Last night’s opening contest between the Blue Jays and Rays had everything: home runs, lead changes, a rundown, and some tense moments late in the game. The Rays jumped out to an early lead before the Blue Jays took it back in the bottom of the eighth thanks to Daulton Varsho. Closer Jeff Hoffman was unable to lock things down in the top half of the ninth, with Junior Caminero smacking a grand slam, and the Jays threatened late but were unable to bridge the gap, losing 11-9. This loss broke a four-game win streak stretching back to the finale against the Angels.

The Jays now fall to 20-21 on the season and will turn to Chris Bassitt tonight to try and right the ship and put the Jays back into the win column.

Bassitt has been one of the most dependable arms out of the Jays’ rotation this season, posting a 3.35 ERA through eight starts. He’s amassed an impressive 3.32 FIP and boasts a 9.7 K/9 and a 1.6 BB/9 through 45 2/3 innings of work.

Through eight career outings (seven starts) against Tampa Bay, the veteran right-hander owns a 3.65 ERA and a 1.195 WHIP through 44 1/3 innings but has been on the wrong end of the scorecards, amassing a 1-5 record.

Heading to the mound for the Rays tonight is Ryan Pepiot. Acquired from the Dodgers during the 2023/2024 offseason, this will be his first outing at the Rogers Centre.

This season, the right-hander owns a 3.86 ERA through 44 1/3 innings and has allowed 19 earned runs off 42 hits. With a 1.308 WHIP and a 4.88 FIP, Pepiot has allowed eight homers this year while striking out opposing batters at a 7.7 K/9 clip.

Predominantly a four-pitch mix arm, Pepiot mainly works with a four-seamer that sits in the mid-90s while mixing in a changeup, slider, and cutter. He also boasts a curveball but uses that at a low rate. His changeup has been his top offering, with hitters generating just a .185 wOBA and a .266 xwOBA on the offspeed pitch that ranks with a +5 run value (97th percentile).

Lineup-wise, Alejandro Kirk returns to the lineup after being hit by a Julio Rodriguez backswing during the Seattle Mariners series this past weekend and will bat sixth. Anthony Santander is the DH tonight while George Springer returns to right field, batting cleanup.

Tonight is Daulton Varsho’s Gold Glove bobblehead night, but it’s also Game #5 between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers, taking place just down the street. Attendance may be limited.

Location: Rogers Centre – Toronto, Ontario

First Pitch: 7:07 pm EST

Watch/Listen: Sportsnet / Sportsnet 590 The Fan

Toronto Blue Jays – Chris Bassitt: 3-2 record, 3.35 ERA, 45 2/3 IP, 49 SO, 8 BB

Tampa Bay Rays – Ryan Pepiot: 2-4 record, 3.86 ERA, 44 1/3 IP, 38 SO, 16 BB