The Toronto Blue Jays are in a tough part of their schedule.
After winning the series against the Philadelphia Phillies, the Jays were able to win two of three against the Minnesota Twins. Both the Phillies and Twins occupy a playoff position, and the Blue Jays begin a series against the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday, another team battling for a postseason spot.
A question mark regarding the Jays’ postseason chances is whether or not they can stay in the race until the trade deadline with two questionable starting spots. However, that question is a non-factor in Monday’s game as Jose Berrios is set to get the ball for the Jays. All four of his last starts have been quality starts, posting a 2.25 ERA and a 3.28 FIP in 24 innings pitched. Since his first start of the season, Berrios has a 3.17 ERA and a 4.01 FIP in 71 innings pitched.
That said, the Jays need Berrios to have another good start, as the Jays’ bullpen was busy over the weekend. They had a bullpen game on Friday, and Bowden Francis only pitched three and one-third innings on Sunday.
As for their offence, Bo Bichette will get a rare day off his feet, leading off and playing as the designated hitter. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. bats second, while Addison Barger remains in the third spot in the lineup. Alejandro Kirk bats cleanup, followed by George Springer batting fifth.
Since May 2nd, Andres Gimenez is batting .344/.382/.406 with two doubles in 34 plate appearances. He’ll bat sixth in this game, followed by Davis Schneider, Ernie Clement, and Jonatan Clase.
Location: St. Louis
First Pitch: 7:45 PM ET
Watch/Listen: Sportsnet One, SN590
Starting Pitchers
Toronto Blue Jays – Jose Berrios: 2-2 record, 3.67 ERA, 76 IP, 70 SO, 30 BB
St. Louis Cardinals – Andre Pallante: 4-3 record, 4.91 ERA, 66 IP, 44 SO, 23 BB
Lineups:
Blue Jays:
- Bo Bichette – DH
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – 1B
- Addison Barger – 3B
- Alejandro Kirk – C
- George Springer – RF
- Andres Gimenez – 2B
- Davis Schneider – LF
- Ernie Clement – SS
- Jonatan Clase – CF
Cardinals:
- Lars Nootbaar – LF
- Masyn Winn – SS
- Brendan Donovan – 2B
- Wilson Contreras – 1B
- Ivan Herrera – C
- Nolan Arenando – 3B
- Alec Burleson – RF
- Nolan Gorman – DH
- Victor Scott II – CF
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, Oilersnation, and FlamesNation. She can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.