Blue Jays Notes: Liriano Solid in Debut, Travis Delivers Clutch Performance

Francisco Liriano‘s tenure with the Toronto Blue Jays got off to a solid start, while Devon Travis continues to dominate in the leadoff spot with a big game.

The Toronto Blue Jays continued their battle against the Baltimore Orioles for top spot in the American League East on Friday. Recently acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates, Francisco Liriano made his long-awaited debut for the Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays won 4-3 thanks to clutch hitting from leadoff hitter Devon Travis. The Royals have struggled with one of the worst records since the All-Star break. The Orioles won their game on Friday making this win important for the Blue Jays as both clubs will look to separate themselves in the standings at some point this month.

Liriano Has a Strong Start in Debut with the Blue Jays

Liriano went six innings in his debut, as the team continues to get quality pitching from their starting rotation. Liriano gave up two earned runs while giving up seven hits and two walks and striking out five.

More from Tip of the Tower

• Cam Phillips making his mark on Toronto Argonauts offence
• Toronto Argonauts: 4 storylines ahead of matchup against Redblacks
• Federico Bernardeschi ready for new challenge with Toronto FC
• Toronto Argonauts overcome Roughriders in entertaining Touchdown Atlantic
• Buffalo Bills: Von Miller drawing inspiration from Bruce Smith

While he did not earn the win, he certainly looked more like the pitcher that had a 3.26 ERA and 9.6 K/9 from 2013-2015, than the one that has allowed the most walks this season. While there were some issues in the fifth and sixth innings, he felt more comfortable on the mound, especially with the location of his pitches.

Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said that they studied video from Liriano’s time in Pittsburgh, but wanted to wait until after his debut before they started to give him some pointers.

“The worst thing you can do is start tinkering with somebody who’s the new guy on the block. They’ve got enough things on their mind,” Gibbons said to reporters. “Over time, if you see something that might help him out, then you’ll let him know. But sometimes somebody can go to a new place and it sets them off in the right direction and, who knows, he could be great for us. You’ve got to give him a chance.”

Liriano noted that having Russell Martin behind the plate was a major bonus for him because of their relationship from back when they were teammates in Pittsburgh.

This is why the Blue Jays made the move to sign Martin last season and it has shown with the way the starting pitching has pitched this season. The Blue Jays are among the best in the MLB with 72 quality starts.

Martin told Sportsnet that he changed the approach for Liriano, making him throw more breaking balls for strikes. His slider, which is considered to be one of his best pitches, was used 26 times. If he can locate it more it will help Liriano get outs much easier.

Travis Continues to Swing the Hot Bat

More from Toronto Blue Jays

• Blue Jays avoid disaster as Kevin Gausman injury not serious
• Blue Jays interested in outfielder Andrew Benintendi
• Blue Jays hope fresh start for Sergio Romo boosts bullpen
• Blue Jays need to have a break from Yusei Kikuchi
• Blue Jays: Nate Pearson suffers yet another setback

While Liriano provided the Blue Jays with a quality start, it was the bat of Devon Travis that was the difference maker. Travis hit two home runs, one to lead off the game and another one in the ninth inning, to give the Blue Jays the win.

The home run in the ninth inning came off Kelvin Herrera to give the Blue Jays a 4-3 lead and another clutch performance for Travis. Michael Saunders and Troy Tulowitzki drove in the other two runs for the Blue Jays. Travis has been swinging a hot bat as of late and was rewarded for it by getting moved to the leadoff spot.

It was the first multi-home run game for the 25-year-old Florida native. This season Travis is hitting .290 with nine home runs (seven of those coming on the road), 29 RBI, and an OBP of .330.

Next: Blue Jays Keep Sanchez in Rotation for Now

Quick Hitters:

•  Brett Cecil earned his first victory of the season on Friday, now improving his record to 1-6. He, along with Scott Feldman and Joaquin Benoit, combined to pitch three scoreless innings with the game tied 3-3.
• Benoit picked up his first save of the season and has lowered his ERA from 5.18 to 4.15 since joining the Blue Jays.
• Aaron Sanchez will start on Saturday for the Blue Jays, going up against Danny Duffy. Sunday will be a showdown between Marcus Stroman and Yordano Ventura, which could provide some fireworks and entertainment for all.
• Josh Donaldson slid hard into home plate, but Gibbons said that the reigning AL-MVP should be good to go for Saturday.