The Toronto Blue Jays will look to rebound this evening after dropping a pivotal game last night against the Boston Red Sox. That bats were left on the plane to begin their opening series against the Boston Red Sox, with the club mustering just one run in the nine-inning affair (with some questionable calls by the umpires mixed in) and have now lost five of their last six games.

Looking to turn the tide, the Jays will get one of their big bats in the lineup, with Anthony Santander making his return to the big leagues after landing on the IL in late May with a shoulder injury. He was activated yesterday but did not see any action on the field.

Taking the mound for Toronto will be right-hander Max Scherzer, who is coming off one of the worst games of his big league career. He lasted just 2/3 of an inning against the Kansas City Royals last week, allowing seven hits, seven earned runs, and one walk before being lifted early.

On the season, Scherzer owns a 5-4 record and a 5.06 ERA through 80 innings across 16 starts. His 5.08 FIP is elevated due to the home runs against (2.0 HR/9), and the long ball has been one of his biggest downfalls this campaign despite the strong walk and strikeout numbers (2.6 BB/9 and 8.7 K/9). Through September, Scherzer owns an 11.70 ERA (mostly because of the Royals game) and has allowed 13 earned runs across three starts.

Opposite Scherzer this evening will be left-hander Garrett Crochet, who is putting together a solid campaign in his debut season with the Red Sox. The southpaw owns a 2.69 ERA through 31 starts, which includes a complete game shutout. His 197 1/3 innings lead the American League, and his 249 punchouts lead the entire Major Leagues (his 11.4 K/9 leads the AL as well). Crochet has faced Toronto twice this season, allowing three earned runs across 12 2/3 innings while striking out 11.

September has been Crochet’s worst month so far, with the Red Sox starter amassing a 4.68 ERA through 25 innings with 21 hits allowed compared to four walks and 35 strikeouts. The 26-year-old is 51 1/3 innings past his career high mark set last year with the White Sox (146), so some fatigue may be setting in for the ace of this Red Sox squad.

Lineup-wise, Santander will be batting fifth and occupying the DH spot with Alejandro Kirk working behind the plate and batting cleanup. Davis Schneider gets the nod at second base with a left-hander on the mound, while Ernie Clement will take over at shortstop. Addison Barger, Nathan Lukes, and Andres Gimenez get the night off (again, left-hander on the mound), with Isiah Kiner-Falefa slotting in at third base. Myles Straw will work in right field, George Springer in left, and Daulton Varsho in centre, the lone left-handed bat in the lineup (and batting seventh).

The Blue Jays hold a one-game lead over the New York Yankees, who take on the Chicago White Sox tonight.

Location: Rogers Centre – Toronto, Canada

First Pitch: 7:07 PM EST

Watch/Listen: Sportsnet / Sportsnet 590 The Fan

Toronto Blue Jays – Max Scherzer: 5-4 record, 5.06 ERA, 80 IP, 77 SO, 23 BB

Boston Red Sox – Garrett Crochet: 17-5 record, 2.69 ERA, 197 1/3 IP, 249 SO, 46 BB