The Toronto Blue Jays bounced back after a disappointing weekend by taking the opening game of their three-game set against the Texas Rangers by a score of 2-1. Kevin Gausman outduelled Jacob deGrom, and the Jays’ bats needed just two runs to take the contest. The Rangers have struggled as of late, winning just two of their last ten games, and Gausman was able to limit the bats to just one run, with Jeff Hoffman able to lock down the save.
Toronto will be looking to claw back closer to .500 today, with Bowden Francis taking the mound for the Blue Jays.
Francis has struggled to replicate the success he found last season to finish out the 2024 season, allowing a league-high 15 home runs heading into tonight’s contest. He owns a 1.411 WHIP and a 9. H/9 through his 10 starts this season and owns a 6.49 FIP due to the home runs against him.
His command has been strong to the tune of a 2.9 BB/9, but he’s hit a rough patch over his last five outings, with the Jays only winning two of the games he has started while he’s allowed 20 earned runs in the same span.
Opposite of Francis for the Rangers will be right-hander Nathan Eovaldi, who has been one of the top arms not only for his team but in the entire league, with his 2.1 fWAR ranking fifth in the Major Leagues. His 1.60 ERA and 2.31 FIP also slot in at No. 4 while his 0.787 WHIP ranks at the top across qualified arms. Eovaldi has posted an impressive 5.9 H/9 and a 1.2 BB/9 through his 11 starts and already has a complete game shutout under his belt.
Location: Globe Life Field – Arlington, Texas
First Pitch: 8:05 PM EST
Watch/Listen: Sportsnet / Sportsnet 590 The Fan
Starting Pitchers
Toronto Blue Jays – Bowden Francis: 2-6 record, 5.54 ERA, 50 1/3 IP, 40 SO, 16 BB
Texas Rangers – Nathan Eovaldi: 4-3 record, 1.60 ERA, 67 1/3 IP, 71 SO, 9 BB
Lineups:
Blue Jays:
- Bo Bichette – DH
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – 1B
- Daulton Varsho – CF
- Alejandro Kirk – C
- George Springer – LF
- Anthony Santander – RF
- Addison Barger – 3B
- Ernie Clement – SS
- Michael Stefanic – 2B
Rangers:
- Josh Smith – SS
- Wyatt Langford – CF
- Josh Jung – 3B
- Jake Burger – 1B
- Alejandro Osuna – LF
- Adolis Garcia – RF
- Jonah Heim -DH
- Marcus Semien – 2B
- Kyle Higashioka -C