In search of their first victory following the MLB All-Star break, the Toronto Blue Jays will send Yusei Kikuchi to the mound for the second game of their series against the Detroit Tigers.
Home runs from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer were not enough for Toronto in the series opener against Detroit, who took the opening game 5-4. The Tigers also had a pair of homers from Mark Canha and Wenceel Perez, but Riley Greene’s single was the deciding run.
The Blue Jays will look for a better outing against Reese Olson who pitched against Toronto back on May 25. Olson held the Blue Jays to one unearned run, three hits and three walks with four strikeouts.
Kikuchi gets another chance to go up against the Tigers after he allowed five runs across three innings back on May 26. The 33-year-old has had his struggles against the Tigers, as he is 1-1 with a 6.00 ERA in five career starts.
These next few starts will be pivotal for Kikuchi and the Blue Jays, as he could be a trade candidate for a contending team ahead of the deadline.
The one question for the Blue Jays lineup will be who takes Bo Bichette‘s place after the shortstop was forced to leave Friday’s game with a right calf strain. Leo Jimenez was tabbed for the job and will be batting eighth.
Additionally, before the game, the team announced that Bichette would be heading to the 10-day IL and utility infielder Addison Barger would be recalled from triple-A Buffalo.
First pitch is scheduled for 3:07 p.m. ET/12:07 p.m. PT, with Blue Jays Central previewing all the action at 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.
The Toronto Blue Jays are gearing up for a crucial matchup against the Detroit Tigers, with left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi set to take the mound. The Blue Jays are looking to secure a victory and continue their push towards a playoff spot in the highly competitive American League East division.
Kikuchi, who joined the Blue Jays in the offseason after spending his first three seasons in the MLB with the Seattle Mariners, has been a solid addition to the team’s starting rotation. The 30-year-old Japanese pitcher has shown flashes of brilliance on the mound, with his ability to mix up his pitches and keep hitters off balance.
In his last start, Kikuchi pitched six strong innings against the New York Yankees, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out seven batters. His performance was a testament to his skill and composure under pressure, and the Blue Jays will be counting on him to deliver another strong outing against the Tigers.
The Tigers, on the other hand, are coming off a tough series against the Cleveland Guardians and will be looking to bounce back with a win against the Blue Jays. Led by veteran slugger Miguel Cabrera and promising young pitcher Casey Mize, the Tigers have shown flashes of potential this season and should not be underestimated.
With both teams hungry for a win, fans can expect an exciting and competitive game as the Blue Jays and Tigers face off. The outcome of this matchup could have significant implications for both teams’ playoff hopes, making it a must-watch for baseball fans.
As the Blue Jays seek victory against the Tigers with Kikuchi on the mound, all eyes will be on the talented left-hander as he looks to lead his team to success. With his skill and determination, Kikuchi has the potential to be a difference-maker in this game and help propel the Blue Jays towards their ultimate goal of postseason success.