Series preview: Nationals at Blue Jays

ROGERS CENTRE

FRIDAY, 7 p.m. LH Gio Gonzalez (6-2, 2.65) RH Aaron Sanchez (3-5, 4.33) SATURDAY, 4 p.m. RH Max Scherzer (10-2, 2.00) RH Marco Estrada (3-5, 5.09) SUNDAY, 1 p.m. RH Tanner Roark (3-7, 3.63) RH Sam Gaviglio (2-2, 3.66) TV: Sportsnet RADIO: Sportsnet 590 The FAN

KEY PLAYERS

Harper/Grichuk Bryce Harper could be looking to make a statement after an anonymous National League executive sparked an online war of words by telling FanRag Sports the perennial all-star right fielder is “overrated” and a “selfish, losing player.” Harper, heading for a big free-agent payday after this season, leads the NL with 19 homers and 50 walks, but is batting just .224. He hit .538 in three career games at the Rogers Centre … Jays right fielder Randal Grichuk is making a statement of his own after a brutal April followed by a knee injury. Since returning on June 1, he’s hitting .308 with three home runs, three doubles and nine RBIs. NEED TO KNOW These teams haven’t met since June 2015, when the Jays took two of three … Saturday starter Max Scherzer leads the majors in wins (10) and strikeouts (142) in pursuit of his third straight Cy Young Award and fourth of his career ... The Nationals have 10 players on the disabled list … Nats outfield phenom Juan Soto, 19, is hitting .344 and homered twice in Wednesday’s 5-4 win over the Yankees.

ON DECK

Home to Atlanta Braves for two, starting Tuesday.