Toronto @ Houston preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 10, 2014 ) Houston 6, Toronto 4

The Toronto Blue Jays are right in the middle of the American League playoff race as the trade deadline looms. The Blue Jays, who reportedly are in the market for pitching help, continue their 10-game road trip against the Houston Astros four hours after the deadline passes on Thursday. Toronto has won 10 of its last 12 contests to draw within 2 1/2 games of first-place Baltimore in the American League East and is taking on a Houston team fighting to stay out of the basement.

The Astros (44-64) are evaluating the talent in their organization and are proving to be a thorn in the side of postseason contenders after taking two of three from the AL-leading Oakland Athletics this week. Houston averaged 6.3 runs in the series after struggling to score during a five-game slide. The Blue Jays totaled 24 runs in the three-game sweep of the Boston Red Sox this week and have put up an average of 6.2 in their last 12 contests despite having home run leader Edwin Encarnacion on the disabled list.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, RSN (Toronto), CSN Houston

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Drew Hutchison (7-9, 4.44 ERA) vs. Astros RH Jarred Cosart (9-7, 4.41)

Hutchison bounced back from three straight losses by holding the New York Yankees to two runs and five hits while striking out seven in 6 2/3 innings on Saturday. The 23-year-old surrendered a total of 15 runs in 13 2/3 frames over his previous three outings. Hutchison, who is making his first career appearance against Houston, is 5-4 with a 2.95 ERA on the road.

Cosart is having trouble breaking out of his own rough patch as he has yielded a total of 21 runs - 19 earned - in his last four turns. The Texas native’s control has been a problem in that span with 14 walks in 21 1/3 innings. Cosart made one previous start against the Blue Jays in his career, allowing one run on four hits and five walks in six frames last season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Toronto 3B Brett Lawrie (right index finger) could begin a rehab assignment this weekend.

2. Astros All-Star 2B Jose Altuve has hit safely in 12 straight games and leads the AL with a .342 batting average.

3. Houston DH Chris Carter was scratched from Wednesday’s game with a stomach ailment and is day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 7, Astros 4