The Toronto Blue Jays just can’t stay above .500.

It looked as if the season was finally going to get going after a sweep of the San Diego Padres, moving above .500 for the first time since April 21. Then they ran into the Rays, being thoroughly dominated in the three-game series over the weekend, dropping their season record to 25.27.

Winning the American League East is slowly slipping away, as they are now seven games back of the 32-20 New York Yankees with two others teams to jump. One of the Wild Card spots is still a realistic goal if they start to play better, as they are just three games back.

They roll into Arlington, Texas, for a three-game series agianst the Texas Rangers. This season, they are 26-28, proving that their 2023 World Series win was just a fluke. Over their past 10 games, the Rangers are 3-7.

George Springer is out of the lineup for Monday’s game, as their outfield is comprised of Anthony Santander, Daulton Varsho, and Nathan Lukes. Vladmir Guerrero Jr. is in the lineup as the designated hitter, meaning Ernie Clement gets the rare start at first base. The top three features the usual players since Varsho returned from injury. Alejandro Kirk bats cleanup, Santander follows him in the fifth spot. Toronto’s bottom four features Addison Barger, Clement, Michael Stefanic, and Lukes.

Getting the start for the Jays is Kevin Gausman. His last start was his best of the season, going seven shut out innings while allowing just three hits and striking out nine.

Let’s set up Monday afternoon’s game!

Toronto Blue Jays – Kevin Gausman: 4-4 record, 4.03 ERA, 58 IP, 55 SO, 12 BB

Texas Ranger – Jacob deGrom: 4-1 record, 2.33 ERA, 58 IP, 62 SO, 12 BB