The Toronto Blue Jays have been following a familiar routine since clinching the top seed in the American League on the season’s final day: resting, preparing, and executing. This strategy proved successful against the New York Yankees in the AL Division Series, with the Blue Jays enjoying a three-day break between games. They aim to replicate this success in the upcoming AL Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners.
Securing the division title granted Toronto home-field advantage and a skip past the wild-card round, unlike the Yankees who had to battle through a best-of-three series against Boston before facing the Blue Jays. A similar scenario now presents itself as the Mariners head to Rogers Centre for Game 1 on Sunday night.
Following their ALDS victory on Wednesday, the Blue Jays were able to rest and rearrange their rotation, while the Mariners were pushed to a decisive Game 5 against Detroit that concluded late on Friday. The Mariners’ grueling 15-inning win was followed by a cross-country flight on Saturday.
Seattle’s manager, Dan Wilson, expressed confidence in his team’s momentum after the intense series against Detroit. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays engaged in a relaxed workout and batting practice ahead of the series opener.
In the pitching matchup for Game 1, Kevin Gausman will take the mound for Toronto, facing off against Seattle’s Bryce Miller. Gausman, coming off a victorious Game 1 in the ALDS, expressed eagerness for the crucial Game 1 start.
The Mariners may consider rookie Trey Yesavage for Game 2, with Shane Bieber potentially starting Game 3, a repeat of the ALDS rotation. Seattle had to deploy Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo in relief during the deciding game against the Tigers, using seven pitchers in total, excluding Miller.
Despite his recent pitching workload, Miller, who threw 55 pitches in Game 4, is expected to start Game 1 for Seattle. Wilson emphasized the team’s confidence in Miller and their willingness to support him throughout the game.
Seattle’s appearance in the ALCS marks their first since 2001, while the Blue Jays return to the league’s final four for the first time since 2016.
The Mariners notably swept the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre in the 2022 wild-card round. Game 2 of the ALCS was scheduled for Monday in Toronto, with subsequent games shifting to T-Mobile Park for Games 3 and 4. If a fifth game is required, it would take place in Seattle, followed by Games 6 and 7 in Toronto if necessary.
The ALCS victor will advance to face the National League champion in the World Series. The Blue Jays, who last won the Fall Classic in 1993, are aiming to secure another title.