MLB : Blue Jays-Royals in ALCS Rematch

Jose Bautista won't be playing. Neither will Chris Colabello or Ryan Goins. Otherwise, it'll be a rematch of last year's American League Championship Series when the Toronto Blue Jays host the Kansas City Royals this Wednesday, starting at 7:07 PM ET on Sportsnet. This is the finale of a three-game set at Rogers Centre; Toronto won Monday's opener 6-2 as a –200 favourite.

Wednesday's matchup features Marcus Stroman (3.92 FIP) pitching for the Blue Jays against Ian Kennedy (5.21 FIP). If you look just at ERA, Kennedy appears to be the better pitcher this year at 4.04 to Stroman's 5.08. However, ERA isn't the best predictor of future performance. Stroman has been saddled with an unfortunate .317 BABIP (Batting Average on Balls In Play), while Kennedy has enjoyed a friendly .258 BABIP, with 83.9% of runners left on base compared to 64.8% for Stroman.

The Jays expect to be without Bautista (.815 OPS) until after the All-Star break, as he recovers from a case of turf toe. Colabello (.886 OPS last year) isn't due back from his 80-game PED suspension until July 23, and Goins (.524 OPS) is on the 15-day DL with tightness in his forearm.

MLB Odds: Stroman Looking for Luck Versus Royals
Marcus Stroman (3.92 FIP) will take the mound for the Toronto Blue Jays Wednesday night when they face Ian Kennedy (5.21 FIP) and the Kansas City Royals in a rematch of last year's ALCS. First pitch is at 7:07 PM ET on Sportsnet.

Stroman has pitched fairly well, but his ERA has ballooned to 5.08, thanks in part to an unsightly .317 BABIP. Kennedy has had more luck with balls in play; his 4.04 ERA masks a rather fortunate .258 BABIP. The Royals have lost four of Kennedy's last six appearances, with just one quality start during that stretch.