Saturday, August 31, 2019 | 3:07 pm ET
Rogers Centre | Toronto, Ontario
Framber Valdez (4-6, 5.14, 1.54) vs. Clay Buchholz (0-3, 5.87, 1.34)
PREAMBLE:
Ok, gather around, folks... time for another game threat.
After losing last night's series opener to the Houston Astros, the Blue Jays look to get back on the winning track to even up the series.
Clay Buchholz, after being put back together by duct tape, some wires, cotton balls, eyeglasses frame and a soldering iron, makes his second start since coming back from the IL. Likewise, Framber Valdez is making his second start after his call up to take the place of Aaron Sanchez, who has been felled by a pectoral injury.
NOTES:
So... Vlad got tossed for his first career ejection last night. Let's hope it fires him up to take it out on a few Framber Valdez fastballs today. Calling it, he'll hit one out today.
NUMBERS CRUNCHING:
Some unusual stats could be happening this season. To wit:
- The Astros could become the first team ever to have their pitchers lead the majors in strikeouts and their hitters strike out the fewest in the same season.
- The Yankees just need 1 more home run in the 9th inning to be the first to have 20 HRs from every batting order spot and 20 HRs in every inning from 1 to 9.
- We could have the first pitcher to give up more HRs than singles (at least in double digits) -- Yimi Garcia of the Dodgers has given up 14 HRs and 10 singles while Josh Hader of the Brewers has given up 13 HR and 13 singles.
And Russell Martin strikes again... the other day, he became the first position player to get the final three outs of a shutout win since 1917, not counting two-way players.
MLB TRIVIA:
Who is the only pitcher to lead both the AL and NL in shutouts in the same season? (He's still active as of this season)
Which pitcher had the highest career won-lost percentage against the New York Yankees with .773, minimum 15 wins? (Hint: 2 time 20-game winner, .671 overall win %)
LINEUPS:
RF - Springer
2B - Altuve
SS - Bregman
DH - Alvarez
1B - Gurriel
3B - Toro
LF - Reddick
C - Maldonado
CF - Marisnick
