Blue Jays to start Estrada in Game 5

by
Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons finalized his rotation for the remainder of the American League Championship Series on Tuesday, with Marco Estrada getting the nod for Game 5 and David Price and Marcus Stroman set to start the last two games against the Kansas City Royals, if necessary.

After hurling 6 1/3 brilliant innings in Game 3 of the ALDS against the Texas Rangers, Estrada stumbled Friday in the ALCS opener, allowing three earned runs on six hits - including a Salvador Perez solo shot - over 5 1/3 innings en route to a 5-0 loss in Kansas City.

Price's postseason performance, meanwhile, has left much to be desired. After allowing eight earned runs over 10 innings in the ALDS, split between one start and an unexpected relief appearance, Price ostensibly got things on track Saturday in Game 2 at Kauffman Stadium, allowing just one baserunner through the first six innings. In the seventh, however, Price imploded, allowing five runs on five hits before departing with a 5-3 deficit in an eventual 6-3 defeat.

Stroman, however, helped the Blue Jays trim their series deficit with his third postseason start Monday, allowing four runs on 11 hits and one walk in an 11-8 victory at the Rogers Centre. The 24-year-old owns a 4.19 ERA through his three playoff outings, notching just 10 strikeouts while allowing one home run in 19 1/3 innings.

The Royals will send Chris Young to the mound in Game 4, clinging to a 2-1 series lead, and have yet to announce their rotation for the remainder of the best-of-seven matchup.

The Digest

Guide to the AL Championship Series: Blue Jays-Royals

by theScore staff
Tom Szczerbowski / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Everything you need to know about the American League Championship Series between the Toronto Blue Jays and Kansas City Royals. The Royals lead the series 3-2.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

G1: Royals 5, Blue Jays 0
G2: Royals 6, Blue Jays 3
G3: Blue Jays 11, Royals 8
G4: Royals 14, Blue Jays 2
G5:
Blue Jays 7, Royals 1
G6: TOR AT KC (Oct. 23, 8:07 PM ET)
G7*: TOR AT KC (Oct. 24, 8:07 PM ET)

*- if necessary

SERIES PROBABLES

ROSTER BREAKDOWN

Taking a closer look at how the ALCS teams were constructed.

WHO'S BETTER?

Who's better? Here's how the two rivals stack up position-by-position.

BY THE NUMBERS

Team Blue Jays Royals
REC 93-69 (1st) 95-67 (1st)
RDIFF +221 +83
R 891 724
HR 232 139
SB 88 104
OPS .797 .734
ERA 3.80 3.73
WHIP 1.21 1.28
QS 84 71
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