As the Toronto Blue Jays (33-29) face off against the Minnesota Twins (34-28) at Target Field, both teams bring strong momentum into the matchup. The Blue Jays are riding high with eight wins in their last ten games, although Vladimir Guerrero Jr. struggled in their previous outing against the Phillies. Toronto's Paxton Schultz, boasting a 1.84 ERA, will confront the Twins’ Bailey Ober, who has a solid 3.48 ERA.

This game is pivotal as it could impact playoff positioning, especially with the Yankees currently 5.5 games ahead of the Jays. Recent betting trends show that while the Jays excel against AL teams, the Twins are also performing well, covering 4 out of their last 5 games. The spread is leaning towards the Jays, and there's a recommendation to bet on the over for a total of 8 runs.

Toronto Blue Jays' reliever Yimi Garcia has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right shoulder impingement. This season, Garcia has made 21 appearances, recording a disappointing 0-2 record with three saves and a 3.15 ERA. To fill his spot, the team has called up right-hander Paxton Schultz from Triple-A Buffalo. Schultz, who previously appeared for the Blue Jays last month, brings a 3.48 ERA over nine games at the Triple-A level.

Paxton Schultz made a remarkable debut for the Toronto Blue Jays, striking out eight batters over 4 1/3 innings against the Seattle Mariners, tying the major-league record for most strikeouts by a reliever in their debut. Despite the Blue Jays ultimately losing 8-3, Schultz's performance was a bright spot, showcasing his potential on the mound. Entering after starter Easton Lucas struggled, Schultz quickly found his rhythm, notably throwing a fastball that resulted in his first career strikeout against Donovan Solano.

In a whirlwind of events leading to his promotion, Schultz drove across the border from Buffalo to Toronto after being informed of his call-up due to an injury to Nick Sandlin. He signed his major-league contract just hours before taking the mound. His effective changeup and ability to maintain composure under pressure earned him praise from manager John Schneider, marking a memorable start to his MLB career. This outing also ties him with several other notable pitchers in Blue Jays history.