Marcus Stroman Blue Jays 2015
The Blue Jays and starter Marcus Stroman try to avoid an 0-2 series hole to the Texas Rangers in Game 2 of the American League Division Series Friday afternoon. Getty Images

Following a poor performance from their ace and injuries to their biggest bats, the heavily favored Toronto Blue Jays attempt to climb out of an early 0-1 hole against the Texas Rangers in Game 2 of the American League Division Series Friday afternoon at Rogers Centre.

Ace David Price gave up five earned, including two home runs, and star third baseman Josh Donaldson and outfielder Jose Bautista each left early in Game 1’s 5-3 loss. Donaldson left in the fourth inning after taking a knee to the head while trying to slide and breakup a double play. However manager John Gibbons said Friday morning that Donaldson should be able play.

Bautista is also expected to play, and Gibbons said he was only pulled in the eighth inning due to a calf strain as a precaution.

The Blue Jays next turn to Marcus Stroman, the 24-year-old with a perfect 4-0 record and 1.67 ERA, who miraculously returned from a torn ACL early in September.

Texas overcame the previously dominate Price, but also suffered an injury to third baseman Adrian Beltre. He’s listed as day-to-day with a lower back strain and could miss Game 2. Rangers manager Jeff Banister could start Hanser Alberto if Beltre sits.

Beltre’s single to center in the third inning put the Rangers up 2-0, catcher Robinson Chirinos smoked a 393-foot home run in the fifth, and second baseman Rougned Odor’s seventh inning solo shot sew up the victory.

With the Rangers offense clicking even without heavy production from Beltre, starter Cole Hamels guns for a 2-0 lead before the series turns back to Texas for Game 3 on Sunday.

The former Phillies hero has a 7-1 record and 3.66 ERA with 78 strikeouts over 12 starts with Texas.

First Pitch: 12:45 p.m. ET

TV Channel: MLB Network

Live Online: MLB Network Online