The Toronto Blue Jays celebrate after clinching a berth in the ALCS on Wednesday night. (Getty)
The Toronto Blue Jays are back in the ALCS and they’re feeling pretty confident.
They’re hitting well. They’re fielding well. And, most importantly, they’re pitching well. Really well. But the big question facing the Jays heading into Friday night’s Game 1 in Kansas City is who the team is what kind of pitching matchup the team is going to get throughout the series.
Nothing is officially official yet, but as long as Toronto is comfortable start David Price just four days after his 50-pitch relief appearance in Game 4 of the ALDS, here’s how the rotation could shape up. Keep checking back here throughout the day on Thursday to find out when things go official.
Game 1, October 16 at Kansas City
Marco Estrada: The right-hander showed that his regular season was no fluke when he notched 6 1/3 innings of one-run ball in a Game 3 win last series. After opening the season in the bullpen, Estrada stepped into the Toronto rotation in May and finished the regular season with a 13-8 record and career-best 3.13 ERA.
Game 2, October 17 at Kansas City
David Price: The left-hander came in and actually threw in relief during Game 4 of the ALDS, a move that surprised fans and analysts alike but one that worked out well for the Blue Jays. Whatever the reasoning behind it, it served its purpose as the Jays won the game and, after spending Game 5 of the ALDS in the dugout, Price is fully rested heading into this next series.
Game 3, October 19 at Toronto
Marcus Stroman: He had two no-decisions in the series against the Rangers but both of Stroman’s starts this postseason were strong and he shut down opponents long enough to give the Jays bats a chance to get rolling. Plus, his story this season, torn ACL and all, gives Stroman something few pitchers have at this point in the season; a relatively fresh arm.
Game 4, October 20 at Toronto
R.A. Dickey: After waiting years to finally earn a postseason start, the veteran knuckleballer got the call for Game 4 of the ALDS. Dickey was strong in the start but his play was overshadowed a bit by manager John Gibbons’ decision to pull him one out from qualifying for a victory, giving the ball to Price in relief.
Game 5, October 21 at Tornoto – if necessary
David Price
Game 6, October 23 at Kansas City – if necessary
Marco Estrada
Game 7, October 24 at Kansas City – if necessary
Marcus Stroman