September 28, 2023, 10:23 PM
It’s down to the wire for the Toronto Blue Jays to clinch a post-season berth, and manager John Schneider is calling on LHP Yusei Kikuchi to start the series against the division rival Tampa Bay Rays.
Right-hander Hyun Jin Ryu will have his start pushed back to Saturday for Game 2.
Kikuchi is having a career-best year at the mound, with a 3.82 ERA over 162.2 innings pitched and 31 games started. Kikuchi will be opposite to Aaron Civale, who has a 3.43 ERA over 120.2 innings.
The Blue Jays enter the series sitting one game ahead of the Houston Astros for the second wild-card spot and have the opportunity to clinch a post-season berth.
Watch all the action on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ on Friday, with coverage starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.