Series Preview: Toronto Welcomes Mariners in Canada For Weekend

The Seattle Mariners (50-72) head to Toronto for a three-game set with the Blue Jays (51-73). Let’s be honest, this is series between two teams playing out a string. The Mariners offer very little that is interesting to fans looking for an intriguing watch in comparison to some of the other big series going down this weekend.

So why are we doing a series preview? Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the young upstart Blue Jays have been a really interesting little watch. We are going to write about them early and often on their climb in the years to come.

Let’s start with the biggest reason to look towards this series at all.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Has Been Raking

Since July 22nd, Guerrero Jr. has hit .354 with a 1.045 OPS to go along with 4 home runs and 21 RBI. In that timespan, he’s walked 8 times while striking out just 13 in 82 at-bats.

This also includes nine doubles and his first career triple. After being left for dead, Guerrero posts some overall respectable numbers and an outside shot at winning the AL Rookie of the Year Award.

Lastly, don’t forget that at-bat he had against Aroldis Chapman where everything but the kitchen sink was brought. La Plakata can hit, quite a bit actually; and he’s must-see TV every time up. We are pulling for him to have a strong finish before a whole winters passes without seeing him hit once again.

Pitching Match-Ups

Friday (7:05 ET): Undecided vs. Jacob Waguespack

Saturday (3:07 ET): Undecided vs. Trent Thornton

Sunday (1:07 ET): Yusei Kikuchi vs. Wilmer Font

So more less, the Mariners are running out two unknowns and Kikuchi; who has been a massive disappointment. This might lead one to think a bunch of runs are coming – and that could be the case – so look for three low-scoring affairs. Because that’s how baseball goes.

Bo Bichette and Gang

Bo Bichette is looking for some history – he’s reached base in 17 straight games to start his career. The all-time record is 24 with Rocco Baldelli holding that record.

Bichette can flat-out play. It’s like he’s everything Trea Turner was ever supposed to be. Bichette gives Guerrero Jr. a great running mate. Toronto is playing a lot of guys who won’t be there in five years. This guy will be a fixture along with Cavan Biggio, who is coming along a little bit.