Series Preview: Heading down to Hotlanta to meet Dorian

The Blue Jays are heading down to Atlanta for a two-game mini-series against the Braves. Unfortunately, those games might have to be rescheduled due to the problematic category five hurricane named Dorian. After being no-hit by Justin Verlander and the Astros, the Blue Jays are probably really looking forward to a quick turnaround against the Braves.

Entering the final month of the season, the Blue Jays would certainly like to prove something to their fans heading into next season. Hopefully, this will be the last time in a very long time that the Blue Jays’ hitters will get no-hit during a season.

If this game even takes place, the Blue Jays will be hoping that Jacob Waguespack will be able to record improved results against the Braves during this game. Last time out, Waguespack wasn’t able to pitch more than three innings against the Braves.

The 25-year-old exited the game following the third inning and surrendered five runs(three earned) on six hits. Waguespack struggled with the command of his pitches for most of his outing against the Braves. As he threw almost as many balls as he did strikes. This time around, Waguespack will surely be looking to get ahead with a first-pitch strike during every one of his at-bats.

The Blue Jays will have the pleasure of being able to face Canadian Mike Soroka once again during this series. Surprisingly, Soroka was only able to set down Bo Bichette on strikes during his latest outing against his home town team. That outing was also the first time since June 23 where Soroka failed to produce more than a single strikeout.

While the Blue Jays were able to record eight hits against Soroka, they were only able to produce a pair of runs against him. Soroka was also able to induce a pair of double plays in his latest outing, which was what led to the Blue Jays struggles with driving in runs, as they went just three-for-eleven with RISP.

With the Blue Jays utilizing their bullpen during their finale game against the Astros, that likely means they’ll want to use one of their top pitching prospects during this game against the Astros. T.J. Zeuch is very likely going to be considered to start for the Blue Jays in this finale against the Braves.

Zeuch last pitched on Aug. 29, which means he would be starting on regular rest if he were to start this game. Through his 13 starts at triple-A, Zeuch has recorded a 3.69 ERA, 1.308 WHIP, 3.7 BB/9 and a 4.5 SO/9 this season.

Mike Foltynewicz was very lucky to escape his latest outing allowing just two runs. The Blue Jays tagged Foltynewicz for eight hits but just two earned runs through four and 2/3 innings last time out. Foltynewicz also gave up 12 line drives and 15 fly balls in his latest outing.

Although, at least the Blue Jays’ hitters weren’t shut down because of a ton of strikeouts. Three different times during August, Foltynewicz had recorded a total of seven strikeouts. With the Blue Jays’ lineup just getting no-hit by Mr. Kate Upton, they’ll surely want to drive in as many runs as they can during this game.