The Toronto Blue Jays return to Rogers Centre on Thursday, August 27 to host the Kansas City Royals in a 7:07 PM ET first pitch. Spencer Arrighetti gets the ball for Toronto against Kansas City's Noah Cameron. With the regular season in its final stretch, every game carries weight, and the Jays will be looking to take care of business at home in front of their fans. Catch the action on Sportsnet, SN590 The FAN, or 96.5 The Fan.

Starting Pitchers: Spencer Arrighetti vs. Noah Cameron

Arrighetti draws the start for the Blue Jays. He is a right-handed pitcher who joined Toronto's rotation and will look to keep Kansas City's lineup in check throughout the night. On the other side, Noah Cameron climbs the hill for the Royals. Neither pitcher's current season stats were made available ahead of this preview, so the matchup is one to watch closely from the opening pitch. Both starters will be tested by lineups with legitimate pop.

Kansas City Lineup: Bobby Witt Jr. Is the Danger Man

The Royals bring a lineup that demands respect. Bobby Witt Jr. slots in at second in the order and at shortstop — he is the engine of this Kansas City offense and one of the most dynamic players in the American League. Jac Caglianone hits third and provides power from the right side, while Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez round out a dangerous middle of the order. Arrighetti will need to be sharp early and avoid letting Witt Jr. set the table repeatedly.

Toronto Lineup: Vladdy and Kirk Look to Carry the Offence

The Jays send out a lineup built around Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hitting second behind leadoff man Charles McAdoo at second base. Alejandro Kirk slots in third, with George Springer getting the DH spot hitting cleanup. Kazuma Okamoto holds down third base and bats fifth. The bottom of the order features Ernie Clement at short, Daz Cameron in left, Myles Straw in centre, and Nathan Lukes in right. Toronto needs its core — Guerrero and Kirk in particular — to put pressure on Cameron early and often.

Keys to Watch Thursday Night

• Contain Witt Jr.: Bobby Witt Jr. is the Royals' most dangerous weapon. Keeping him off the bases limits Kansas City's ability to manufacture runs and set up their middle-of-the-order hitters.
• Arrighetti's command: Without a deep bullpen advantage guaranteed, Arrighetti logging quality innings is critical. Extended starts from the starter help protect the 'pen late in a tight regular-season race.
• Springer's bat: With Guerrero and Kirk ahead of him, a productive George Springer in the cleanup spot could unlock the middle of this Toronto lineup in a big way.
• McAdoo at the top: Charles McAdoo leads off and sets the tone. His ability to get on base early gives Guerrero an opportunity to drive in a run right away.

Prediction

The Jays are at home, and Rogers Centre should provide some energy on a Thursday night. Toronto's lineup has enough firepower to solve a starter they have not seen regularly. If Arrighetti throws strikes and avoids the Witt Jr.-led portion of that Kansas City lineup, the Blue Jays have the edge here. Expect a competitive game, but back Toronto to come through at home. Blue Jays 5, Royals 3.