TORONTO – The Toronto Blue Jays won a playoff series last year, but they never led one. Now ahead 2-0 in the ALDS, the Blue Jays are in a far stronger position as they send American League ERA leader Aaron Sanchez to the mound at home in Toronto.
While the likes of Sanchez undoubtedly play the biggest roles in determining the outcome of the game, every choice made by John Gibbons or Texas Rangers manager Jeff Banister has the potential to shape the results, too.
These tactical decisions could each impact the direction of Game 3…
How long do the Rangers stick with Colby Lewis?
Few pitchers can match Lewis’ playoff resume, but he missed months with a lat injury this summer then struggled in September. In a win-or-go-home game, how long will Banister stick with the veteran right-hander?
“He feels good and has been stretched out enough,” Banister said. “He’s experienced and given the right-handed set of hitters Toronto has, he’s one of our best options.”
Though the Blue Jays lineup skews heavily to the right, expect Michael Saunders to start Sunday. Saunders has faced Lewis 30 times, hitting .269 with a homer and a .883 OPS. Along with Ezequiel Carrera, Saunders would provide some balance against Lewis, whose fastball-slider approach can be tough on right-handers.
How does Banister use his closer?
The last week has seen one manager use his best reliever in the fifth inning and another manager save his best reliever for a situation that never materialized. Terry Francona was deservedly praised for his unconventional and effective decision to use Andrew Miller in a high-leverage spot early while Buck Showalter was predictably criticized for leaving Zach Britton in the bullpen while lesser pitchers logged crucial innings.
As the Rangers prepare for an elimination game they may contemplate alternative ways of using closer Sam Dyson. There’s no tomorrow if they lose, so using their best relievers in the biggest spots makes complete sense. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, would probably be happier to see Texas use middle-relief types if Lewis falters.
When do the Blue Jays call on Roberto Osuna?
Osuna threw 31 pitches Friday in a reassuring performance that saw him touch 98 mph and record five outs. But considering that he’s already been used heavily in recent weeks, the Blue Jays sure wouldn’t mind winning by a considerable margin. If they lead by one, two or even three runs, it’d be a surprise to see anyone else pitch the ninth. What if they’re ahead by four, though? The potential for a tough call exists here and Gibbons’ decision may hinge on who else he has available at that point in the game.
How do the Blue Jays bridge the gap to Osuna?
The middle innings have been a yearlong challenge for the Blue Jays and that’s certainly the case now. Joe Biagini, Brett Cecil and Jason Grilli could pitch late innings at a time that Joaquin Benoit and Francisco Liriano are recovering from injuries. That said another strong start from Sanchez would line things up perfectly for the Blue Jays.
