The Toronto Blue Jays begin another important series on Friday when they visit the Texas Rangers.
At almost any other point in the season, a three-game series in Texas would simply be another stop on the schedule.
In September, it could help determine whether Toronto plays postseason baseball.
The Blue Jays face the Rangers on September 18, 19 and 20 at Globe Life Field, giving Toronto three opportunities to strengthen its position in a crowded American League playoff race.
Why This Series Matters So Much
There are not many games left.
That changes everything.
A team sitting one game outside a playoff position in May has months to recover. A team in the same situation during the second half of September does not have that luxury.
Toronto entered this week battling Cleveland for the final American League Wild Card position.
That means the Blue Jays have reached the stage where winning a series is far more valuable than simply avoiding a sweep.
Taking two or three games in Texas could provide a major boost.
Texas Has Its Own Reasons to Fight
The Rangers are not simply waiting for Toronto to arrive.
Texas also entered the final weeks of the season with an interest in the Wild Card picture.
That makes the series particularly dangerous.
Teams that have nothing left to play for can still be difficult opponents, but facing another club with postseason ambitions adds another level of pressure.
Every run becomes more important.
Every bullpen decision receives more attention.
And every mistake can affect the standings.
Toronto Needs Consistency
The Blue Jays have shown throughout the season that they can compete with strong teams.
The problem has often been consistency.
September rewards teams capable of putting together winning streaks.
Toronto does not necessarily need to dominate every opponent. It needs to avoid extended losing stretches.
A 4-2 week can create momentum. A 2-4 week at this stage can create a serious problem.
That is why the Rangers series deserves so much attention.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Can Change the Race
Toronto will naturally look toward its biggest offensive players.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. remains capable of changing a game instantly, and his production becomes even more important during the final stretch.
But Toronto cannot rely on Guerrero alone.
The most dangerous playoff teams tend to receive contributions from different parts of their lineup.
A home run from the bottom of the order or a two-out hit with runners in scoring position can be just as important as a superstar performance.
Starting Pitching Becomes Even More Important
A strong starting pitcher can completely change a September series.
Toronto wants to avoid asking its bullpen to cover too many innings, particularly with games being played on consecutive days.
The Blue Jays are scheduled to play Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Texas before travelling to Baltimore for another series beginning Monday.
There is little recovery time.
Getting deep outings from the rotation could therefore have an impact beyond a single game.
Blue Jays Fans Will Be Watching Cleveland Too
This is one of the strange realities of a playoff race.
Toronto fans will be watching the Blue Jays, but they will also be checking scores from elsewhere.
If Cleveland loses while Toronto wins, the Wild Card picture can change overnight.
If both teams win, nothing changes.
And if Toronto loses while Cleveland wins, the gap becomes increasingly uncomfortable.
Scoreboard watching is now officially part of the season.
Blue Jays vs Rangers Weekend Schedule
The three-game series begins Friday, September 18 at Globe Life Field.
Toronto and Texas play again Saturday before completing the series Sunday afternoon.
From a Canadian perspective, it is one of the most important MLB series of the weekend.
The Blue Jays have spent months putting themselves in position to challenge for October baseball.
Now they have to finish the job.