Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

While the Toronto Blue Jays took Wednesday off, NHL teams didn’t as that league’s trade deadline fast approaches.

Surely, George Springer must’ve been keeping up with the news.

But today, the Jays are back in the mix, taking on the Detroit Tigers—a game in which Bowden Francis will pitch for Toronto. One of the more intriguing names in camp this year, Francis got his first taste of the big leagues last season, throwing 36 and a third innings, operating as a swingman for the team.

He fared more than well, posting a 1.76 ERA, 3.86 FIP, and a .826 WHIP across the 20 games he appeared in, and Francis will be positioned to be an impact arm again this season. Francis didn’t start any games last season, but he pitched over three innings in four of his outings. His ability to operate as a long arm out of the bullpen is a huge boon for the Jays, and last year, he showed he could handle some of that workload.

What’s more is, with Alek Manoah and Kevin Gausman both working their way through some ailments; it’s even more important for Francis to be ready to deliver this season.

Opposite of Francis will be righty Kenta Maeda, who signed a two-year deal with the Tigers this past winter.

First pitch: 4:05 p.m. EST — Radio: MLB.tv.

Odds via Betano:

Moneyline: N/A
Spread: N/A
Over/Under: N/A

*Odds available at the time of writing. Odds subject to change.

Starting pitchers (2023 statistics):

TORONTO — RHP Bowden Francis

DETROIT – RHP Kenta Maeda

Name Team GS W L IP ERA xERA ERA- FIP WHIP K/9 BB/9
Bowden Francis TOR 0 1 0 36.1 1.73 3.71 41 3.86 0.83 8.67 1.98
Kenta Maeda MIN 20 6 8 104.1 4.23 3.77 100 4.02 1.17 10.09 2.42

Lineups:

TORONTO:

  1. G Springer (R) RF
  2. C Biggio (L) 2B
  3. D Vogelbach (L) DH
  4. D Jansen (R) C
  5. K Kiermaier (L) CF
  6. D Varsho (L) LF
  7. I Kiner-Falefa (R) SS
  8. E Escobar (S) 3B
  9. S Horwitz (L) 1B

TIGERS:

  1. TBD

Need to bide the time until first pitch?

Tune into the latest edition of Blue Jays Nation Radio as the crew talks about all the happenings in Toronto and beyond.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
If Lions HC Dan Campbell's assessment of WR is accurate it could mean trouble for opponents
NFL reporter predicts Cowboys' plan for QB Dak Prescott
Cavaliers make decision on head coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s future
Two young stars get hefty bonuses for making All-NBA teams
Mavericks star duo joins exclusive club with Game 1 win
Mavericks ride 'Luka Magic' on both ends late to win Game 1
Panthers shut out Rangers 3-0 in Eastern Conference Final opener
NBA announces 2023-24 All-NBA teams
Star Padres infielder to miss significant time with shoulder injury
LeBron James, Charles Barkley passionately defend Caitlin Clark from 'petty' haters
Roger Goodell discusses factors for possible 18-game NFL season
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott has intriguing comment on his contract situation
Celtics toying around with surprise Jayson Tatum move in conference finals
Former teammate warns Tee Higgins about pitfalls of playing on franchise tag
Watch: Timberwolves and Mavericks trade dunks in third quarter
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner tempers expectations for Juan Soto extension
Canucks' Rick Tocchet wins 2024 Jack Adams Award
Incredible Orioles streak finally comes to end against Cardinals
Raiders QB shares surprising reason for switching jersey number
New Jersey Devils to hire just-fired head coach to lead bench

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.