For the first time since 2016, there will be playoff baseball in Toronto.
The Blue Jays have clinched not only a spot in the 2022 MLB postseason, but also home field advantage in their Wild Card Series matchup, as Toronto is locked in as the top wild-card team in the American League.
Up first for the Blue Jays in the postseason is the Mariners, who are making their first postseason appearance since 2001. Seattle is locked into the second wild card spot, surpassing the Rays for that seed.
While the Blue Jays could not catch the Yankees in the AL East divisional race, they have secured themselves a great opportunity to win a playoff series for the first time in six years. The last time the team earned a postseason series win was in 2016, when they knocked off the Orioles in the 2016 AL wild-card game thanks to Edwin Encarnacion's walk-off homer in the 11th, and then swept the Rangers in the ALDS.
The last time Rogers Centre was home to playoff ball was in the 2016 ALCS, when Cleveland knocked Toronto off in five games, eliminating the club on their home turf.
MORE: When do the 2022 MLB playoffs start? Dates, TV schedule and bracket
Here is a look at the Blue Jays' playoff schedule and potential opponents.
Blue Jays playoff schedule
The dates for the Blue Jays' Wild Card Series are set, as the team will start the best-of-three set with Game 1 on Friday, Oct. 7, Game 2 on Saturday, Oct. 8 and a potential Game 3 on Sunday, Oct. 9.
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | Matchup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Friday, Oct. 7 | FINAL | Mariners 4, Blue Jays 0 |
| Game 2 | Saturday, Oct. 8 | 4:07 p.m. | Blue Jays vs. Mariners |
| Game 3* (if necessary) | Sunday, Oct. 9 | 2:07 p.m. | Blue Jays vs. Mariners |
Blue Jays playoff opponent
It will be the Blue Jays taking on the Mariners in the AL Wild Card round.
The two teams met seven times during the regular season, with Seattle coming out on top in five of those contests. The Blue Jays defeated them in the first two games, but the Mariners have ripped off five straight against Canada's team, including a series sweep in July.
Blue Jays Game 1 starting pitcher
The Blue Jays have their ace going in to kick off the Mariners series, as Alek Manoah was officially announced as the Game 1 starter for Toronto.
OFFICIAL: The Man(oah) takes the mound in Game One 😤 #NextLevel pic.twitter.com/8L2vANdYl3
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) October 5, 2022
In his second season in the big leagues, the righty has been sensational, posting a 2.24 ERA with a 16-7 record and 0.992 WHIP. He earned his first All-Star selection and now will be getting the nod for his playoff start.
How to watch the Blue Jays in the MLB playoffs
- TV channel: Sportsnet
- Live stream: SN NOW
Sportsnet has been the home of the Blue Jays all season, and will continue to be during the postseason.
The Wild Card Series for Toronto will be aired live on Sportsnet, and also available to stream on SN NOW.
Buck Martinez, Pat Tabler and Hazel Mae will be the broadcast crew for those games. Dan Shulman will be doing games for ESPN radio and will be unavailable to work on the Sportsnet broadcasts during the postseason.
