MLB Playoffs Open Thread: Blue Jays at Indians, Dodgers at Cubs

ALCS Game 2: Toronto Blue Jays at Cleveland Indians

Time: 4 p.m., Progressive Field
SB Nation Blogs: Bluebird Banter, Let’s Go Tribe
TV: TBS
Pitching Matchup: LHP J.A. Happ (20-4, 3.18 ERA) vs. RHP Josh Tomlin (13-9, 4.40 ERA)

In his last start, J.A. Happ redeemed himself by holding the Rangers to one run in five innings to secure the in in Game 2 of the ALDS. His only other postseason start came way back in 2009 with the Phillies, in which he only lasted three innings. He should be well rested today, as that matchup against the Rangers happened a full week ago.

Josh Tomlin, on the other hand, will be pitching on normal rest despite the off days, as he is starting in place of Trevor Bauer who injured his finger while repairing a drone. Tomlin held the Red Sox to two runs to clinch the ALDS sweep on Monday, and his overall numbers may not look great, but he has allowed a 2.05 ERA across 30.2 innings in his last five starts.

NLCS Game 1: Los Angeles Dodgers at Chicago Cubs

Time/Place: 8 p.m., Wrigley Field
SB Nation Blogs: True Blue LA, Bleed Cubbie Blue
TV: FS1
Pitching Matchup: RHP Kenta Maeda (16-11, 3.48 ERA) vs. LHP Jon Lester (19-5, 2.44 ERA)

Jon Lester will make his 16th postseason start tonight. He has amassed 106 innings of playoff pitching already — very likely to be the active leader — and has a shiny 2.63 ERA to go with it. He’ll be facing off against rookie Kenta Maeda, who sports a postseason ERA of 12.00 across three innings, which all came against the Nationals last Monday.