First pitch is scheduled for 7:07 p.m. ET (coverage on NESN/Sportsnet/MLB.TV).
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Probable Starters
Red Sox: RHP Sonny Gray (#54; 14-2, 2.78 ERA, ~1.15 WHIP, 119.2 IP, 106 K).
One of the AL’s top performers this season with excellent run prevention, command, and consistency. Recent outings include strong scoreless or low-run efforts.
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Blue Jays: RHP Jameson Taillon (#56; 2-6, 5.96 ERA, ~1.39 WHIP, 80.0 IP, 72 K).
Struggled with home runs and elevated ERA (high HR rate). Limited sample after midseason move; recent starts have been inconsistent with shorter outings and higher run totals.
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Gray holds a significant edge in form, efficiency, and overall season performance. Both are right-handers.
Venue and Weather
Rogers Centre (Toronto; retractable roof). Forecast for game time: Mild summer conditions with highs around 80–82°F (daytime), cooling into the upper 60s by evening. Partly cloudy with a chance of showers (daytime PoP elevated ~60–80%, lower in the evening ~30–55%). Winds light-to-moderate (SW/NW around 5–10 mph). Roof status will depend on conditions—potential for closed roof if rain threatens, which can neutralize weather impacts and favor pitching.
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Injury Reports (key/recent)
Red Sox: Masataka Yoshida (DH, day-to-day), Adley Rutschman (C, 10-day IL, wrist; rehab progressing, possible near return), Isiah Kiner-Falefa (INF, 10-day IL), Kutter Crawford/Johan Oviedo (SPs, 60-day IL), Trevor Story (SS, 60-day IL), and others (e.g., Casas wrist longer-term). Core contributors like Contreras, Rafaela, and Abreu (recently dealing with calf/shin but active in DH spots) are available.
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Blue Jays: George Springer (DH, day-to-day, shoulder tightness; recently held out), Jonatan Clase (OF, 10-day IL), Lenyn Sosa/Luis Urías (INF, IL), Yimi García (RP, longer-term), Anthony Santander (OF, 60-day IL), and several pitchers (e.g., Yesavage knee, Arrighetti, Corbin). Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and other regulars remain central.
cbssports.com
Current Rosters / Projected Lineups
Red Sox: Features include Ceddanne Rafaela (CF), Willson Contreras (1B/DH — strong AVG/HR/RBI production), Wilyer Abreu, Jarren Duran, and supporting pieces. Offense averages solid production with speed and power balance.
foxsports.com
Blue Jays: Ernie Clement, Kazuma Okamoto (power/RBI contributor), Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and utility options. Lineup has contact and occasional power but has been less consistent overall this season.
foxsports.com
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Gray vs. Blue Jays hitters: Gray’s strong command and low ERA make him difficult; Guerrero Jr. and Okamoto present the main power threats, while Clement offers contact. Gray has historically limited damage effectively.
Taillon vs. Red Sox hitters: Contreras and Abreu/Rafaela are key threats against a higher-ERA pitcher prone to home runs. Red Sox lefty bats and speed could pressure Taillon.
Team-level: Red Sox superior overall pitching and recent form vs. Blue Jays’ home advantage and potential for opportunistic offense. Gray’s presence tilts the matchup heavily.
Recent Team Forms
Red Sox (64-53, 3rd AL East): Strong overall, with excellent recent stretches (won many series earlier; last 10 strong before recent back-to-back losses to Athletics). Away record solid (~35-22). Offense ~.248–.249 AVG; pitching ERA strong (~3.50). Interim manager Chad Tracy.
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Blue Jays (56-63, 5th AL East): More inconsistent; recent mixed results including extras wins/losses vs. Phillies and others. Home record around 28-31. Offense ~.242 AVG; pitching ERA ~4.01–4.02. Manager John Schneider.
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Series History (2026)
Competitive AL East rivalry. Prior 2026 meetings (April, June, July) have seen splits and individual team wins (e.g., Red Sox and Blue Jays each taking games in previous series). This begins a four-game set at Rogers Centre (Aug 10–13). Historical edge often swings with pitching matchups.
baseball-reference.com
Betting Trends:
Red Sox strong as favorites, especially with elite starters; Unders have appeared in some rivalry games. Blue Jays as home underdogs can keep games close or cover spreads in spots. Public leans favorites; value often on the underdog run line or Under with Gray on the mound.
GAME ODDS
Boston Red Sox – 159
Toronto Blue Jays 9
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, August 9, 2026
