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Banister: Rangers aren't thinking about feud with Blue Jays

Ronald Martinez / Getty Images Sport / Getty

With the Toronto Blue Jays and Texas Rangers set to square off Friday for the first time since last year's electric American League Division Series, one manager says there isn't any lasting animosity between the teams.

"I didn't know there was anything ongoing," Rangers skipper Jeff Banister said, according to Evan Grant of Sports Day. "I think that is more for spectators. Our guys aren't thinking about anything like that."

The rivalry began after Jose Bautista's epic bat flip and series-clinching home run in Game 5 of the 2015 ALDS. Not long after, in May of 2016, Rougned Odor's punch heard 'round the world further ignited the feud following a hard slide from Bautista at second base.

As fate would have it, both teams met in last year's ALDS, with the Blue Jays prevailing once again - this time with a three-game sweep.

The series, which begins in Toronto, will be important for both sides. The Blue Jays are expected to get two huge reinforcements back in the form of Josh Donaldson and Troy Tulowitzki, while the Rangers will look to build off a terrific start to May that has them in second place in the AL West.

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