The Toronto Blue Jays will have a new member of the rotation to start this series against the two-time defending AL West Champion Athletics at the Dome. Say hello to Liam Hendriks, called up from the Bisons, and goodbye to Esmil Antonio, who has been designated for assignment.
Liam Hendriks earned the call to Baseball North after posting a 5-0 record with a 1.48 earned run average, walking just three hitters in 48.2 innings at Triple-A Buffalo. BlueJays.com says Hendriks will wear #34, Dave Stewart's old number. However, first base coach Tim Leiper currently wears #34 so we'll see what happens there. Ooh, the intrigue!
The Oakland A's lead not only the AL West but all of major league baseball with a 30-17 record, giving them a 3-1/2 game cushion over the Los Angeles Angels. The Jays are 26-22, one game ahead of the Yankees and 1-1/2 games up on Baltimore in the AL East. All three teams are even in the loss column with 22.
Series Schedule & Probable Starters...
Friday at 7:07 pm ET - LHP Scott Kazmir (5-1, 2.39) vs. RHP Liam Hendriks (NR).
Saturday at 1:07 pm ET - RHP Jesse Chavez (4-1, 2.54) vs. RHP R.A. Dickey (4-4, 4.20).
Sunday at 1:07 pm ET - LHP Drew Pomeranz (4-1, 0.94) vs LHP J.A. Happ (3-1, 4.37).
Tonight's lineup - Reyes SS, Cabrera LF, Bautista RF, Encarnacion 1B, Lawrie 3B, Navarro DH, Tolleson 2B, Kratz C, Pillar CF.
The pitching matchups are favourable for the visitors so avoiding a sweep would be a moral victory! But that's why they play the games. If anything else, the roof is expected to finally open!
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