The Toronto Blue Jays have found their bats since returning to the Rogers Centre, posting double-digit runs over the past two games against a weaker Athletics pitching staff. On Thursday, the club’s offence was powered by four home runs and a multitude of loud contact. Last night, the Jays used a mix of patience at the plate – evidenced by the double-digit walks – with some solo home runs mixed in for good measure.

Heading to the mound for the Jays is Braydon Fisher, who makes his first MLB start. The right-hander has made seven appearences in the big leagues for the Jays in relief and has allowed just three hits and one walk through 8 1/3 innings, striking out 12. Fisher was acquired last season from the Dodgers in exchange for Cavan Biggio after the utility player was designated for assignment (DFA’d), and he doesn’t boast a ton of experience starting games in his career, having just 12 starts under his belt through six seasons in the minors.

The idea is that Fisher will likely open for Toronto, giving them an inning or two, before making way for Eric Lauer or Easton Lucas, who rejoins the squad today with the Jays sending Jose Urena walking.

Opposite Fisher for the A’s is a familiar face in Gunnar Hoglund.

Hoglund was a first-round pick of the Blue Jays in 2021 and was traded the following offseason to the A’s as part of the Matt Chapman deal. The right-hander has been working his way to the big leagues and made his Major League debut earlier this season against the Miami Marlins on May 2nd. Through five outings, he owns a 5.13 ERA and has allowed 28 hits through 26 1/3 innings with 15 earned runs. He’s allowed nine walks so far compared to 22 strikeouts and has pitched to a 1.41 WHIP. The A’s will likely need Hoglund to go deep today to avoid taxing a bullpen that has seen a lot of action these past two nights.

Lineup-wise, Addison Barger moves into the three spot while George Springer slots in as the DH in the four-hole. Jonatan Clase will suit up in left field while Nathan Lukes returns to right. Ali Sanchez gets the nod behind the plate, with Tyler Heineman still on the IL. Ernie Clement will return to second base and heads into this game with a two-game home run streak at stake.

For the A’s, Canadian Denzel Clarke is suiting up in centre field and occupying the ninth spot in the lineup. Miguel Andujar gets the start in left field while Luis Urias slots into second base. Max Schuemann gets the nod at third.

The first 15,000 fans at today’s game will receive a Cricket Warm-Up Jacket.

Location: Rogers Centre – Toronto, Ont.

First Pitch: 3:07 PM EST

Watch/Listen: Sportsnet / Sportsnet 590 The Fan

Toronto Blue Jays – Braydon Fisher: 0-0 record, 0.00 ERA, 8 1/3 IP, 12 SO, 1 BB

Athletics – Gunnar Hoglund: 1-2 record, 5.13 ERA, 26 1/3 IP, 22 SO, 9 BB