It's Toronto versus Tampa Bay on two fronts. The Toronto Maple Leafs can clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2013 and the first time since a full 82-game schedule in 2004 with a victory over the Lightning at the Air Canada Centre.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays can clinch their first victory of 2017 (but four would be nice!) as they begin a four-game series at Tropicana Field this evening. If that doesn't excite you, just look at the handsome picture below of the newest Blue Jay acquisition.
Catcher Luke Maile has hit .214 with three home runs and 17 runs batted in his two-year career with Tampa Bay. The Rays designated the 26 year-old for assignment.
Series Schedule/Probable Starters
Thursday at 7:10 pm ET - Marcus Stroman (NR) vs. Blake Snell (NR)
Friday at 7:10 pm ET - Francisco Liriano (NR) vs. Matt Andriese (NR)
Saturday at 6:10 pm ET - Aaron Sanchez (NR) vs. Chris Archer (1-0, 2.57)
Sunday at 1:10 pm ET - Marco Estrada (0-0, 3.00) vs. Jake Odorizzi (0-1, 6.00)
The Rays are off to a 2-1 start this season after taking two of three from the visiting New York Yankees.
Burning Questions - Will the Rays overcome the loss of Luke Maile? Will Troy Tulowitzki be able to avoid matching his 0-for-11 start to Spring Training after going 0-for-9 in Baltimore?
Hot Take - If Stroman and Liriano do not replicate their spring performances, the Jays will be hard pressed to get a split in this series given that a rusty Sanchez will face Archer in the third game and Estrada's 1-4 lifetime mark against the Rays albeit with a 2.70 ERA.
Up Next - The Blue Jays return home for a two-game set against the Milwaukee Brewers April 11 and 12.
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