GDB 114.0: Ernie Clement gets another look near top of order as Blue Jays seek win over Orioles
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
By Zach Laing
Aug 7, 2024, 15:00 EDTUpdated: Aug 7, 2024, 17:09 EDT
Ernie Clement is back near the top of the order.
For the second time this season, and the second in the last three games, Clement is getting a look near the top of the order, set to hit second for the Blue Jays tonight. He hit leadoff against the New York Yankees on Sunday afternoon, going three-for-give at the plate, hitting three singles and driving in a run.
Clement should be in a good spot against as the Baltimore Orioles start lefty Trevor Rogers on the mound. This season, Clement’s .765 OPS against lefties is a hundred points higher than that against righties, who he’s hit .684 against. A red-hot Alejandro Kirk, who has slashed .423/.414/.615 for a 1.029 OPS since the Danny Jansen trade, will hit cleanup for the Jays.
Bowden Francis makes his fifth start for the Jays this season, having struggled mightily in his previous four. Facing the Orioles, Houston Astros, Oakland Athletics and Yankees previously, he’s allowed a 7.50 ERA across 18 innings, despite shutting out the A’s in four of the them.
First pitch: 7:07 p.m. EST.
TV & Radio: Sportsnet, SN590.
Starting pitchers:
| Name | Team | GS | W | L | IP | ERA | xERA | ERA- | FIP | WHIP | K/9 | BB/9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bowden Francis | TOR | 4 | 4 | 3 | 44.2 | 5.64 | 5.44 | 140 | 5.61 | 1.46 | 7.25 | 3.02 |
Trevor Rogers | 2 Tms | 22 | 2 | 10 | 109.2 | 4.76 | 5.12 | 116 | 4.53 | 1.55 | 7.22 | 4.02 |
Lineups:
BLUE JAYS:
- G Springer (R) RF
- E Clement (R) 2B
- V Guerrero Jr. (R) 3B
- A Kirk (R) DH
- S Horwitz (L) 1B
- D Schneider (R) LF
- D Varsho (L) CF
- L Jiménez (R) SS
- B Serven (R) C
ORIOLES:
- TBA
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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.