The Toronto Blue Jays can’t find a rhythm, even in the city where the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is located. Instead, the Jays ‘band’ appears confused about where their gig is and their instruments are completely out of tune.

The Jays face the Cleveland Guardians in an afternoon contest to avoid the sweep, which would be the second one of the season and follows on the heels of a disappointing series against Boston before this weekend’s series on the road. The club has not been able to find consistency on both sides of the baseball – the pitching staff has surrendered 31 runs over their past six games and the lineup has countered with just 14 runs of support.

Bichette hit the IL earlier this week and George Springer continues to be abysmal at the plate, authoring a .136 average and a .182 SLG through his last seven games. The club mustered three home runs in yesterday’s contest, two of which came off the bat of Isiah Kiner-Falefa, but the lack of hit support meant all three shots were solo runs and the club wasn’t able to catch any ground on the Guardians and the six runs they put up on the day.

To get back on track, the Blue Jays will be sending southpaw Yusei Kikuchi to the mound. Kikuchi’s last start against the Red Sox went sideways in a hurry, with the Japanese product allowing four home runs in the loss. After a solid start to the campaign, the Jays starter has dealt with some adversity as of late – posting a 5.08 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP through his last seven starts.

The Guardians will be sending Triston McKenzie to the mound for the afternoon start, with the fireball-throwing right-hander amassing a 4.48 ERA with an 8.3 K/9 through 14 starts this season. He owns a 5.4 BB/9 on the season, as the command issues have plagued him as of late, so the Jays bats will need to be patient at the plate.

In other news, the Blue Jays have called upon Steward Berrora to take Daulton Varsho’s place on the roster, with the Jays outfielder stumbling awkwardly out of the batter’s box late in yesterday’s game with a back issue. Another blow to a roster that really can’t afford another injury.

First Pitch: 1:40 pm EST

TV & Radio: Sportsnet, SN590