The Toronto Blue Jays have established a routine of resting, preparing, and performing efficiently since clinching the top seed in the American League. This strategy proved successful in the AL Division Series against the New York Yankees, and now the Blue Jays aim to replicate their performance in the AL Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners.
Toronto outfielder Myles Straw expressed confidence in the team’s readiness, emphasizing that the break between games was beneficial for maintaining focus. The Blue Jays secured home-field advantage and a bye past the wild-card round due to winning the division title. This advantage was evident as they outperformed the fatigued Yankees, who had a challenging series against Boston.
Facing the Mariners in Game 1, the Blue Jays were able to rest their rotation after concluding the ALDS, while Seattle had a grueling Game 5 against Detroit, which extended into 15 innings. Despite the emotional victory, the Mariners had to quickly travel to Toronto for the upcoming series.
In the opening game, Kevin Gausman will take the mound for Toronto, opposing Seattle’s Bryce Miller. Gausman, coming off a successful performance in the ALDS, expressed eagerness for the critical Game 1. The Mariners may rely on rookie Trey Yesavage for Game 2 and Shane Bieber for Game 3, following a similar pitching strategy to the ALDS.
Seattle utilized multiple pitchers in their intense Game 5 win over the Tigers, with Miller not being among them. Despite limited rest, Miller is prepared to lead the Mariners in Game 1 after his recent pitching appearance.
This series marks Seattle’s first ALCS appearance since 2001 and Toronto’s return to the MLB’s final four after 2016. The Blue Jays aim to avenge their 2022 wild-card round sweep by the Mariners.
Game 2 is set for Monday in Toronto, with subsequent games scheduled in Seattle’s T-Mobile Park. The ALCS champion will proceed to the World Series, where they will face the National League winner. The Blue Jays aspire to claim their first Fall Classic victory since 1993.