Toronto @ Oakland preview
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
Last Meeting ( Aug 4, 2012 ) Toronto 3, Oakland 1
The Toronto Blue Jays snapped a six-game losing streak and finally broke into the win column in the sixth game of their 10-game road trip. They will look to salvage a split of the four-game series against the Oakland Athletics on Sunday. The Blue Jays' injured-ravaged lineup has scraped out only 15 runs in the last seven games, but produced ninth-inning magic in back-to-back contests, getting tying homers from Jeff Mathis and David Cooper. Toronto remains only 5 1/2 games back in the wild card chase.
The Athletics have some serious issues with their bullpen, particularly at the back end. Closer Ryan Cook has four blown saves in his last six appearances and served up the ninth-inning homers in the past two games. Friday's 15-inning marathon taxed both bullpens, but Oakland's relief corps took another hit Saturday when starter A.J. Griffin had to leave after only 1 2/3 innings. That puts an onus on Tommy Milone to give a quality outing in the series finale.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, SN-1 (Toronto), CS California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH Aaron Laffey (2-2, 4.20 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Tommy Milone (9-8, 3.68)
Laffey is coming off his worst start of the year at Seattle. He was pummeled for seven runs in nine hits in only 4 2/3 innings. In his previous start, Laffey received a no-decision at home against Oakland and Milone, going 5 2/3 innings and giving up four runs on five hits. Josh Reddick has homered, doubled and drove in three runs in five at-bats against Laffey.
Milone had been almost untouchable at home until he was roughed up for five runs in six innings by Tampa Bay last time out in losing his second consecutive start. Despite the rough outing, Milone is 5-2 with a 1.51 ERA and stellar 0.85 WHIP in nine starts at home. He was also hit hard at Toronto on July 26, giving up six runs in seven innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Blue Jays RF Moises Sierra had an eventful game Saturday, collecting three hits and getting thrown out twice at home plate. He jammed his shoulder but is expected to be fine Sunday, according to manager John Farrell.
2. Griffin underwent an MRI exam on his shoulder Saturday and the results were negative.
3. Blue Jays OF Rajai Davis extended his hitting streak to nine games.