Coming into the playoffs, the Toronto Blue Jays were the team with the big bats as they led the league in home runs and RBIs. Their big bats were expected to get to work immediately while David Price held things down defensively. However, in Game 1, it was the Texas Rangers that got the bats moving which could continue heading into Game 2.
Price's postseason issues continued as he gave up a costly two-run home run to Robinson Chirinos while Rougned Odor added another solo shot that helps give Texas the 5-3 win over Toronto. This was certainly not the outcome the Blue Jays wanted as they finally hosted the first AL Division Series in 22 years.
Game 2 brings interesting storylines as injuries were an issue in Game 1. Adrian Beltre left in the third innings after suffering a strained muscle in his lower back. According to manager Jeff Banister, the star might not be healthy enough to play the back-to-back games. He underwent an MRI which confirmed the strained, but no structural damage. According to ESPN, the Rangers are calling up players from the Arizona Fall League in order to give them depth shoulder Beltre be ruled out for the remainder of the series.
The bigger injury might be that to Josh Donaldson who took a knee to the head while sliding into base. The star is a candidate for AL MVP and losing him for any period of time could make getting a win tough. According to ESPN, Donaldson left the game in the top of the fifth because he felt light headed.
If the Blue Jays are going to even the series out, they need their big bats to get to work. Jose Bautista hit a solo shot in the sixth, but left with a sore hamstring. He is expected to play in Game 2. Edwin Encarnacion was able to get a hit to cut the lead, but it was too little too late at this point.
The Rangers will be starting Cole Hamels who was a mid-season trade for this specific purpose. He is 7-1 with a 3.66 ERA in his short time with the Rangers. The Blue Jays will be starting Marcus Stroman in an effort to play better defense and get a win.