Yariel Rodriguez to start as Blue Jays look to snap losing streak vs. Mariners – Sportsnet.ca

The Toronto Blue Jays will aim to end their three-game losing streak when they continue their road trip against the Seattle Mariners on Saturday afternoon.

Right-handed pitcher Yariel Rodriguez (0-3, 4.63 ERA) will start on the mound for the Blue Jays as he also looks to earn his first win of the season.

Rodriguez had a solid performance during his most recent start Monday but picked up the loss as Toronto dropped a 3-1 decision to the Houston Astros at home on Canada Day. The 27-year-old rookie pitched a career-high 6.2 innings and gave up just one run on two hits while striking out six and issuing two walks.

Run support was an issue Friday night as well. The Blue Jays were only able to get two hits on Mariners’ starter Luis Castillo as Toronto lost 2-1. Kevin Kiermaier broke up the no-hit bid with a solo home run in the sixth inning and Spencer Horwitz followed up with a single.

Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman (6-8, 4.64) was tagged for two runs on six hits with 10 strikeouts and two walks over six innings of work.

Shortstop Bo Bichette returned to the lineup after missing Thursday’s game due to a right forearm contusion. Bichette went 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

The Blue Jays now hold a 39-49 record, 18-25 on the road, as they sit last in the American League East.

The AL West-leading Mariners (49-41 overall, 30-16 at home) will counter with right-handed pitcher Emerson Hancock (3-3, 4.79) on the hill.

It’ll be the fifth meeting between the clubs this season. The Blue Jays took two of three when they hosted the Mariners in April.

Watch the Blue Jays take on the Mariners live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ with first pitch scheduled at 4:10 p.m. ET / 1:10 p.m. PT.