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: rest, prepare, and perform. This strategy paid off against the New York Yankees in the AL Division Series. With a three-day break between games, the Blue Jays are aiming for a repeat performance in the AL Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners.
Toronto’s division title granted them home-field advantage and a bye past the wild-card round. This gave them an edge over the Yankees, who had to go through a grueling best-of-three series against Boston and were visibly fatigued against the Blue Jays.
A similar scenario is unfolding now against the Mariners, who will kick off the series at Rogers Centre for Game 1 on Sunday night. The Blue Jays had the luxury of resting and resetting their rotation after wrapping up the ALDS on Wednesday, while Seattle was pushed to a decisive game against Detroit that concluded late Friday.
The Mariners had to battle through 15 innings to secure the Game 5 victory and then spent Saturday flying across the continent. Despite the challenges, Mariners manager Dan Wilson expressed confidence, stating that the team had gained momentum from the emotional series and was eager to start the ALCS.
On the eve of the best-of-seven opener, the Blue Jays engaged in a relaxed workout and batting practice session. Kevin Gausman will take the mound for Toronto in Game 1, while Seattle will counter with Bryce Miller. Gausman, who secured the win in Game 1 of the ALDS, expressed his excitement for the crucial matchup.
Looking ahead, there is a possibility that rookie Trey Yesavage could start Game 2 for the Blue Jays, with Shane Bieber potentially taking the mound for Game 3, mirroring the starting order from the ALDS. In contrast, the Mariners had to deploy starters Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo in relief during their intense win over the Tigers, using seven pitchers in the near five-hour game.
Despite Miller’s short rest period following his previous outing, Wilson expressed enthusiasm about handing him the ball for Game 1. This marks Seattle’s first ALCS appearance since 2001 and the Blue Jays’ return to the MLB final four after their last appearance in 2016.
The Mariners previously swept the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre in the wild-card round in 2022. Game 2 is slated for Monday in Toronto, with the series moving to T-Mobile Park for Games 3 and 4. If a fifth game is required, it will be hosted in Seattle on Friday, followed by potential Games 6 and 7 in Toronto on October 19 and 20, respectively.
The winner of the ALCS will advance to face the National League champion in the World Series. The Blue Jays are aiming to secure their first Fall Classic victory since 1993.