Blue Jays Series Opener vs Braves: Preview, Storylines

Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
Where: Truist Park, Atlanta, GA
TV: SN1
Radio: SN590 THE FAN

Pitching Matchups

Blue Jays: Kevin Gausman (4-3, 3.13 ERA) vs. Braves: Bryce Elder (4-3, 2.50 ERA)

Fans will be treated to an exciting pitching matchup in the series opener. Gausman has been one of the Blue Jays' top arms, as he leads the team in innings pitched (69), games started (12), and WHIP (1.09). With a pitching staff filled with injuries, Gausman has been a steady presence.

The key to Gausman's success is the low walk rate. In May, he walked just four batters over five starts and posted 26 strikeouts. His 5.50 strikeout-to-walk ratio ranks seventh among all major league pitchers. He'll need a solid start against an elite offense and a bullpen that has been taxed this year.

Elder has been a big surprise for Atlanta's rotation, emerging as the second-best starting pitcher behind Chris Sale. His previous outing was his worst of the year, allowing six runs on nine hits in 3 1/3 innings. It could be a challenge for Toronto's offense to string together consistent offense.

Blue Jays Injuries

TBD: OF Jesús Sánchez (right wrist bruise)

10-Day Injured List: INF/OF Addison Barger (right elbow inflammation), INF Lenyn Sosa (right wrist contusion)

15-Day Injured List: RHP Dylan Cease (mild left hamstring strain), LHP Joe Mantiply (left knee inflammation), RHP Tommy Nance (right forearm discomfort), RHP Max Scherzer (right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation), RHP Lazaro Estrada (right shoulder impingement)

60-Day Injured List: RHP José Berríos (Tommy John surgery), RHP Cody Ponce (right knee ACL sprain), OF Anthony Santander (left shoulder labral surgery), RHP Bowden Francis (right UCL reconstruction surgery), RHP Shane Bieber (right elbow inflammation), RHP Yimi García (right elbow surgery rehab), C Alejandro Kirk (left thumb fracture), RHP Lazaro Estrada (right shoulder impingement)