MLB Odds: What’s next for the Blue Jays after clinching playoff spot?
The Toronto Blue Jays officially clinched a playoff spot with Sunday’s 8-5 win in Kansas City, but there’s more work to be done.
Next up is the AL East and then the American League pennant, with Toronto currently holding a two-game lead over the Yankees.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the playoffs.
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Playoff roster
Here’s out stab at what the playoff roster will look like. Keep in mind, a lot of this could be tweaked based off injuries over the final week of the regular season.
C: Alejandro Kirk, Tyler Heineman
1B: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
2B: Andrés Giménez
SS: Bo Bichette, Isiah Kiner-Falefa
3B: Addison Barger, Ernie Clement
OF: Daulton Varsho, Nathan Lukes, Myles Straw, Davis Schneider
DH: George Springer
SP: Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Max Scherzer, Trey Yesavage, Chris Bassitt (Bassitt will likely pitch out of the bullpen)
RP: Jeff Hoffman, Seranthony Domínguez, Louis Varland, Yariel Rodríguez, Brendon Little, Tommy Nance, Braydon Fisher, Mason Fluharty
One player to flag is Bo Bichette, who is still recovering from a sprained knee. It’s possible he returns as a designated hitter before moving back to shortstop.
We also don’t have starting pitcher Jose Berrios listed as he was moved to the bullpen on Friday.
Playoff opponent
As of Monday, the Jays hold the No. 1 seed in the American League, which means they would earn a first-round bye and face the winner of the first and second wild-card teams. Right now, that would be the Yankees and Red Sox.
Toronto has an 8-5 record against New York this season and a 7-3 record against Boston. The Blue Jays open a three-game home series against the Red Sox on Tuesday.
Playoff start
If Toronto holds on to win the AL East and the American League, they’ll get an extra break, which will be beneficial for Bichette and his injury recovery.
The wild-card series’ are set to start on Sept. 30. If the Blue Jays earn a first-round bye, they will begin in the ALDS on Oct. 4. The ALCS is slated to begin on Oct. 12.
Game 1 of the World Series is scheduled for Oct. 24, with a potential Game 7 set for Nov. 1.
Blue Jays playoff rotation
Kevin Gausman is the expected Game 1 starter for the Jays, with Shane Bieber likely getting the ball in Game 2.
It’s a little unclear for the third spot. At 41-years-old, Max Scherzer is starting to show some fatigue. And Trey Yesavage is very untested at 22 and with only two career games started.
Chris Bassitt could also be an option, while Jose Berrios is likely the odd man out after being moved to the bullpen.
Blue Jays injuries
Bichette’s injury isn’t expected to keep him out long-term, but he might start at DH before moving to short.
The real wild-card is Anthony Santander. He’s missed over half the season with a shoulder injury and he wasn’t playing great when he was available. Santander finished a nine-game rehab stint in Triple-A Buffalo, going 7-for-32 with two doubles and two home runs.
