Toronto @ Seattle preview

Last Meeting ( May 10, 2018 ) Seattle 9, Toronto 3

Felix Hernandez is the Seattle Mariners' franchise leader in wins, ERA, strikeouts, innings and starts, but he may be pitching for his spot in the rotation Thursday against the visiting Toronto Blue Jays. Hernandez saw his ERA soar to 5.58 after giving up seven runs over 2 2/3 innings against the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday, and the former Cy Young Award winner is clinging to a role with the playoff contender.

"As of now, we'll stay with the rotation. That could change," manager Scott Servais told reporters earlier in the week when asked about Hernandez. "But as of now, that's where we're at." Seattle could use a throwback performance from their one-time ace after dropping their last two games to American League West-leading Houston, including Wednesday's 8-3 setback. The Mariners have lost 13 of 20 overall to fall into a virtual tie for the second wild card with the hard-charging Oakland Athletics. The rebuilding Blue Jays were outscored 24-6 in losing three straight at Oakland to begin the week and may need to utilize a bullpen day to get through the opener in Seattle.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), ROOT Northwest (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: TBA vs. Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (8-9, 5.58 ERA)

Toronto traded away a starter and two relievers at the deadline and was forced to burn through several bullpen arms in Oakland that might've been options to start this one, including righthander Brandon Cumpton, who threw 46 pitches in relief Tuesday. Sportsnet reported Wednesday that the team may look outside the organization for a fill-in starter. Hard-throwing reliever Ken Giles, acquired Monday in a trade with Houston, is expected to join the club in Seattle.

Hernandez allowed three earned runs or fewer in six straight starts before Saturday's blowup, but he lasted longer than five innings just twice in that span. He has been much better at home, sporting a 4.06 ERA and limiting opponents to a .245 average in 11 Safeco Field outings. The 32-year-old is 7-6 with a 4.02 ERA in 16 career starts versus Toronto.

WALK-OFFS

1. Blue Jays 2B Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (ankle, knee) was placed on the 10-day disabled list and RHP Danny Barnes (knee) was activated from the DL.

2. Seattle optioned OF Ben Gamel and RHP Chasen Bradford to clear spots for newly-acquired OF Cameron Maybin and RHP Adam Warren.

3. Toronto OF Randal Grichuk is 9-for-28 with five doubles and a homer over his last seven games.

PREDICTION: Mariners 7, Blue Jays 4