Milwaukee Brewers: Former Brewer Marco Estrada Will Start Game 1

Today will be an interesting day for Milwaukee Brewers fans. Not only are the former Brewers from Kansas City playing in their second straight American League Championship Series, but a former face will be on the mound for the Toronto Blue Jays in Marco Estrada. While I still would make the Adam Lind for Marco Estrada trade in a heartbeat, here is a look at how Estrada went from fifth starter/swing man to earn this ever important start.

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In short this season, Estrada was arguably the most impressive Blue Jay all year long. In 34 appearances (28 starts) Estrada went a career best 13-8 with a 3.13 ERA (also a career best). By attacking hitters, Estrada was not the batting practice, home run tosser that he was often in 2014 when he allowed a league leading 29 home runs, but instead he was nearly unhittable at times. Twice taking no-hitters deep into games, Estrada led the league allowing the least amount of hits per nine innings with a 6.7 average.

In a do or die game three, Estrada was excellent to keep the Blue Jays alive in the ALDS. He allowed just one run through 6.1 innings to give the Blue Jays a victory. Estrada will face Edinson Volquez in his match-up tonight, a pitcher who is coming off of a strong outing of his own.

While I still have no regrets on the trade considering the season that Lind was able to put up in Milwaukee and the team’s dire need for a first baseman, it will be exciting to see if Estrada can keep it rolling as the post season continues and he looks to lead the Blue Jays to their first World Series since 1993.

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