The Toronto Blue Jays have been following a familiar routine since clinching the top seed in the American League on the final day of the season: resting, preparing, and performing. This strategy proved successful against the New York Yankees in the AL Division Series, and the Blue Jays are looking to replicate their performance in the AL Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners.
Securing the division title provided Toronto with home-field advantage and a bye past the wild-card round, while the Yankees had to go through a grueling best-of-three series against Boston before facing the Blue Jays. A similar scenario presents itself now as the Mariners are set to visit Rogers Centre for Game 1 on Sunday night.
The Blue Jays were able to rest and reset their rotation after concluding the ALDS on Wednesday, whereas the Mariners had a challenging Game 5 against Detroit that extended to 15 innings and concluded late Friday. Seattle then had to travel across the continent on Saturday.
Despite the challenges, Mariners manager Dan Wilson expressed optimism, stating, “We’re coming off a highly emotional series and have gained some momentum from that. I feel like we’re in a good spot and looking forward to getting it started.” Meanwhile, the Blue Jays had a relaxed workout and batting practice session ahead of the series opener.
In the pitching matchup for Game 1, Kevin Gausman will take the mound for Toronto, while Seattle will counter with Bryce Miller. Gausman, who secured a win in Game 1 of the ALDS, expressed his excitement about the opportunity. The starting rotation for the Blue Jays in the ALCS is expected to include rookie Trey Yesavage for Game 2 and Shane Bieber for Game 3, following the same order as the ALDS.
The Mariners had to utilize Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo as relievers in their decisive win over the Tigers, employing seven pitchers during the nearly five-hour game. However, Miller, who threw 55 pitches in Game 4, did not pitch. Despite the short rest, Seattle is confident in Miller’s abilities, with Wilson stating, “He’s excited to get the ball. We’re excited to hand him the ball. We’ll take him as far as he can go.”
This marks Seattle’s first appearance in the ALCS since 2001, while the Blue Jays last reached this stage in 2016. The series schedule includes Game 2 in Toronto on Monday, followed by Game 3 and Game 4 at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. If a fifth game is required, it will be held in Seattle on Friday, with potential subsequent games in Toronto on October 19 and 20 if necessary.
The ALCS winner will advance to the World Series to face the National League champion, with the Blue Jays aiming to secure their first Fall Classic victory since 1993.