The Toronto Blue Jays wrap up their Sunday afternoon homestand with a 3:07 PM ET first pitch against the Cincinnati Reds at Rogers Centre on September 27, 2026. Max Scherzer gets the ball for Toronto opposite Cincinnati left-hander Brandon Williamson. With the regular season winding down, every game carries weight in the standings, making this a critical afternoon for a Jays club looking to close out its home schedule on a strong note. Catch the action on Sportsnet or TVA Sports, or tune in on SN590 THE FAN.
Pitching Matchup: Scherzer vs. Williamson
Max Scherzer on the mound at Rogers Centre is an event in itself. A veteran presence with a career built on sustained excellence, Scherzer brings a competitive edge that elevates his teammates regardless of the moment. The right-hander is known for attacking the strike zone and working efficiently deep into ballgames — exactly what the Jays need in a meaningful late-September start.
Brandon Williamson lines up for Cincinnati and presents a legitimate challenge. The left-hander has the stuff to keep Toronto's lineup honest, and the Jays will need to be disciplined at the plate early to get into the Reds bullpen on a short rest day.
Keys to Watch for Toronto
- Scherzer's command: When Scherzer is locating his fastball and slider consistently, he limits hard contact and keeps pitch counts manageable. Monitor how sharp he is in the first two innings — that often sets the tone for his entire outing.
- Jays lineup vs. left-handed pitching: Williamson is a southpaw, which could influence Toronto's lineup construction. Watch how the Jays deploy their right-handed bats to maximize the platoon advantage.
- Bullpen load management: With the regular season nearly complete, the Jays' front office will be balancing the desire to win with protecting arms headed into the offseason. If Scherzer exits early, the bullpen usage will be telling.
- Rogers Centre crowd energy: A strong home finish matters for this group. A loud Rogers Centre crowd on a Sunday afternoon can be a genuine factor, especially in a tight, low-scoring game.
Prediction
Scherzer against a Reds team on the road is a matchup that favors Toronto. The veteran right-hander has the experience and the competitive drive to deliver a quality start, and the Jays should be able to generate enough offense against Williamson to win the ballgame. Expect a tightly contested first five innings before Toronto's lineup finds a way to break through. Blue Jays win, 4–2.
