TORONTO - Despite their thrilling second-half push to the post-season, it appears the Toronto Blue Jays are not ready for prime time.
Start times for the first three games of the American League Division Series between Toronto and Texas were released Monday, and the Blue Jays' early slot in Major League Baseball's post-season lineup might be disappointing to fans who snagged elusive playoff tickets or planned to catch the game at a local bar after work.
Game 1 on Thursday at Rogers Centre will start at 3:37 p.m. if the Houston Astros beat the New York Yankees in the AL wild-card game, and 4:07 p.m. if the Yankees are victorious.
The start for Game 2 on Friday is less favourable, with a 12:45 p.m. first pitch, meaning those caught in the 9-to-5 rat race may have to miss the game or try to monitor it at work.
Game 3 in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday, a day when when a matinee might be appealing to fans, will take place at 8 p.m. ET. Games 4 and 5, if necessary, have not yet been assigned a start time.
The Blue Jays are playing in the post-season for the first time since 1993, and their run to the AL East title has created a major buzz in a city desperate for a winning team.
