The Toronto Blue Jays dropped a heartbreaker in extra innings yesterday, dropping the decision after a Rowdy Tellez grand slam in the 12th inning put the game on ice. Toronto was able to add one in the bottom half, but the score went the Mariners’ way 8-4 when the dust settled.

With so many arms being used yesterday and Nick Sandlin heading to the IL with a lat issue, the Blue Jays made some roster moves before today’s game. Jacob Barnes, who allowed the home run last night, was designated for assignment, while the club called up Dillon Tate and Paxton Schultz to the big league roster, with Schultz making his MLB debut when he steps on the mound for the first time. The right-hander was acquired as a PTBNL as part of the Derek Fisher trade with the Brewers years ago.

On the mound, the Blue Jays are sending Easton Lucas to secure the win. The southpaw is coming off a tough start earlier this week against the Atlanta Braves, with the NL East squad torching the starter for eight runs off three homers and four walks through five innings last Monday. He was stellar through his first two outings, holding the Nationals and Red Sox to zero earned runs through 10 1/3 combined innings with 11 strikeouts, so Lucas will be looking to right the ship during this outing.

Starting for the Mariners is a familiar face to Blue Jays fans, as veteran Luis Castillo will be toeing the rubber to secure the series for Seattle.

Castillo is struggling this season compared to his Mariners rotation counterparts, posting a 4.22 ERA through 21 1/3 innings and four starts. He’s allowed 20 hits and 10 earned so far with 10 free passes and three home runs compared to 18 walks, with his WHIP sitting at 1.406. The Jays fanbase knows how deadly Castillo can be when he is on (flashback to the 2022 AL Wild Card), so the key will be for the Jays’ bats to get to him early and often, especially after last night’s game that used multiple Mariners relievers. Seattle did bring in one reliever after last night’s outing, selecting Sauryn Lao from triple-A Tacoma while designating Casey Lawrence for assignment to make room for him on the roster.

Tyler Heineman will be behind the plate today while Addison Barger slots into right field and George Springer occupies centre field.

Location: Rogers Centre – Toronto, Canada

First Pitch: 1:37 PM EST

Watch/Listen: Sportsnet / Sportsnet 590 The Fan

Toronto Blue Jays – Easton Lucas 2-1 record, 4.70 ERA, 15 1/3 IP, 14 SO, 4 BB

Seattle Mariners – Luis Castillo 1-2 record, 4.22 ERA, 21 21/3 IP, 18 SO, 10 BB