For the first time since April 21, the Toronto Blue Jays are above the .500 mark.

The goal now has to be to stay above it. They’ll have a chance to do just that on Friday, as they head down to Tampa Bay to face the Rays for the second time in less than two weeks. The last time the Jays played the Rays, it didn’t go so great last time, as they dropped two of three in three entirely winnable games.

This will be the first time the Blue Jays visit George M. Steinbrenner Field in the regular season. Due to damage suffered to Tropicana Field, the Rays are spending the 2025 season in the New York Yankees’ Spring Training home.

Looking at the lineups, Anthony Santander is once again out of the lineup, as a hip injury is likely the cause. It seems like sooner or later, the Jays will have to make a decision to place him on the Injured List or not.

Jonatan Clase is getting the start in left field. He had a terrific series against the San Diego Padres, as he walked three times and reached base with three hits in just seven plate appearances. He’ll bat eighth, one spot above Nathan Lukes, who hit the walk-off single in Thursday’s game. The lineup is what you’d expect by now: Bo Bichette leads off, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. bats second, and Daulton Varsho bats third. George Springer is DH’ing and is batting in the cleanup spot, with Alejandro Kirk after him. Addison Barger drops to the sixth spot and is followed by Ernie Clement.

Making the start for the Jays is Eric Lauer, who last pitched against the Detroit Tigers on May 17th. He’s pitched well in his four appearances, as the left-handed starter has a 2.25 ERA and a 2.83 FIP in 12 innings pitched. Hopefully he can gives them five good innings as the Jays used all but one reliever in Thursday’s game.

Let’s set up Friday’s game against the Rays!

Toronto Blue Jays – Eric Lauer: 1-0 record, 2.25 ERA, 12 IP, 14 SO, 3 BB

Tampa Bay Rays – Drew Rasmussen: 2-4 record, 2.93 ERA, 46 IP, 40 SO, 10 BB