Series preview: Tampa Bay Rays at Blue Jays

ROGERS CENTRE

Thursday to Sunday

The Blue Jays open up the final homestand — seven games in seven days — against the Rays (4) and the Astros (3) before heading on the road to end the season. Thursday 7:07 p.m. – RH Ryne Stanek (2-3, 2.49) vs. RH Sam Gaviglio (3-8, 5.25) Friday 7:07 p.m. – TBA vs. RH Sean Reid-Foley (2-3, 5.54) Saturday 4:07 p.m. – TBA vs. LH Thomas Pannone (3-1, 3.77) Sunday 1:07 p.m. – TBA vs. LH Ryan Borucki (4-4, 3.86) TV: Sportsnet Radio: Sportsnet 590 The Fan.

NEED TO KNOW

The Jays are 3-9 vs. the Rays this year scoring just 26 runs in the 12 games while allowing 50. The Jays were 10-9 last year and are 170-194 lifetime against the Rays. The Jays are 1-5 vs. the Rays at Rogers Centre this year, were 6-3 last year and are 9686 lifetime in Toronto.

KEY PLAYERS

Kevin Pillar/Mallex Smith Pillar is the veteran presence in an outfield that needs to see the young players audition for roles in 2019. Pillar entered Wednesday with a .248 average, his lowest since 2013, but has 14 homers and 14 stolen, bases, needing two homers to tie his career high. For the Rays, Smith has been an offensive catalyst batting .302 with 33 stolen bases and a .786 OPS. Against the Jays he has a .289 average with three steals and has been a thorn in their side.

ON DECK

A three-game series against the Astros to end the home schedule.