Blue Jays vs Athletics: Starting Lineup - Opening Game Preview

In his last outing Max Scherzer allowed just two earned runs on five hits and three walks over four innings in a 4-3 extra-inning win over the Los Angeles Angels.

He did not factor into the decision. However, Saturday's start came with a caveat.

The eight-time All-Star admitted he was dealing with "a lot of inflammation" in his thumb during the outing.

Scherzer, who owns a 4.76 ERA and 23.5% strikeout rate, is yet to factor into a decision through four starts this season.

While the 40-year-old has flashed glimpses of his former dominance, his .274 batting average against and career-worst 89.8 mph average exit velocity are concerning signs heading into the second half.

Luis Severino gets the ball tonight for the Athletics. In his last outing Severino (2-10) took the loss Saturday against the Giants, allowing five runs on five hits and two walks over 4.1 innings. He struck out two.

It's the fifth straight loss for Severino, and in the last three of those starts he's surrendered 17 earned runs, including five homers.

The veteran right-hander has given up three runs or fewer in 10 of his 19 outings this season, but he's also allowed five-plus runs eight times. He has a 5.30 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 73:36 K:BB across 108.2 innings.

George Springer has hit 16 home runs with 53 RBI. Both are team-highs, Springer ranks 36th in homers and 31st in RBI in the bigs.

Bo Bichette is hitting .279 with 22 doubles, a triple, 12 home runs and 23 walks, Bichette has at least one base hit in six games in a row. In his last 10 games he is hitting .342 with three doubles, a home run, four walks and four RBIs.

Alejandro Kirk's .306 batting average paces his team. Kirk takes a four-game streak with at least one hit into this one. In his last five games he is hitting .333 with three walks and an RBI.

Brent Rooker has racked up a team-best 19 home runs and 50 runs batted in.

Tyler Soderstrom is hitting .257 with 14 doubles, a triple, 15 home runs and 37 walks.

Lawrence Butler is batting .253 with 24 doubles, two triples, 13 home runs and 37 walks.

Blue Jays: Daulton Varsho: 10 Day IL (Hamstring), Andrés Giménez: 10 Day IL (Ankle), Yimi Garcia: 15 Day IL (Ankle), Nick Sandlin: 15 Day IL (Elbow), Bowden Francis: 15 Day IL (Shoulder), Paxton Schultz: 15 Day IL (Middle finger), Alek Manoah: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Anthony Santander: 60 Day IL (Shoulder), Angel Bastardo: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Ryan Burr: day-to-day (Shoulder)

Athletics: Luis Urias: 10 Day IL (Hamstring), Grant Holman: 15 Day IL (Shoulder), Luis Medina: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Gunnar Hoglund: 60 Day IL (Hip), Jose Leclerc: 60 Day IL (Shoulder), Ken Waldichuk: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Brady Basso: 60 Day IL (Shoulder), Jacob Wilson: day-to-day (Arm)