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 proved successful against the New York Yankees in the AL Division Series, with the Blue Jays now aiming for a repeat performance in the AL Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners.
Toronto outfielder Myles Straw expressed confidence in the team’s readiness, stating, “I think we’re going to be ready to roll. I feel like that was the perfect amount of time to miss and still be locked in.” The Blue Jays’ division title granted them home-field advantage and a bye past the wild-card round, contrasting the Yankees’ grueling best-of-three series against Boston that left them fatigued in the face of Toronto.
As the Mariners prepare to face the Blue Jays in Game 1 at Rogers Centre, Toronto had the luxury to rest and reset their rotation after wrapping up the ALDS early, while Seattle endured a taxing Game 5 against Detroit that concluded late Friday. Mariners manager Dan Wilson acknowledged the emotional series but expressed optimism, stating, “I feel like we’re in a good spot and looking forward to getting it started.”
In the upcoming Game 1 showdown, Kevin Gausman will take the mound for Toronto, with Seattle countering with Bryce Miller. Gausman, coming off a victory in the ALDS Game 1, expressed his eagerness for the challenge. The starting order for the Blue Jays in the ALCS is likely to mirror that of the ALDS, with Trey Yesavage possibly starting Game 2 and Shane Bieber in Game 3.
The Mariners, having utilized starters Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo in relief during their decisive win over the Tigers, are now relying on Miller for Game 1 on short rest. Wilson expressed confidence in Miller’s ability, stating, “We’ll take him as far as he can go.” This marks Seattle’s first ALCS appearance since 2001, while the Blue Jays are returning to the final four of Major League Baseball for the first time since 2016.
Looking ahead, the series will progress with Game 2 in Toronto, followed by Game 3 and Game 4 at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. If necessary, a fifth game will be played in Seattle, with the series potentially extending to Game 6 and Game 7 back in Toronto. The ALCS victor will advance to the World Series to face the National League champion, with the Blue Jays seeking their first Fall Classic win since 1993.
