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ALCS 2016: 5 reasons Blue Jays will win

By Joshua Sadlock

October 6, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (2) safe at third after hitting a three run RBI triple in the third inning against the Texas Rangers during game one of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
October 6, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (2) safe at third after hitting a three run RBI triple in the third inning against the Texas Rangers during game one of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 7, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber walks to the dugout after being relieved in the eight inning against the Boston Red Sox during game two of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber walks to the dugout after being relieved in the eight inning against the Boston Red Sox during game two of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Kluber struggles against the Blue Jays

Cleveland is down to their last ace, Corey Kluber. With Danny Salazar and Carlos Carrasco on the shelf with season-ending arm injuries, Kluber came up huge for the Indians every time he took the ball in the second half. With an 18-9 record and an ERA very close to 3.00, the right-hander is once again in the conversation for the AL Cy Young.

While Kluber has been great against nearly everyone in the league, he has had his struggles against the Blue Jays. In five career starts against Toronto, Kluber is 1-3 with a 5.34 ERA. He took the loss at the Rogers Centre on July 3, allowing five runs in only 3.1 innings. Kluber allowed four walks and a home run in that short start.

Kluber will take the ball in Game 1, looking to get his team off to a good start. The Blue Jays will look to jump him early as they did in July. Collectively, the current Toronto roster has a .281/.333/.490 line against Kluber, with Josh Donaldson and Michael Saunders leading the charge. Another factor working against Kluber will be the cool October air.

He typically starts the season slow in April and May, and is pitching deep into the year for the first time. Kluber relies heavily on a power curveball and cutter. If the cold weather affects his ability to grip the baseball to throw his best pitches, his command may suffer.

With two of their best pitchers hurting, the Indians have to be able to count on Kluber to shut down the Blue Jays at least twice in this series to have a shot at winning. If history is any indicator, that will be very difficult for the talented pitcher to do.

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