Toronto Blue Jays vs Texas Rangers Picks and Predictions July 27th 2024

Blue Jays Look to Clinch Series Win in Rematch with Rangers

The Toronto Blue Jays are aiming to get a series triumph against the Texas Rangers on Saturday afternoon, wanting to turn their homestand around after a new rut.

Blue Jays Edge Out Rangers in Series Opener

On Friday, the Blue Jays defeated the Rangers 6-5 thanks to Ernie Lenient’s two-out single in the 10th inning, marking his most memorable career walk-off hit. Forebearing also contributed a RBI twofold in the primary inning. This triumph worked on the Blue Jays’ record to 3-4 on their nine-game homestand and finished the Rangers’ five-game series of wins.

Pitching Matchup

Toronto will start right-hander Kevin Gausman (8-8, 4.55 ERA) on Saturday. Gausman has a strong track record against Texas, with a 5-3 record and a 3.75 ERA in 11 career games (10 starts) against them.

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The Rangers will counter with right-hander Michael Lorenzen (5-5, 3.53 ERA). Lorenzen has a 2.79 ERA in two career trips (one start) against Toronto, however he has no successes or misfortunes to show for it.

Recent Trade Moves

In a recent trade with the Seattle Mariners, the Blue Jays acquired outfielder Jonatan Clase and catcher Jacob Sharp in exchange for reliever Yimi Garcia. Garcia, who was 3-0 with five saves, a 2.70 ERA, and 42 strikeouts in 29 games, expressed mixed emotions about the trade:

“It’s a mix of emotions that I’m feeling right now,” Garcia said through interpreter Hector Lebron. “Very happy that I’m going to the Mariners, of course. They’re contending right now. And very sad. The Blue Jays organization, first class, they treated me with a lot of respect, and my teammates, too. So in that aspect, I’m very sad.”

Toronto is supposed to make additional trades in short order, with left-handed starter Yusei Kikuchi among the probably going to be moved. Kikuchi allowed five runs in 4 2/3 innings on Friday and got an ovation when he was taken out from the game:

“I gave up five runs today and the fans still gave me a standing ovation,” Kikuchi said through a translator. “It was a pretty cool moment.”

Rangers’ Trade Considerations and Injury Updates

The Rangers, presently competitors in the American League West, are probably going to be purchasers with time to spare. Notwithstanding, they are dealing with some injury concerns. Newbie outfielder Evan Carter, who has been on the harmed list since late May because of a pressure reaction in his back, was shipped off visit a specialist in California:

“He’s just not quite coming along like we were hoping,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said. “So just getting him looked at … another opinion.”

On the brighter side, third baseman Josh Jung could return in early August after fracturing his right wrist on April 1.

Key Performances

On Friday, Adolis Garcia drove the Rangers with a RBI single and a two-run home run. Texas shortstop Corey Seager went 2-for-5, proceeding with areas of strength for him against the Blue Jays. In his 20 career games against Toronto, Seager is batting .458 (38-for-83) with 14 copies, two home runs, and 18 RBIs.

Rangers catcher Jonah Heim was 2-for-4 with two RBIs, maintaining his prosperity at Rogers Center, where he has kept a hit in each of his seven career games, going 11-for-29 (.379) with a twofold, three home runs, and 13 RBIs.
Roster Moves

Toronto recalled right-handers Yerry Rodriguez and Zach Pop from Triple-A Buffalo on Friday, while optioning right-hander Ryan Burr to Buffalo. Pop subsequently threw a scoreless inning against Texas, contributing to the Blue Jays’ bullpen efforts.