. UP NEXT
vs. Blue Jays
Tonight-Thursday
What's new: Since losing two of three to the Rays the weekend before last, the Blue Jays have gone 3-3 vs. the Red Sox and Yankees to cap a disappointing 9-17 August that dropped them to the fringe of the playoff race. OF Jose Bautista is on a power trip, homering in five straight games, giving him 29 overall, one more than 1B/DH Edwin Encarnacion. OF Melky Cabrera is second in the American League with 169 hits, but the overall offense is lacking. As usual, pitching and defense are issues. The Jays dumped OF Nolan Reimold and acquired John Mayberry Jr. from the Phillies.
Key stat: The high-powered Jays were held to three or fewer runs 15 times in 26 August games, including seven of their last 11.
Connections: Jays OF Jose Bautista and C Dioner Navarro are former Rays, RHP Todd Redmond a St. Petersburg native. Rays C Jose Molina is a former Jay.
Series history: Jays lead 7-6 this season; Rays lead 153-136 overall, 87-57 at Tropicana Field.
Marc Topkin, Times staff writer