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Today begins the playoffs proper. The first game of the day will be a match-up between the Rangers and the Blue Jays. The Blue Jays were the second best team in the AL with a 93-69 record. The Rangers made a late surge to win the AL West with an 88-74 record. While they did win their division they only had a +18 run differential. In contrast the Blue Jays finished with an MLB best +221 run differential. The next closest team were the St. Louis Cardinals with just a +122 differential.
Former Brewers pitcher Yovani Gallardo will take the mound for the Rangers. His season with the Rangers statistically resembles his most recent seasons with the Brewers in that he went for a more contact oriented approach. He finished with a 3.42 ERA. His opponent will be potential Cy Young winner David Price. He was acquired by the Blue Jays in a deadline deal from the Tigers. On the season he has a 2.45 ERA.
Gallardo isn't the only former Brewers taking part in this game. Check out JP's article to find out about the rest.