The Toronto Blue Jays (80-62) will host the Tampa Bay Rays (79-62) on Thursday in the final contests of a five game series. The Blue Jays won 3-2 on Monday, and these clubs split a double headers on Tuesday. The season series has been competitive with the Rays leading 7-6 heading into Wednesday's game, which was not complete at the time of this preview.
Prior to Wednesday's action, the Rays were leading the Orioles by five games for the final wild-card spot and only a game behind the Blue Jays and Mariners for the top spot amongst three AL wild-card slots available. Tampa Bay had lost four of its last five games, which included Tuesday's doubleheader
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As a team, the Rays are fourth with a 3.36 ERA. Starting on Thursday will be Shane McClanahan (11-5, 2.20 ERA), who will return from the injured list after experiencing issues with his shoulder. McClanahan last started on August 24 when he tossed six shutout innings against the Angels. In one start against the Blue Jays this season on the road, McClanahan allowed three hits and one run in seven innings.
Tampa Bay doesn't blow you away in any particular area offensively, but they find ways to win, despite ranking in the bottom half of MLB in scoring, home runs, and OPS. They are 11th in stolen bases led by Randy Arozarena with 30 which is tied for third in the AL. Arozarena also leads the club with 19 home runs and 78 RBI.