Rangers Face Blue Jays in Key Toronto Showdown
The stage is set in Toronto tonight as the Texas Rangers roll into town to open a three-game series against the Blue Jays. First pitch is scheduled for 7:07 p.m. Eastern, and all eyes will be on the mound. For the Rangers, ace Jacob deGrom is getting the start, carrying an impressive 10–5 record with a 2.86 ERA and a WHIP just under 1. He’s struck out 143 batters this season, and the Rangers will be counting on that dominance to set the tone. Opposing him will be Chris Bassitt for the Jays, who holds an 11–6 record, a 4.17 ERA, and 128 strikeouts.
Toronto enters the series in strong form. They’ve been nearly unbeatable at home this year with a 40–20 record and sit comfortably atop the AL East at 71–51. Their bats have been delivering, ranking fourth in the American League in slugging percentage at .426. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been one of the main engines of that offense, collecting 29 doubles, 20 homers, and 67 RBIs. Ernie Clement has been especially hot lately, going 15-for-42 over the last ten games with extra-base hits scattered throughout.
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Texas, meanwhile, is looking to shake off a rough patch. They’ve gone just 3–7 in their last ten games, hitting a modest .229 in that span and getting outscored by 10 runs. On the road, the Rangers have struggled with a 24–35 record. Still, when the long ball is flying, they’ve been dangerous — they’re 27–9 when hitting two or more home runs in a game. Corey Seager, with 17 homers and a .461 slugging percentage, will be one to watch, and Kyle Higashioka has been swinging a hot bat lately with three homers in his last 34 at-bats.
Injuries are a factor for both sides. Toronto is missing several key players, including George Springer (head injury) and Anthony Santander (shoulder), while Texas is without Adolis Garcia (ankle) and several pitchers. These absences could impact the depth and matchups over the weekend.
If you’re planning to watch tonight’s action, there’s a twist — it won’t be on traditional TV. The game is part of Apple TV+’s “Friday Night Baseball” package, meaning fans will need the streaming service to catch the live feed. A seven-day free trial is available for newcomers, and eligible Apple device buyers can get three months free. The game will also be on the radio via Sportsnet 590 The Fan for those sticking to the audio experience.
With Toronto looking to extend its home dominance and Texas fighting to stay above .500, this series opener could set the tone for both teams’ late-season pushes. The pressure will be on from the first pitch, and with two quality starters on the hill, every at-bat could be a difference-maker.
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