The Toronto Blue Jays have been following a familiar routine after clinching the top seed in the American League. Their strategy of resting, preparing, and performing paid off against the New York Yankees in the AL Division Series. With a three-day break between games, the Blue Jays are aiming for a repeat performance in the AL Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners.
Securing the division title granted Toronto home-field advantage and a bye past the wild-card round. This gave them time to rest and reset their rotation after wrapping up the ALDS, while the Mariners had to play a decisive game against Detroit that ended late Friday.
Looking ahead to Game 1, Kevin Gausman will take the mound for Toronto, with Seattle countering with Bryce Miller. The Blue Jays are considering starting rookie Trey Yesavage in Game 2 and Shane Bieber in Game 3, replicating their ALDS starting order.
Seattle faced a challenging Game 5 against Detroit, using multiple pitchers in a near five-hour game. Miller, who threw 55 pitches in Game 4, will be on short rest for Game 1. Mariners manager Dan Wilson expressed confidence in Miller’s abilities for the upcoming game.
The series schedule includes Game 2 in Toronto on Monday, followed by Games 3 and 4 at T-Mobile Park. If needed, a fifth game would be played in Seattle, with Toronto hosting Games 6 and 7 if the series goes the distance.
The ALCS winner will advance to face the National League champion in the World Series. The Blue Jays have not won the Fall Classic since 1993, making their current playoff journey significant.
