Red Sox vs. Blue Jays: Preview

We’re heading into September already (strange, right?) which means several things… September call-ups, and of course, a hunt for the division and Wild Card playoff spots.

While the Toronto Blue Jays are a ways off the Wild Card lead (sitting 4.0 games out of a one-game playoff spot), they’re certainly not finished. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the Red Sox.

Nonetheless, this weekend’s series between the Red Sox and the Jays is an important one for both sides, as the Red Sox will continue to search for who will remain on their roster over the off-season (with the spotlight on the young guns), while Toronto will try to secure a spot in the postseason.

The Blue Jays, who are coming off of a three-game sweep of the Rays, have won five straight, and are continuing to pursue a Wild Card position as they currently sit ten games behind Baltimore in the division. Yes, Baltimore actually held onto the #1 spot this year.

Meanwhile, the Red Sox are coming off of a three-game series with the Yankees, of which they won one and dropped two, including the series finale in the ninth inning.

The Jays as they look to finish off their road trip against an inconsistent Red Sox team before heading home to Canada for a week-long home-stand. This series will be the final matchup between the two teams of the season.

Allen Webster (3-3, 6.69) is expected to make the start on Friday against Drew Hutchison (9-11, 4.47), followed by Clay Buchholz (6-8, 5.40) and J.A. Happ (9-8, 4.37) and then Rubby De La Rosa (4-5, 3.89) and R.A. Dickey (11-12, 3.84) finish it off on Sunday.

Dustin Pedroia, who has been battling concussion symptoms since last Saturday, is expected to return for Friday’s game.

Stay tuned.