In search of their first victory following the MLB All-Star break, the Toronto Blue Jays will send Yusei Kikuchi to the mound for the second game of their series against the Detroit Tigers.
Home runs from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer were not enough for Toronto in the series opener against Detroit, who took the opening game 5-4. The Tigers also had a pair of homers from Mark Canha and Wenceel Perez, but Riley Greene’s single was the deciding run.
The Blue Jays will look for a better outing against Reese Olson who pitched against Toronto back on May 25. Olson held the Blue Jays to one unearned run, three hits and three walks with four strikeouts.
Kikuchi gets another chance to go up against the Tigers after he allowed five runs across three innings back on May 26. The 33-year-old has had his struggles against the Tigers, as he is 1-1 with a 6.00 ERA in five career starts.
These next few starts will be pivotal for Kikuchi and the Blue Jays, as he could be a trade candidate for a contending team ahead of the deadline.
The one question for the Blue Jays lineup will be who takes Bo Bichette‘s place after the shortstop was forced to leave Friday’s game with a right calf strain.
First pitch is scheduled for 3:07 p.m. ET/12:07 p.m. PT, with Blue Jays Central previewing all the action at 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.