Toronto Blue Jays: Why starting Matt Shoemaker in Game 1 makes sense

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 09: Starting pitcher Matt Shoemaker #34 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches in the bottom of the second inning of the game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on August 09, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)

The Toronto Blue Jays open up the Wild Card round on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Jays announced that they are starting Matt Shoemaker in Game 1 over Hyun Jin-Ryu. Many Jays fans are likely to be skeptical about the decision, but I am going to tell you why I absolutely love it.