Toronto Blue Jays: Preview of Pitchers and Lineups for Matchup against the Seattle Mariners

Toronto Blue Jays Set to Face Seattle Mariners

Current Standings and Matchup Preview

The Toronto Blue Jays, with a record of 54-43, are currently 5.5 games behind the first-place Baltimore Orioles in the AL East division. The Orioles have been in fine form, winning eight out of their last ten games, and the Blue Jays will have a tough task ahead as they take on the fourth-place Seattle Mariners, who sit at 48-48.

Probable Starting Pitchers

Left-hander Yusei Kikuchi is set to make his 20th start of the 2023 season. After struggling last year, Kikuchi has bounced back but still faces challenges. Despite a record of 7-3, his ERA stands at 4.13, his FIP at 5.17, and his ERA+ at 101. Kikuchi has heavily relied on his offense to carry him to victory, but he has allowed too many opponents to reach base and score against him.

On the other side, the Mariners will field promising young rookie Bryce Miller, who is making his 13th start of the year. The 24-year-old right-hander has had an impressive start to his big league career, posting a record of 6-3 with a 3.66 ERA and 112 ERA+ in 64 innings of work. Miller has excelled at limiting home runs and is known as a groundball pitcher, which could make him a challenging opponent for the Blue Jays’ lineup.

Starting Lineups

The Toronto Blue Jays’ starting lineup for the game on July 21 will feature:

1. RF George Springer
2. SS Bo Bichette
3. 1B Brandon Belt
4. DH Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
5. 3B Matt Chapman
6. LF Whit Merrifield
7. CF Daulton Varsho
8. C Danny Jansen
9. 2B Cavan Biggio

The Seattle Mariners’ starting lineup for the same game will consist of:

1. SS J.P. Crawford
2. CF Julio Rodríguez
3. 3B Eugenio Suárez
4. DH Teoscar Hernández
5. C Tom Murphy
6. 1B Ty France
7. LF A.J. Pollock
8. RF Dylan Moore
9. 2B José Caballero

Game Coverage

The Toronto Blue Jays’ game will begin at 10:10 pm ET. For Canadian viewers, the game will be broadcasted on Sportsnet, Sportsnet-1, and TVA Sports. Mariners fans can catch the game on ROOTNW.

If you prefer to stream the game, options include Sportsnet NOW, MLB.tv (subscription required), and fuboTV (which offers a free trial).

For radio coverage, the Blue Jays’ broadcast can be heard on Sportsnet 590, while Mariners fans can tune in to KIRO 710.

Editorial: The Blue Jays’ Challenge

The Blue Jays face a challenging task in their upcoming game against the Mariners. While the Mariners sit in the middle of the AL standings, they have proven to be a competitive team this season. The Jays will need to bring their A-game to secure a victory.

One area of concern for the Blue Jays is Yusei Kikuchi’s performance. Although he has managed a winning record, his elevated ERA and FIP indicate that he has been fortunate to receive run support from his teammates. The Blue Jays’ offense will have to be firing on all cylinders to ensure they can overcome any potential shortcomings in Kikuchi’s performance.

On the other hand, the Mariners’ rookie pitcher Bryce Miller has been impressive. His ability to limit home runs and induce groundballs will pose a challenge for the Blue Jays’ hitters. The team will need to strategize and find ways to manufacture runs against Miller’s strong pitching.

Overall, this matchup presents a critical point in the Blue Jays’ season. With the Orioles leading the AL East division, the Blue Jays need to capitalize on every opportunity to gain ground. A win against the Mariners would not only boost their morale but also keep them in contention for the division title.

Advice: Keys to Victory for the Blue Jays

In order to secure a win against the Mariners, the Blue Jays will need to focus on the following key areas:

1. Offensive Production

The Blue Jays’ lineup features talented hitters like George Springer, Bo Bichette, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. They need to deliver solid performances and provide consistent run support. The team must be proactive in capitalizing on scoring opportunities and ensuring they maximize their offensive potential.

2. Pitching Performance

Yusei Kikuchi needs to step up and deliver a strong outing on the mound. He must focus on limiting opponents’ access to bases and preventing them from scoring. It will also be essential for the bullpen to maintain the same level of excellence and provide necessary support if needed.

3. Defensive Focus

The Blue Jays’ defense must be on point by making smart plays, minimizing errors, and backing up their pitchers. The team cannot afford any defensive lapses that may cost them runs or extend innings for the Mariners.

4. Game Strategy

The Blue Jays’ coaching staff needs to develop a well-thought-out game plan, taking into account Bryce Miller’s strengths and weaknesses. They should encourage their hitters to be patient and take advantage of any opportunities to put pressure on the young pitcher.

By focusing on these key areas, the Blue Jays can increase their chances of securing a victory against the Mariners and continue their pursuit of the AL East division title.