Jays in the House: May 2019

Friday, May 31, 2019

#57 - Toronto Blue Jays (21-35) at Colorado Rockies (28-27)

Friday, May 31, 2019 | 8:40 pm ET

Coors Field | Denver, Colorado

Edwin Jackson (0-2, 9.00, 1.64) vs. German Marquez (5-2, 3.56, 1.12)

PREAMBLE:

After a day off in Colorado (hopefully, not to seek out legal pot shops in town), the Blue Jays look to remove the stench of a series sweep in Tampa and take on the Rockies in a three-game interleague series. The Jays have an all-time record of 11-7 against the Rockies and won two out of three the last time the teams met in 2016, which featured Tulo's return to Colorado (yes, he hit a HR in that series).

Edwin Jackson takes a career 2-4, 9.63 record against the Rockies (including 0-3, 12.71 in Denver) into tonight's matchup against a rising star, German Marquez. Marquez is going to be tough to matchup against, not just on the mound, but also at the plate where he's hitting .444 with 9 RBIs in the month of May. These 9 RBIs are the highest total for a pitcher in any month since 1973.

Warm up the bullpen early, Charlie.

Game #56 Toronto Blue Jays (21-35) @ Tampa Bay Rays (34-19) - game recap

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. scored twice and drove in the other Blue Jays run on a 2-run HR as the Blue Jays fell 4-3 to the Rays in 11 innings

After dropping the first two games of the series, the Blue Jays were looking to avoid being swept by the Rays, who have had their number seemingly since they joined the league in 1998. Tonight saw the Blue Jays facing ace Blake Snell, while countering with rookie Trent Thornton. Both Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Cavam Biggio were out of the lineup to start this one. After today's game, the Blue Jays will enjoy a day off in Colorado (and certainly a number of the team will take in the Toronto Raptors game.) The off day could not come at a better time with the team suffering from a virus making its way through the clubhouse and players banged up. The Blue Jays best rest up because they will go through a 15 day stretch between off days from June 11-26. Could the Blue Jays escape Tampa Bay with a win? Here is today's game recap.

#56 - Toronto Blue Jays (21-34) at Tampa Bay Rays (33-19)

Wednesday, May 29, 2019 | 7:10 pm

The place where nobody goes | St. Petersburg, FL

Trent Thornton (1-4, 4.42, 1.27) vs. Blake Snell (3-4, 3.07, 1.01)

PREAMBLE:

After losing game 2 of the series in front a record-low Tropicana Field attendance of 5,786, the Blue Jays look to salvage the finale against the Rays before splitting town to Colorado.

Trent Thornton has the unenviable task of going up against reigning Cy Young winner Blake Snell on the mound for tonight's game, though Snell hasn't so far appeared to be quite as dominant as he was last season. Worth remembering that the Jays did win the last time they faced Snell in April, a 3-1 decision, though they scored their three runs after Snell was pulled from the game.

Game #55 Toronto Blue Jays (21-34) @ Tampa Bay Rays (33-19) - game recap

Avisail Garcia scored two of the Rays runs, including an inside the park home run that proved to be the game-winning run as the Rays knocked off the Blue Jays 3-1

After a suboptimal game that saw Aaron Sanchez and Jacob Waguespack went down with separate finger avulsion and shoulder injuries. Cavan Biggio sat out tonight, suffering from the virus making it's way through the Blue Jays clubhouse. Danny Jansen was back behind the plate, and Justin Smoak was back in the lineup after both sat out yesterday. Zac Rosscup was DFA'd to make room for righty reliever Justin Shafer. Could the Blue Jays tie the series? Here is today's game recap.

Tuesday, May 28, 2019 | 7:10 pm

House of Horrors | Tampa, Florida

Clayton Richard (0-0, 2.25, 1.00) vs. Ryne Stanek (0-1, 3.18, 1.06)

PREAMBLE:

Just as the game started to appear within reach of the Blue Jays in yesterday's series opener, the Rays yanked back the $20 on a string and the game got out of control in the end. Today, the Jays look to avoid getting stringed along and even up the series.

