Blue Jays at Rangers
Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is likely out until midseason because of foot injuries, but the team may have found a capable solution in the meantime. The veteran duo of Yangervis Solarte and Aledmys Diaz is off to a strong start for the Blue Jays, who continue their three-game series against the host Texas Rangers on Saturday.
Solarte homered and reached base four times Friday while catcher Russell Martin drove in three runs as the Blue Jays opened a nine-game road trip with an 8-5 victory over the Rangers. The 30-year-old Solarte, who belted a career-high 18 home runs for San Diego last season, started at shortstop before moving to second base. The versatile Solarte could see more time at shortstop as part of a timeshare with Gift Ngoepe and Diaz, who is batting .313 with two home runs but has missed the last two games because of back spasms. While Toronto has won five of its last six games, Texas has dropped five of its last seven and could use a spark from first baseman Joey Gallo, who has three hits in his last 22 at-bats.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), FS Southwest (Texas)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman (0-0, 7.20 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Mike Minor (0-1, 3.86)
Limited to only two starts in spring training because of a sore shoulder, Stroman made his season debut against the New York Yankees on Sunday and received a no-decision after giving up four runs over five innings. “I felt really strong,” he told reporters after the game. “I don’t feel behind and I feel like my stuff is where I need it to be.” The native New Yorker has gone 1-1 with a 5.73 ERA in two career starts against the Rangers.
Minor made his first start since 2014 in Sunday’s 8-2 loss to Houston, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks with five strikeouts over 4 2/3 innings. The 30-year-old was moved into the rotation by the Rangers after posting a career-low 2.55 ERA in relief with Kansas City last season. Solarte is 4-for-7 with a home run against Minor, who is 2-0 in with a 1.69 ERA in four career games (two starts) against the Blue Jays.
WALK-OFFS
1. Texas has gone 4-14 in its last 18 home games dating back to Sept. 9, 2017.
2. The Blue Jays are 3-0 when scoring first and 5-0 when scoring four or more runs.
3. The Rangers traded C Brett Nicholas to San Diego for a player to be named later or cash considerations.