Can you believe we’re about to be 20 games into the 2025 season?

Friday’s game will be the 20th of the season for the Tarranna Blue Jays, playing host to the Seattle Mariners for the first of three. Through their first six series this season, the Jays have only lost one, a three-game sweep at the hands of the New York Mets earlier this month. They’ve split two (both against the Baltimore Orioles), and won three, one against the Washington Nationals, one against the Boston Red Sox, and one against the Atlanta Braves.

That gives them an 11-8 record this season, good enough for second in the American League East, trailing the New York Yankees by just one game. With that being said, things haven’t been perfect for the Jays this season, as they’ve hit just 12 home runs, tied for the second fewest in the league. On the other hand, pitching has been terrific early this season, more specifically, starting pitching. Their 3.36 ERA is the fourth-lowest in Major League Baseball. This season feels like the 2023 Blue Jays all over again, but with 2022 vibes.

The good news is that the reinforcements are coming. Returning to Friday’s lineup is outfielder George Springer, who has had a hot start to the season but has missed the past few games after a wrist injury. On Friday afternoon, it was reported that outfielder Daulton Varsho will start his rehab assignment on Saturday.

It seems like the top third of their lineup, Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Anthony Santander are starting to heat up as well. If the bats can truly start to get going, the Blue Jays will be in a great spot.

Bowden Francis makes the start in this game. Last outing was rough for the 28-year-old as he gave up five runs, three earned, in five and two-thirds innings. He did throw a no-hitter into the fifth inning, though.

Let’s set up Friday’s game!

Toronto Blue Jays – Bowden Francis: 1-2 record, 3.71 ERA, 17 IP, 15 SO, 7 BB

Seattle Mariners – Bryan Woo: 2-0 record, 2.84 ERA, 19 IP, 18 SO, 4 BB