August 27 Gameday: Blue Jays play Royals in series rubber match
Photo credit: © John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Aug 27, 2026, 18:30 EDTUpdated: Aug 27, 2026, 18:46 EDT
After a minor hiccup in The Bronx, the Toronto Blue Jays have a chance to win their eighth series in their last nine.
It wasn’t pretty, but the Blue Jays responded to Tuesday’s loss with a 3-0 win over the Kansas City Royals, thanks in large part to Nathan Lukes’ three-run home run. The bullpen held the Royals at bay, and the Jays kept pace with the Cleveland Guardians, who hold onto the final wild card spot.
Of course, it won’t be easy as the Royals carried a nine-game winning streak heading into Wednesday’s contest. The red-hot Royals will turn to left-handed pitcher Noah Cameron as Thursday’s starter. Over 25 games, the southpaw has a 4.02 ERA and 3.59 FIP, alongside a 21.3 K% and 7.7 BB%.
The Blue Jays counter with Spencer Arrighetti, who’ll be making his first start with the Jays in what will be his second appearance since the trade. Last time out, the 26-year-old righty threw three and one-third innings against the New York Yankees, giving up three runs and striking out four. He’ll look to bounce back on Thursday.
With a left-handed pitcher on the mound for the Royals, the Blue Jays only have one left-handed batter in the lineup. Unsurprisingly, it’s Nathan Lukes, who is batting ninth. Brett Bateman gets the day off, with Myles Straw playing centre field and Daz Cameron playing left field. They’re batting eighth and seventh respectively.
Charles McAdoo also draws back into the lineup, leading off the Blue Jays. He’s followed by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Alejandro Kirk, George Springer, Kazuma Okamoto, and Ernie Clement.
Let’s set up Thursday’s rubber match!
Location: Toronto
First Pitch: 7:07 PM ET
Watch/Listen: Sportsnet, SN590
Starting Pitchers
Toronto Blue Jays – Spencer Arrighetti: 7-6 record, 4.73 ERA, 91.1 IP, 91 SO, 52 BB
Kansas City Royals – Noah Cameron: 8-8 record, 4.02 ERA, 143.1 IP, 128 SO, 46 BB
Lineups:
Blue Jays:
- Charles McAdoo – 2B
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – 1B
- Alejandro Kirk – C
- George Springer – DH
- Kazuma Okamoto – 3B
- Ernie Clement – SS
- Daz Cameron – LF
- Myles Straw – CF
- Nathan Lukes – RF
Royals:
- Carter Jensen – C
- Bobby Witt Jr. – SS
- Jac Caglianone – RF
- Vinnie Pasquantino – 1B
- Salvador Perez – DH
- Isaac Collins – 2B
- John Rave – LF
- Josh Rojas – 3B
- Kyle Isbel – CF
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, DFOEdmonton, and DFOCalgary. She can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.
Breaking News
- Inside Nathan Lukes’ redemption home run versus Royals
- Blue Jays sign right-hander Michael Lorenzen, option Chad Dallas & transfer Jonatan Clase to 60-day IL
- Blue Jays’ Kazuma Okamoto must continue adjusting to sustain success
- Blue Jays Minor League Musings: Aldo Gaxiola remains hot, Carter Cunningham power Fisher Cats to win
- Out of town scoreboard: Blue Jays keep pace with Guardians