Blue Jays Royals series looms large in Wild Card chase
The Toronto Blue Jays open a critical three-game Blue Jays Royals series in Kansas City while sitting a half-game behind Cleveland for the final AL Wild Card spot. Fresh off taking two of three from the Guardians, Toronto (70-71) faces a Royals club that recently took two of three at Rogers Centre.
Key Takeaways
- Toronto sits half a game behind Cleveland for the last AL Wild Card berth, tied with Texas at 70-71.
- Jameson Taillon, Max Scherzer, and a bullpen day headline the Blue Jays’ weekend pitching plans.
- Cleveland, Texas, and Baltimore all face different tests while Toronto plays Kansas City.
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s five-RBI night in Cleveland has lifted the club’s energy entering the series.
Why does the Blue Jays Royals series matter right now?
According to MLB.com, every remaining series feels massive for Toronto. The Blue Jays just beat Cleveland in a series that moved them within a half-game of the final Wild Card spot and secured a crucial tiebreaker over the Guardians.
They hold no such edge against the Rangers, having already lost that tiebreaker at 0-4. Kansas City recently spoiled Toronto at home by taking two of three, so this road set is both a chase opportunity and a chance for payback. For more odd and high-stakes sports storylines, see our Bizarre World hub.
Who is pitching in the weekend Blue Jays Royals matchups?
Friday’s opener at Kauffman Stadium starts at 8:10 p.m. ET, with Jameson Taillon (2-6, 5.68 ERA) opposing Daniel Lynch (4-4, 3.06 ERA). Taillon is back from right forearm tendinitis after a 48-pitch rehab outing and may face a pitch count.
Saturday pairs Max Scherzer (2-7, 6.16 ERA) against Seth Lugo (6-8, 5.03 ERA) at 7:10 p.m. Scherzer has looked sharp lately, including seven innings and 10 strikeouts versus Seattle. Sunday is a Blue Jays TBD against Randy Dobnak (2-3, 2.65 ERA) at 2:10 p.m., lining up as a bullpen day.
Toronto has won five of its last six and is 70-71. Kansas City is 63-78 but has taken eight of its last 10 at home after beating Miami 7-3 on Thursday.
What else is at stake around the AL Wild Card board?
MLB.com notes Toronto has one of the softer draws among contenders this weekend. Cleveland faces Detroit (64-75), Texas draws the AL’s top club in Tampa Bay (83-57), and Baltimore plays Boston (76-65).
That opening still carries risk. The Royals have played well lately, and Sports Illustrated argued anything short of taking two of three would be a disappointment for John Schneider’s club. Guerrero’s recent surge, including a five-RBI game in Cleveland, has eased tension up and down the lineup as Toronto tries to create runs on the bases and keep pace in a crowded race.