The Toronto Blue Jays are in a tight race for the postseason as they continue their series against the Boston Red Sox. After a recent 4-1 loss to the Red Sox, the Blue Jays are looking to regain their footing in the American League East. They currently hold a slim lead over the New York Yankees, who are just one game behind. With only five games left in the regular season, the Blue Jays need to secure wins to avoid being pushed into a wild-card series.

In the second game of the series on Wednesday night, the Blue Jays will start veteran right-hander Max Scherzer. Scherzer is aiming to recover from a challenging outing against the Kansas City Royals, where he allowed seven runs in less than an inning. If he struggles again, it could jeopardize his spot in the postseason rotation. The Blue Jays are also considering Shane Bieber and Kevin Gausman for the first two games of a potential playoff series, with rookie Trey Yesavage as a candidate for a third game.

Scherzer has not faced the Red Sox this season, but historically, he has struggled against them, holding a 5-6 record with a 5.67 ERA in 13 starts. On the opposing side, the Red Sox will send ace left-hander Garrett Crochet to the mound. Crochet has been impressive this season, boasting a 2.69 ERA and only allowing more than three runs in two games since July.

The Blue Jays have faced additional challenges recently, including controversial calls by umpires that have frustrated fans and players alike. In a recent game, a critical call occurred when George Springer hit a ball that appeared to be fair down the third base line. Umpire Scott Barry ruled it foul, which wiped out two potential runs for the Blue Jays. Manager John Schneider expressed his disappointment, stating, "I thought it was fair. People in our replay room thought it was fair."

Another contentious moment involved center fielder Daulton Varsho, who dove for a line drive that umpires ruled he trapped rather than caught. Despite a challenge, the call stood, leading to further frustration among the team and its supporters. Broadcasters also questioned the decision, with one commentator calling it "absolutely terrible."

In a separate incident against the Tampa Bay Rays, a fan interference call added to the confusion. After a fan caught a ball that could have been a home run, umpires ruled it fan interference but also stated it would have been a home run regardless. This decision left many puzzled, as it contradicted the typical interpretation of fan interference rules.

As the Blue Jays prepare for their upcoming games, they hope to overcome both their on-field challenges and the recent officiating controversies. The team will finish the regular season with a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays starting Friday, with their postseason hopes hanging in the balance.