Game preview: Blue Jays set to take on Phillies

It is the second pre-season matchup between the clubs. Their first meeting came on Wednesday February 26th, in a game the Phillies won 9-6.

Max Scherzer will take the ball for the Blue Jays, looking to improve upon a strong first outing. Starting for the Phillies will be former Blue Jay Taijuan Walker, making his first start of the spring.

Bowden Francis is also expected to pitch and is likely to directly follow Scherzer.

As it the second week of Spring Training, and the second start for many pitchers as they ramp up before the season, look for Scherzer and Francis to each go roughly three innings and have a pitch count of about 40-45.

In his start against the Cardinals, Scherzer went two innings, striking out and allowing one run. Francis followed him in that game as well, also giving up one run in two innings, although he didn't strike anybody out. The Blue Jays ended up winning that game 3-2.

Walker, who started six games for the Blue Jays in the shortened 2020 season, is entering his third year with the Phillies. After being moved to the bullpen late last season, he needs to prove himself this spring.

As Spring Training enters it second full week, look for the regulars to get more playing time, both in-game and from day-to-day.

The contest will be televised on SportsNet as well as the FAN590 on the SportsNet Radio Network.