Game of the Week: April 6: TOR @ TEX

[Commissioner Erick]

Toronto Blue Jays (1-2) @ Texas Rangers (1-2)


TOR: Dave Bounds (0-0, 0.00)
TEX: Josh Butler (0-0, 0.00)


Blue Jays 5 Key Stats:


.113: The combined Batting Average to start the year for Toronto's 4-8 hitters, Gary Sanchez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Jahmain Jones, Yusniel Diaz, and Federico Pando.

7: The number of right-handed hitters Toronto is expected to start against the right-handed Josh Butler.

6: Jake Burger's RBI total to begin the season, which leads the AL in the early going. Hitting .385, Burger is off to a hot start.

0: Career Major League Games for Blue Jays starter Dave Bounds

.364: The Batting Average for Taylor Walls after a disappointing .229 average in 2025.


Rangers 5 Key Stats:


6: The number of regulars batting .231 or lower after the initial weekend.

.372: Jurrickson Profar's Slugging Percentage in Triple-A Columbus last season. Profar has returned to the majors this year and is Texas' starting Third Baseman.

2022: The last year Texas had a primary Third Baseman who was the same starter as the year before. Kyle Seager was Texas' Third Baseman that year. Since then, they've used Evan Longoria, Gregory Guerrero, and Nick Senzel.

3: Rookies on the Texas staff this year: relievers Luke Shilling, Mike Stangeland, and tonight's starter Josh Butler.

12: Platinum Stick Awards among Texas' starting lineup. Kyle Lewis, Raimfer Salinas, and Jurrickson Profar are the only regulars without Platinum Stick Awards.


Questions for the GMs:


For Ben Smaller, Dave Bounds was claimed off waivers late in Spring Training. What do you like about him?

You're facing a pitcher whose nickname is Genghis Khan. Does that intimidate you at all?

Michael Kopech was your closer last year, and was a good one. Why have you moved to Corey Knebel as your closer this year?

For Clayton Piper, you're going with a rookie making his major league debut in Josh Butler today. What are you looking for in him?

Why the decision to go with Profar as your Third Baseman?

Mark Appel hasn't pitched in the majors since 2023. What did you see in him that caused you to resign him?


TRIVIA: Nomar Mazara is third All-Time in RBIs for a Right Fielder with 739. Unsurprisingly Bryce Harper is first with 1048. Who is second?

[Commissioner Erick]

Rangers 9 - Blue Jays 1

WP: R. Stephenson (1-0)
LP: D. Bounds (0-1)


The Texas Rangers and starting pitcher Robert Stephenson stifled the Toronto offense en route to a comfortable 9-1 win at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The victory makes Texas 2-2.

Raimfer Salinas took Dave Bounds deep in the bottom of the second. His 2-run home run put the Rangers on top, 3-1. In all, Salinas had 1 single in addition to the home run, while going 2 for 3.

Toronto manager Ben Smaller said his team was "out of sync."


Questions for the GMs


For Ben Smaller, really rough day for Dave Bounds. Do you think he has big league stuff or was this just a case of nerves for a player making his debut?

Your lineup is very right-handed and struggled against Stephenson. Do you feel that you need to balance it out?

Your offense has scuffled the first few games. Will you try anything to turn it around?

For Clayton Piper, you signed Stephenson just a day ago. Were you waiting for his compensation pick to expire?

How big was it to see Jurrickson Profar club a three-run home run for you, knowing that your third base position may not be as robust as some teams.

How do you feel that your new additions have looked this year?


TRIVIA: Robert Stephenson is one of several 2025 NL All Star pitchers to change teams this year. Who is the other 2025 All-Star pitcher to have changed from an NL team to an AL team though?

[Commissioner Erick]

Trivia 1: Ben correctly guessed Alex Verdugo

Trivia 2: Luke correctly guessed Sean Newcomb