Game 146 Preview: Red Sox at Blue Jays

It's been 22 years since the Blue Jays won the AL East, and with a successful weekend against the Red Sox, they can get their magic number to clinching the division down to a handful. With the Yankees beginning a Subway series, it'll be two very intriguing series to watch. The Jays will start with Marcus Stroman (1-0 5.40) who is making just his 2nd appearance this year after tearing his ACL in March. Toronto has been extremely impressive at home, going 19-5 since July 29th and this will being their final home-stand of the season.

The Red Sox will counter with Rick Porcello (8-12 5.06) who has pitched much better since coming off the disabled list last month, going 3-1 with a 2.15 ERA. The Sox are mixing up their outfield once again, but are putting a familiar face up the middle. Jackie Bradley Jr. finally gets to man Center as interim-manager Torey Lovullo has stated he wants to give Mookie Betts and Rusney Castillo to try the corner outfield positions as well. It's been a clear shift towards playing this trio on a night to night basis in order for them to be more comfortable for next season, and both offensively and defensively, they've already begun to fit right in.

Here is tonight's Red Sox lineup:

Betts (RF)
Holt (3B)
Bogaerts (SS)
Ortiz (DH)
Shaw (1B)
Castillo (LF)
Swihart (C)
Rutledge (2B)
Bradley Jr (CF)

Quick Hits:

- Since coming back from the disabled list last week, Dustin Pedroia is hitting .379 with 3 homers in 6 games
- In his career, Stroman is 3-0 with a 1.25 ERA against the Red Sox
- Jays infielder Troy Tulowitzki is still awaiting a time frame to when he might be able to come back after a crack in his shoulder blade during a collision with a teammate

Have a question for Mike during the game or whenever a baseball discussion is going on, reach out via Twitter: @86flynn