After a huge win yesterday thanks to 7 strong innings from Jose Soriano and a clutch base hit off the bat of Alejandro Kirk, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the winning streak to 2 games and notch their 22nd series win of the season. On yet another bullpen day, Brayden Fisher got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Charles McAdoo was in LF, Myles Straw was in CF and Brett Bateman was in RF. Alejandro Kirk got the half day off as DH. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 22nd series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- Brayden Fisher pitching line: 1IP 0H 0H 0BB 1K 18 pitches (12 for strikes)
- The A's opened the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd as Henry Bolte belted a solo jack to left-center
- The A's added a run in the bottom of the 4th as Tommy white scored on a wild pitch by Micheal Lorenzen
- Brady Basso pitching line: 4IP 3H 0R 2BB 4K 68 pitches (41 for strikes)
- Elvis Alvarado threw a scoreless 9th for his 6th save of the season.
- Final score: A's 2 Blue Jays 0
My Take:
- Brayden Fisher threw a perfect 1st on yet another bullpen day. It is very likely that the Blue Jays are going to end 2026 the way they started it - with at least 1 bullpen day on the final week of the season. Trey Yesavage is trying to target the last week of the season to come off the IL, but he's coming off knee surgery and won't have the time to build back up to a starters capacity. Shane Bieber might be able to provide a bit more length but is likely done for the seaon. Cody Ponce won't be ready to return from ACL surgery unless the Blue jays go on another deep playoff run. The bullpen is already running on fumes and you want to get them some rest so they can be effective in the playoffs. The Blue Jays may not have the luxury to do that.
- The bullpen gave up a further 2 runs on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 4. Don't be surprised if Michael Lorenzen is optioned or DFA'd on Friday. The Blue Jays can't afford to drop any games as they chase a wild card spot. Also not sure why Tyler Rogers and Louis Varland pitched today when the series against the Orioles is looming large and you want your top relievers well rested and at their best against a team that will no doubt relish deadline a huge blow to a division rivals playoff chances.
- The offense didn't do much. The lack of speed of Alejandro Kirk stopped them from tying the game in the top of the 4th. Vlad killed 2 potential rallies with ground outs to end the inning. The Blue jays need Vlad to get his bat going and fast. Likewise for George Springer and Ernie Clement and the other bats in the lineup that have been inconsistent this season
- The Blue Jays were a perfect 3-3 on ABS challenge. The A's did not attempt an ABS challenge
- The Blue Jays were 2-4 with runners in scoring position
- In terms of the wild card race, the Blue Jays dropped a half game and sit 1.5 games back of the Guardians, who have the opportunity to end the night with a 2 game cushion over the blue Jays if they beat Baltimore, who could fall to 5 games back of the Guardians for the 3rd WC spot with a loss. The Twins (lost today) are 5 games back of the 3rd WC spot and will gain or drop a half game depending on what the Guardians do tonight. The Rangers (lost today) are also 1.5 games back of the Guardians for the 3rd WC spot and will gain or drop a half game depending on what the Guardians do tonight.
- Up next, after an off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays open a crucial week long home stand starting Friday against the Orioles. The Blue jays have won 4 of the first 7 games in the season series, but the Orioles have outscored the Blue Jays 42-33. Chris Bassitt starts for the Orioles. The Blue Jays haven't set their rotation for the series yet, but Max Scherzer could very well get the nod.
