempt to win back-to-back series for the first time since April as well.

Since the Blue Jays decided to give Ryan Borucki an extra day of rest, he’ll now open this series against Cleveland. Borucki last pitched on July 16 with the Buffalo Bisons. Where he went six innings and gave up five hits, three runs, two home runs and recorded six strikeouts.

Borucki has missed the entire season so far due to bone spurs in his pitching arm. At first, the Blue Jays and Borucki believed that he’d be able to pitch through them. But, those spurs required removal, which caused further delaying in Borucki’s season-debut. This is just the first time that Borucki is facing Cleveland in his career. Which means he should be able to create a lot of swings and misses against them.

Mike Clevinger and his fantastic hair have been dominating opposing lineups ever since returning from the injured list. This month especially, the 28-year-old has been one of the best-pitchers in the entire league. Through three starts this month, Clevinger has allowed just two runs and struck out a combined 27 hitters over 17 innings.

The Blue Jays have struck out the 5th-most among teams in the AL since the all-star break. So, they will likely have a very hard time supplying Borucki with much run support in this game.

Aaron Jacob Sanchez hasn’t won a game since April 27 against the A’s. He also hasn’t pitched six innings since June 8 as well. Sanchez’s latest outing against the Red Sox went just like all his others have gone this season. The 27-year-old surrendered four runs on eight hits in just five innings of work.

What’s interesting is that Sanchez has allowed an extra-base hit in every single start since April 4. That start ironically came against these same Clevelanders. In that start, Sanchez went six innings and gave up just a pair of runs and created five strikeouts. So, hopefully a start against the Clevelanders will help shine a glimmer of hope for the severely struggling Sanchez.

Trevor Bauer has had his name floating around in trade discussions dating all the way back to the offseason. But, it appears that barring a miracle, Bauer will be making this start against the Blue Jays. Which could actually be a good thing for the Blue Jays.

The 28-year-old has uncharacteristically surrendered a lot of home runs lately. Bauer has given up a combined seven home runs over his last four starts. While those home runs haven’t stopped Bauer from creating strikeouts, they have hindered his ability to pitch late into games like he’s been accustomed to this season.

The Blue Jays will likely have a few roster changes to make before this game. Stro-Show is slated to start this game, but will likely be moved before the start of this game. With the way Stroman pitched during his latest outing, it wouldn’t surprise anyone to see him moved before his next start.

Stroman went seven innings against the Yankees and held them to just six hits. If Stroman is moved, then the Blue Jays will likely call-up either Thomas Pannone(fantastic first name) or Sean Reid-Foley(please shave that ugly mustache).

Growing up, Shane Bieber was almost always associated with the singer with the exact same name. But, the 24-year-old has certainly made a name for himself this season. Bieber(Shane not Justin) is currently pitching with a 3.69 ERA, 1.046 WHIP and a 2.3 WAR.

The Beliebers in Cleveland definitely have a right to imagine Bieber as a big part of their future going forward. Bieber was also outstanding against the Blue Jays in his start against them earlier this season. He held them to just a pair of runs over six innings and also recorded nine strikeouts as well.