Blue Jays’ new order to beat down Twins?
At 20-23, the Blue Jays aren’t particular about who’s winning games at the moment. Whether it’s an established arm or an on-the-rise prospect, that individual need only perform his part to turn things around for the reigning American League East champions.
Aaron Sanchez (3-1, 3.29 ERA0 falls somewhere between the two categories. Even though he’s amassed 73 appearances over the past two-plus seasons, the righty remains a work in progress as a starter. Toronto needs a confident outing from the 23-year-old tonight, though, as it continues a four-game series in the Twin Cities.
Oddsmakers are banking on Sanchez to deliver. Online sports book Bovada.lv likes the visiting club as a 1.5-run favorite, whereas the Twins represent +123 underdogs. The over/under run figure sits at eight.
The Blue Jays captured yesterday’s opener, 3-2, behind Marco Estrada’s strong outing and a big blast by Edwin Encarnacion. Now Sanchez aims to rebound from a poor weekend performance vs. the Rangers. In that 7-6 loss, he surrendered six runs and seven hits while walking four. Should he experience more control issues this evening, John Gibbons’ bullpen should be well-rested after totaling three innings over the last 48 hours or so.
Still, the manager’s search for offensive stability has gone to maddening lengths. Case in point: Jose Bautista, he of the 293 career homers, will occupy the leadoff spot for the second straight contest. In the No. 2 hole, it’s … 2015 AL MVP Josh Donaldson.
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In any event, Minnesota is by far the worst club in the junior circuit. Even if Tyler Duffey (1-2, 1.85) manages to neutralize Bautista and Donaldson, his support promises to leave the Target Field faithful longing. Bank on the Twins to drop their fifth straight tilt.
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