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GDB 98.0: Scouts in attendance to watch Yusei Kikuchi as Blue Jays host Tigers
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yusei Kikuchi (16) pitches in the second inning against the Houston Astros at Rogers Centre.
Photo credit: Gerry Angus-USA TODAY Sports
Cam Lewis
Jul 20, 2024, 13:00 EDTUpdated: Jul 20, 2024, 16:09 EDT
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Following a 5-4 loss to the Detroit Tigers in the three-game weekend series opener on Friday, the Toronto Blue Jays will look for their first win of the second half on Saturday afternoon.
Yusei Kikuchi will take the mound for the Blue Jays and there’s expected to be a handful of scouts from opposing teams in the stands to watch his start. Major League Baseball’s trade deadline is on July 30 and the left-hander is expected to be traded to a contending team before that date. This is one of two starts the Blue Jays have Kikuchi lined up to make ahead of the deadline.
The Tigers will counter with right-hander Reese Olson, who has a 3.30 ERA across 18 starts in his second season in the Major Leagues. Olson faced the Blue Jays earlier this season in Detroit and he shut them out over six-and-one-third innings of work.
Some roster and lineup notes for the Blue Jays… Bo Bichette was placed on the 10-day Injured List with a calf injury ahead of Saturday’s game and Addison Barger was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo. Leo Jimenez will start at shortstop in Bichette’s absence. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will also make his fourth start of the season at third base.
Location: Rogers Centre
First Pitch: 3:07 p.m. ET
Watch: Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, TVA Sports, Bally Sports Detroit
Listen: SN590, SN APP, 97.1 The Ticket

Starting Pitchers

Toronto — LHP Yusei Kikuchi: 20 starts, 4-8 record, 4.42 ERA, 106 IP, 117 SO, 16 HR
Detroit — RHP Reese Olson: 18 starts, 4-8 record, 3.30 ERA, 101 IP, 92 SO, 6 HR

Lineups:

Blue Jays:
  • George Springer – RF
  • Spencer Horwitz – 1B
  • Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – 3B
  • Justin Turner – DH
  • Danny Jansen – C
  • Daulton Varsho – LF
  • Davis Schneider – 2B
  • Leo Jimenez – SS
  • Kevin Kiermaier – CF
Tigers:
  • Andy Ibanez – 2B
  • Justyn-Henry Malloy – CF
  • Matt Vierling – 3B
  • Mark Canha – 1B
  • Wenceel Perez – RF
  • Jake Rogers – C
  • Javier Baez – SS
  • Gio Urshela – 3B
  • Ryan Vilade – LF

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