Series Preview: Blue Jays hope to continue 2022 dominance of Red Sox

After a 5-1 homestand, the Toronto Blue Jays start a nine-game road trip with a four-game series against the division rival Boston Red Sox.

The Red Sox are tied for last in the ultra-tough AL East, despite having a winning record (15-14).

And the Blue Jays (18-10), despite playing mostly excellent baseball since a 1-3 start, are just third in the division, 4.5 games behind the MLB-leading Rays.

Here’s a look at the series.

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Probable Pitchers

Monday, 7:10 p.m. ET / 4:10 p.m. PT: Toronto RHP Jose Berrios (2-3, 4.71 ERA) vs. Boston RHP Corey Kluber (1-4, 6.75 ERA)

Tuesday, 7:10 p.m. ET / 4:10 p.m. PT: Toronto LHP Yusei Kikuchi (4-0, 3.00 ERA) vs. Boston RHP Tanner Houck (3-1, 4.50 ERA)

Wednesday, 7:10 p.m. ET / 4:10 p.m. PT: Toronto TBD vs. Boston RHP Nick Pivetta (1-2, 5.11 ERA)

Thursday, 6:10 p.m. ET / 3:10 p.m. PT: Toronto TBD vs. Boston RHP Brayan Bello (0-1, 6.57 ERA)

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Latest on the Blue Jays

The Blue Jays missed a chance at a perfect homestand as the previously stellar bullpen blew an 8-4 lead in a 10-8, 10-inning loss to the Seattle Mariners on Sunday.

It should be noted that Toronto’s two best relievers, Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson, were unavailable for this one after pitching each of the previous two days.

Despite the sour ending, it was a very good week for the Blue Jays, who are getting strong outings from their starters almost every time out.

Third baseman Matt Chapman continues to lead the offence, going 3-for-5 with two doubles on Sunday. He has 15 two-baggers on the year, a franchise record for doubles before May 1.

Chapman leads the AL with a .384 batting average.

Latest on the Red Sox

The Red Sox took two of three from the visiting Cleveland Guardians this weekend, capping the series with a 7-1 win on Sunday.

Starter Chris Sale, who has battled injury issues the last few years, threw a season-high 6.1 innings, holding the Guardians to one run on three hits while striking out five and not walking a batter.

Alex Verdugo led the offence with a homer and three RBI while Masataka Yoshida extended his hit streak to 10 games with a double.

Since getting swept in a four-game series by the Rays, the Red Sox have won four of five series.

Pitching has been the problem for the Red Sox, who are 26^th in MLB with a 4.99 ERA, more than a full run worse than Toronto’s (3.90, 12^th).

Injury Watch

Canadian pitcher James Paxton, who hasn’t pitched in the majors since undergoing Tommy John surgery in early 2021, had a strong rehab start (5.1 innings, no runs, no walks, eight strikeouts) on Sunday with triple-A Worcester and could be close to coming up to Boston.

Red Sox closer Kelsey Jansen (back) is day to day, while new outfielder Adam Duvall is out until at least June with a broken wrist.

Rough Start

Kluber, Boston’s opening day starter, didn’t enjoy much success in the opening month, but he is coming off his best start of the season.

The three-time all-star allowed one run on five hits in six innings in a win over the Baltimore Orioles on April 25.

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Familiar Faces

Former Blue Jays catcher Reese McGuire and outfielder Raimel Tapia are on the Red Sox roster.

The Red Sox acquired McGuire in a trade with the Chicago White Sox last year. He’s the second catcher on the roster behind Connor Wong.

Tapia earned the final spot on Boston’s roster after he was designated for assignment by Toronto following last season. He’s seeing limited playing time.

Last year, Tapia hit an inside-the-park grand slam for the Blue Jays in a memorable 28-5 win over the Red Sox at Fenway Park.

Canadian Corner

Pivetta, a Victoria native, has yet to go into the sixth inning this year. He gave up four runs on five hits in five innings in a series-opening loss to Cleveland on Friday.

Watch Out For…

Red Sox slugger Rafael Devers, who is tied for second in the bigs with 10 home runs and tied for third in RBI (27).

2022 Season Series

The Blue Jays beat up on the last-place Red Sox last year, winning 16 of 19 games — the most wins for Toronto against any opponent in a season in franchise history.