Friday night’s start against the Texas Rangers could mark Yusei Kikuchi’s final as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Kikuchi comes in at No. 17 on The Athletic’s trade board, listing him as a likely player to move.

“His high strikeout rate and demonstrated ability to pitch like an All-Star for stretches is likely enough to make him one of the most sought-after rental starters available,” The Athletic wrote, highlighting that he would fit nicely as No. 3 or No. 4 in most contending rotations.

Potential landing spots? The Houston Astros, Minnestoa Twins and St. Louis Cardinals, they listed.

But before we get there, Kikuchi will look to have another strong outing Friday against the Rangers, opposite Andrew Heaney. Both starters tonight have struggled against opposing teams, so fireworks could very well come quickly.

For the Jays, Justin Turner will jump up to the second spot in the lineup, while Spencer Horwitz falls to the fifth. Turner has put up a 1.317 OPS in 12 plate appearances against Heaney in the past, and on the year, his .830 OPS vs. lefties towers over his .659 OPS vs. righties.

First pitch: 3:07 p.m. EST.

TV & Radio: Apple TV+, SN590.

Moneyline: TOR -115; TEX -105.
Spread: TOR -1.5 +170; TEX +1.5 -205.
Over/Under: o8 -115; u8 -105

*Odds at the time of publishing. Odds subject to change.

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Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@thenationnetwork.com.