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Revisiting the Rivalry between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Texas Rangers

By Tyler Partridge

October 6, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers second baseman Rougned Odor (12) throws to second for the double play as Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) runs to second in the seventh inning during game one of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
October 6, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers second baseman Rougned Odor (12) throws to second for the double play as Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) runs to second in the seventh inning during game one of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 9, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) celebrates after scoring the winning run past Texas Rangers catcher Jonathan Lucroy (25) in the 10th inning to give the Jays a three game sweep in 2016 ALDS playoff at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) celebrates after scoring the winning run past Texas Rangers catcher Jonathan Lucroy (25) in the 10th inning to give the Jays a three game sweep in 2016 ALDS playoff at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

HOW ARE THESE TEAMS DOING IN 2017?

Much like the Jays, Texas had a disastrous start to the season. On May eighth the Rangers were 13-20 (.375) and in last in the AL West. But a 10 game winning streak has put them right back in the playoff picture.

They’re now 24-24 and tied for second in their division.

They too have been decimated by injuries. Not to the same extent as the Blue Jays, but Texas’ current DL includes important players like Cole hamels (the starter for that game five ALDS in ’15), Carlos Gomez, Adrian Beltre, Jake Diekman, and Tyson Ross.

The Jays still find themselves well under .500 (21-26) and in last place but the team is also on a 3 game winning streak.

Toronto will get a huge boost if indeed Tulowitzki and Donaldson return on Friday. Having their entire starting lineup healthy for the first time since April 13.

Next: Will the return of key players ride the Blue Jays to victory?

Unfortunately the starting pitching will continue to be a question mark for the Jays. Francisco Liriano, Sanchez, and J.A. Happ all remain on the DL and the team will use some combination of Mike Bolsinger, Marco Estrada, Joe Biagini, or Marcus Stroman over the course of this series.

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