Braves vs Blue Jays: Today's Lineup - Series Finale Preview
Photo credit: https://x.com/BlueJays
The Toronto Blue Jays look to win two out of three in today's finale against the Atlanta Braves at Rogers Centre. Blue Jays veteran Chris Bassitt is on the bump this afternoon versus Braves ace Spencer Strider, which will be his first start since suffering a UCL injury in 2024. First pitch is at 1:07 PM ET on Sportsnet, SN1, FanDuel South and FanDuel Southeast.
Toronto Blue Jays Starting Lineup
1. SS Bo Bichette
2. 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr
3. DH Anthony Santander
4. 2B Andres Gimenez
5. C Alejandro Kirk
6. LF Alan Roden
7. 3B Ernie Clement
8. RF Addison Barger
9. CF Myles Straw
SP Chris Bassitt
2. 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr
3. DH Anthony Santander
4. 2B Andres Gimenez
5. C Alejandro Kirk
6. LF Alan Roden
7. 3B Ernie Clement
8. RF Addison Barger
9. CF Myles Straw
SP Chris Bassitt
Chris Bassitt allowed one run on five hits in his last outing versus the Boston Red Sox.
The veteran struck out five batters and walked one over 5.2 innings of work -- narrowly missing his third quality start. Bassitt pitched well again, stifling the Red Sox through five innings.
He ran into trouble in the sixth, though, walking outfielder Jaren Durran, who would eventually steal second and score on an Alex Bregman single.
The right-hander has been excellent thus far in 2025 -- holding a sterling 0.98 ERA and 1.09 WHIP with a 21:3 K:BB ratio in 18.1 innings.
Statcast thinks he may be over-performing his metrics, but Bassitt has started another season off on the right foot. If it holds, the right-hander's 28.8% strikeout rate would be the highest of his career.
Spencer Strider gets the ball for the Braves in his first start since coming off a UCL injury. Strider led the league in strikeouts in 2023, a season in which he also won 20 games, garnering 281 Ks in 186.2 innings.
He also had over 200 strikeouts in 2022, his first full season in the majors and his in last rehab start with Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday, he struck out 13 in just 5.1 innings, including nine of the first 10 batters he faced.
From 2022-2023, Strider led all of MLB in strikeouts with 483. Gerritt Cole is second with 479, though he threw nine more innings.
Braves manager Brian Snitker has said Strider is feeling strong, but will probably be on a pitch count.
»That's the plan right now. He had a side [session] today, and hopefully he comes in tomorrow and is feeling great.» - Braves Manager Brian Snitker
Although he suffered a UCL injury, Strider opted not to have Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in 2018.
Instead, he decided to go with an internal brace, which shortens the recovery time. He managed just two starts in 2024.
Blue Jays and Braves Injuries:
Blue Jays: George Springer day to day, Daulton Varsho: 10 Day IL (Shoulder), Ryan Burr: 15 Day IL (Shoulder), Erik Swanson: 15 Day IL (Hand), Max Scherzer: 15 Day IL (Lat), Alek Manoah: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Angel Bastardo: 60 Day IL (Elbow), George Springer: day-to-day (Wrist)
Braves: Marcel Ozuna day to day, Ronald Acuña Jr.: 10 Day IL (Knee), Ignacio Alvarez: 10 Day IL (Wrist), Spencer Strider: 15 Day IL (Elbow), Joe Jiménez: 60 Day IL (Knee), Reynaldo López: 60 Day IL (Shoulder)
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 16 | 110 ANSWERS Braves vs Blue Jays: Today's Lineup - Series Finale Preview Who will win the three game series? The Blue Jays or Braves? | ||
| Toronto Blue Jays | 100 | 90.9 % |
| Atlanta Braves | 10 | 9.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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