MLB·Tale of the Tape

Blue Jays, Rangers set for ALDS battle

The Toronto Blue Jays begin their post-season against the Texas Rangers on Thursday. While the Jays took the MLB regular-season series 4-2, Texas should prove to be a formidable foe. Here's how the two teams match up.

Both teams bring plenty of fire power

Toronto Blue Jays slugger Josh Donaldson, left, and Texas Rangers first baseman Prince Fielder will be expected to provide power to their respective teams in the ALDS that starts Thursday. (Associated Press)

The Toronto Blue Jays, after a 22-year absence, return to the post-season this week first the first time since winning the World Series in 1993.

The Jays (93-69), the American League East champions, will host their West division counterparts the Texas Rangers (88-74) in Game 1 of the MLB playoffs on Thursday at Rogers Centre. The opening game will be played at 3:37 p.m. ET, if the Houston Astros defeat the New York Yankees in Tuesday's wild-card game. Should the Yankees emerge victorious, the Jays and Rangers will play at 4:07 p.m. ET.

While the Jays took the season series 4-2 against the Rangers, Texas should prove to be a formidable foe.

Here's how the two teams stack up for their American League Divisional Series: