Blue Jays vs. Twins Series Preview
Pitchers:
Starters:
16 – Yusei Kikuchi – LHP (11-6, 3.87 ERA)
17 – Jose Berrios – RHP (11-12, 3.65 ERA)
34 – Kevin Gausman – RHP (12-9, 3.16 ERA)
40 – Chris Bassitt – RHP (16-8, 3.60 ERA)
The starters for the Blue Jays in their series will be Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, and Chris Bassitt, pushing Kikuchi to the bullpen. Gausman will have game one, Berrios game two, and if it goes to game three, Bassitt will get the start.
Bullpen:
12 – Jordan Hicks – RHP (3-9, 3.29 ERA)
33 – Trevor Richards – RHP (2-1, 4.90 ERA)
37 – Chad Green – RHP (3-0, 5.73 ERA)
50 – Erik Swanson – RHP (4-2, 3.02 ERA)
58 – Tim Mayza – LHP (-1, 1.38 ERA)
68 – Jordan Romano – RHP (5-7, 2.90 ERA)
92 – Genesis Cabrera – LHP (2-1, 3.95 ERA)
93 – Yimi Garcia – RHP (3-4, 4.09 ERA)
The Blue Jays bullpen is a solid group, and they will need them to be at the top of their game to shut down a good Twins lineup. Jordan Romano, Jordan Hicks, and Chad Green will be the key to the Blue Jays success as they look to advance to the ALDS.
Hitters:
Catchers:
30 – Alejandro Kirk (.250/8/43)
55 – Tyler Heineman (.200/0/0)
Infielders:
5 – Santiago Espinal (.249/2/25)
8 – Cavan Biggio (.232/9/39)
11 – Bo Bichette (.307/20/73)
13 – Brandon Belt (.251/18/42)
15 – Whit Merrifield (.275/11/67)
26 – Matt Chapman (.240/17/54)
27 – Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (.264/26/94)
36 – Davis Schneider (.268/8/20)
Outfielders:
4 – George Springer (.258/21/72)
25 – Daulton Varsho (.220/20/60)
31 – Cam Eden (.000/0/0)
39 – Kevin Kiermaier (.265/8/36)
The Blue Jays lineup can hit, and they can hit for power, which they will need to attack the Twins early and often and give their pitchers a chance to relax and pitch their game, especially with having the lead. Look for them to try to get out early and attack Pablo Lopez in game one and Sonny Gray in game two. It’ll be hard for the Twins to keep the Boppers in the lineup at bay.
