Toronto tightens its grip on the postseason as they host Tampa Bay with a chance to clinch the AL East and lock in a playoff spot. Gausman anchors the rotation, carrying a 3.44 ERA over 91 2/3 innings in the final stretch and a Sept. 11 complete-game shutout of Houston reinforcing his case as playoff Game 1 ace. Ian Seymour for the Rays counters as a rookie lefty still seeking his first Toronto test. With a lefty on the mound, expect tweaks in the Jays’ lineup—Ty France, Davis Schneider, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Myles Straw among the likely contributors—as Toronto sits 23-13 against left-handed starters this season.

TV time is set for 7:05 p.m. on Sportsnet (Gausman vs. Seymour) with Thursday’s 1:10 p.m. first pitch to follow. Shane Bieber’s addition gives Toronto additional postseason depth as they push toward a possible Thursday playoff clinch, while the Rays aim to steal momentum and complicate Toronto’s planning. The Jays’ magic number to clinch the division sits at six, and three to lock in the postseason, making this series a pivotal milestone in their title and playoff pursuit.

Toronto tightened its grip on the AL’s Best Record race, moving two steps closer to home-field advantage for the playoffs for just the fourth time in franchise history. With a four-game cushion over Detroit and a favorable finish, the Jays own their destiny in the final stretch as the magic number drifts toward clinching scenarios.

The chase revolves around seven wins by Toronto or losses by rivals to clinch the league’s best record, six to seal the AL East, and three to lock a playoff berth. A potential Friday night clinch looms, though debates persist after a Jays-Royals clash lands on Apple TV while fans crave Sportsnet.