The Toronto Blue Jays’ first big test of the 2026 season comes in the form of a 2025 World Series rematch with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Things aren’t going great for the Blue Jays at the moment. After losing Game 7 in heartbreaking fashion, there was a lot of optimism heading into the 2026 season after signing Dylan Cease, Kazuma Okamoto, and a handful of others. That optimism built after a three-game sweep of the Athletics, with six easy games split between the Colorado Rockies and Chicago White Sox.

Or so we though. Instead, Cody Ponce suffered a signficant injury in the series opener against the Rockies, and everything has spiraled since. The Jays managed to take one of three against the Rockies, but were swept at the hands of the White Sox, who had just one in six attempts entering that game. To make matters worse, Alejandro Kirk was injured in the series opener, while Addison Barger’s status after leaving Sunday’s game is unknown.

Over their last six, the Blue Jays carry a 1-5 record, with a 4-5 record on the season against some easy opponents. Their schedule now gets harder, as they host the Dodgers for a World Series rematch. We’ll focus more on the present and future in this article, as I’m sure most Blue Jays fans aren’t over how the World Series ended; I’m sure not.

Max Scherzer will start the game for the Blue Jays. His most recent time out was the last time the Blue Jays won a game, as the 41-year-old went six strong innings with one earned run allowed. The veteran will need to be at his best against a very tough Dodgers’ lineup. Starting for the Dodgers is left-handed pitcher Justin Wrobleski, who made  four appearances out of the bullpen during the World Series.

With Wrobleski on the mound, the Blue Jays turn to their typical lineup with a lefty on the mound. George Springer still bats lead-off and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hits third, but hitting second is Davis Schneider. Okamoto will hit cleanup, while Ernie Clement will hit fifth, the highest he’s hit all season.

Daulton Varsho is one of two left-handed batters in the lineup, and he’ll bat sixth. Andrés Giménez, the other lefty, bats ninth. Myles Straw returns to the lineup and he’s batting seventh, with a batting average of .556. Tyler Heineman returns to the lineup and will bat eighth, looking to bounce back after a tough series against the White Sox.

Let’s set up Monday’s game against the Dodgers, which comes on the 49th anniversary of the Blue Jays’ first game in franchise history.

Toronto Blue Jays – Max Scherzer: 1-0 record, 1.50 ERA, 6 IP, 4 SO, 1 BB

Los Angeles Dogers – Justin Wrobleski:  0-0 record, 6.75 ERA, 4 IP, 2 SO, 1 BB