Toronto

Toronto Blue Jays: the biggest games of the 2016 season

The Blue Jays play ball today in Tampa, but Toronto fans will have to wait until Friday for the team to play its home opener.

Jays face Boston Red Sox in April 8 home opener

MVP Josh Donaldson and slugger Jose Bautista hope to lead the Blue Jays back to the playoffs this season. (Tom Szczerbowski/Getty)

The Blue Jays play ball today in Tampa, but Toronto fans will have to wait until Friday for the team to play its home opener.

The Jays made the playoffs for the first time in over a decade last season before losing to the Kansas City Royals in the American League Championship series.

Fans have high hopes for this year's team, as well, which features the same powerful lineup and an exciting young pitching staff.

Here are five of the biggest home games and series coming up for the Blue Jays this summer.

Home opener — April 8

Expect a packed Rogers Centre for the home opener on April 8. (John Rieti/CBC)

The Rogers Centre will be packed and roaring on Friday when the Blue Jays take on the Boston Red Sox.

The home opener, usually one of the rowdiest games of the season, may be extra spicy as David Price returns to Toronto for the first time since being acquired by the rival Sox in the offseason.

He looked better in blue, no? (Leon Halip/Getty)

Return of the Texans — May 2-4

Sorry, Texas. Toronto will never get tired of this picture. (Tom Szczerbowski/Getty)

Jose Bautista's glorious home run (and famous bat flip) effectively ended the Rangers season last year. Expect the Rangers to arrive in Toronto looking for revenge.

Battle for the crown — July 4-6

The Blue Jays will get their first shot at retribution when they take on the Kansas City Royals at home.

There was plenty of bad blood between these two excellent teams last season, so expect some exciting games.

Trade time — July 31

The addition of Troy Tulowitzki, centre, bolstered an already potent offence last season. (LM Otero/Associated Press)

Jays fans were delighted at the last trade deadline as their team went out and acquired big names like Price and Troy Tulowitzki.

Will the team be making more moves at this year's deadline?

American League East fight — Various dates, September

The Jays will need a strong September if they're going to win the American League East for the second straight year. The Jays will play 13 home games against divisional rivals.

September's home games could make or break the Blue Jays' season. (Darren Calabrese/Canadian Press)