MOAR MATHIS

That's the boy, Jeff.

Source: FanGraphs

Simply as a circumstance of having the bases loaded, Jeff Mathis provided the Jays with a +.275 WPA yesterday, good for the Zaunhead of the day.  He'll also sit today.  Beyond that, we got a tater out of Snider, off a lefty at that, and a decent, albeit short, outing out of CharlieV, the backup backup (backup?) ace.  I'm also somewhat partial to Omar Vizquel going like 7 years between extra-base hits, but then getting two in yesterday's game.

I'm a bit curious about the bullpen management, which isn't exactly a surprise these days.  Basically the roles we're seeing lately put Janssen, Oliver and Lyon in the important innings, and then whoever else is sticking around in the middle relief, mopup, and lefty specialist duties.  By the time the game hit the 9th inning, the Jays had a 6-3 lead, which is a save situation, so I realize that Janssen should be warming up.  Once that lead stretches to 5, however, wouldn't it be prudent to sit Janssen, who had pitched the day before, in favor of someone else?  Lyon, Oliver and Janssen have all pitched on back-to-back days now, which could lead to some kind of hilarious closer-by-committee scenario that I'm sure nobody wants to see.

Anyway, it's not a huge deal, as at least one of those three should find themselves a day off today, and even if they don't, it's just one game.

Stuff
The Angels acquired Zack Greinke last night, in exchange for a package of prospects, headlined by Jean Segura, a highly touted shortstop.  That rotation now includes Weaver, Greinke, Haren, Wilson and Santana, though Haren and Santana haven't been great this year.  Still, that's a mighty rotation, and this is a strong team that will almost guarantee themselves a wildcard berth now.  They're 4 games back of Texas for the AL West lead with plenty of time left, though I'm sure Texas is going to go find themselves a Josh Johnson or James Shields type as a rebuttal.

The Giants acquired some infield help in Marco Scutaro, making my wet dream of getting Brandon Belt a little less realistic.  Scutaro will probably fill in for Pablo Sandoval at third until he's back, and then take over at either 2B or SS for Ryan Theriot or Brandon Crawford, respectively.  Nice deal.

Adam Lind was a late scratch last night with a being out of shape back issues, and will miss today's game as well.  Yan Gomes is the replacement.  Yunel Escobar will be back in the lineup today, after missing the last two games, also with back problems.

I hadn't noticed when it happened, but when JPA was placed on the DL (6 weeks, fractured hand) the other day, the Jays also sent Chad Beck to AAA, and recalled both Evan Crawford and Joel Carreno to fill out the bullpen.

Lineups
Jays
Davis RF
Rasmus DH
Lawrie 3B
Edwin 1B
Snider LF
Escobar SS
Johnson 2B
Gomes C
Gose CF

Alvarez P

Tigers
Jackson CF
Berry LF
Cabrera 3B
Fielder 1B
Young DH
Boesch RF
Peralta SS
Avila C
Infante 2B

Sanchez P