TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays return to Rogers Centre on Monday to open a crucial four-game series against the Boston Red Sox as they continue their push for an American League wild-card playoff spot.
Toronto enters the series 3½ games behind the Texas Rangers for the final AL wild-card position, making the matchup against Boston particularly important as the regular season moves deeper into August.
The Red Sox currently occupy one of the American League’s three wild-card spots and arrive in Toronto in strong form, having won eight of their last 10 games.
The Blue Jays are coming off a difficult 7-6 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies in 12 innings on Sunday.
Toronto moved ahead 6-5 in the top of the 12th when Jesús Sánchez grounded into a double play, but Philadelphia responded in the bottom half of the inning.
With the bases loaded, Derek Hill delivered a walk-off single to give the Phillies the 7-6 victory.
Despite the loss, Toronto did not lose additional ground to Texas in the wild-card race. The Rangers also fell Sunday, suffering a 10-5 defeat at home against the Baltimore Orioles.
Monday’s series opener will also mark Canadian pitcher Jameson Taillon’s first appearance at Rogers Centre as a member of the Blue Jays.
Taillon, who joined Toronto earlier this month, is scheduled to start against Boston’s Sonny Gray.
With Boston holding a playoff position and Toronto attempting to close the 3½-game gap separating it from the final wild-card berth, the four-game series could play an important role in shaping the American League postseason race.