Clayton Richard had a decent first start last week and looks to build upon that with, hopefully, a longer outing as he takes the ball for the Jays tonight. His counterpart, Ryne Stanek, is opening the game for the Rays for about the 897th time in the past two years (or so it seems).

Game #54 Toronto Blue Jays (21-33) @ Tampa Bay Rays (32-19) - game recap

Austin Meadows was 3-5 with a run scored and 3 RBI as the Rays knocked off the Blue Jays 8-3

After a rough homestand, where the Blue Jays lost 5 of 7, the team headed to their road house of horrors in Tropicana Field. The Blue Jays won just twice in nine tries at the Trop in 2018. The stadium is notorious for quirky outs and knocking down home run balls. Aaron Sanchez got the start. Jusrin Smoak got the complete day iff with Rowdy Tellez at first base and Cavan Biggio at DH. Could the Blue Jays tame the Trop? Here is today's game recap.

No, not going to let you forget this, Tommy...

Monday, May 27, 2019 | 1:10 pm

Tropicana Field | Tampa, Florida

Aaron Sanchez (3-4, 3.79, 1.46) vs. Yonny Chirinos (5-1, 3.20, 0.91)

PREAMBLE:

After salvaging the finale of a series against the Padres with a huge offensive performance, the Blue Jays fly down to their all-time favourite ballpark, The Trop, which was also Charlie Montoyo's old stomping grounds for four seasons under Kevin Cash. This will be Charlie's first series in Tampa as a visiting manager.

Aaron Sanchez looks to keep the momentum going from his most recent start, a positive outing after breaking a fingernail in the previous start before that. He'll go up against Yonny Chirinos on the bump.

Here we are two months into the 2019 season. The Blue Jays are a full four games worse than they were a year ago (after 53 games last season, they were 25-28 vs 21-32 this season). A lot of the decline has to do with the roster turnover the last 18 months or so (JA Happ, Josh Donaldson, Troy Tulowitzki, Billy McKinney and Kevin Pillar have all been dealt, released or signed with another team in the off-season). The Blue Jays have several rookies that are playing on a given day. Starting pitcher Trent Thornton, reliever Elvis Luciano, 3rd baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 2nd baseman Cavan Biggio, 1B/DH Rowdy Tellez, C Danny Jansen, and CF Johnathan Davis are all in their rookie years. Injuries are another factor. The starting pitching has been decimated with injuries. Before spring training ended, the Blue Jays had Ryan Borucki, David Phelps (he was expected to miss time as he was recovering from TJ surgery), Clay Buchholz (is hurt again) and Clayton Richard on the IL. Matt Shoemaker tore his ACL in his 5th start in a Blue Jays uniform. Aaron Sanchez is continuing to have blister issues and stiffness in his surgically repaired finger. The Veterans have struggled at the plate too. Anyway, it was another busy week with lots to break down. Here are ten random thoughts from week 8 of the MLB.

Game #53 San Diego Padres (28-25) @ Toronto Blue Jays (21-32) - game recap

Justin Smoak had a pair of HR and 5RBI as the Blue Jays trounced the Padres 10-1

A day after being clobbered by the Padres, who set a new franchise record with 7 HR, the Blue Jays were looking to wrap up the homestand with a victory. This game was supposed to feature three of the great young prospects: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Cavan Biggio facing Padres righty Chris Paddack, but Paddack was a late scratch with a stiff neck. Eric Sogard was back in the lineup and batting leadoff after a few days off to rest his ailing thumb. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. got the half day off serving as the DH today. Could the Blue Jays avoid being swept? Prior to this one, Tim Mayza was put on the IL with a UCL issue. Here is today\s game recap.

Game Highlights:

The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Lourdes Gurriel Jr. scored on a fielder's choice hit by Brandon Drury
Robbie Erlin pitching line: 2IP 3H 1R (earned) 1BB 2K 41 pitches (21 for strikes)
The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 4th as Gurriel Jr. crushed a solo bomb to left
A batter later, Cavan Biggo hammered his first career HR off the right foul pole
The Padres got one back in the top of the 5th as Wil Myers annihilated one to the second deck in left-center
The Blue Jays got a pair of runs in the bottom of the 5th as Justin Smoak smoked a 2-run bomb to right center also scoring Eric Sogard
Three batters later, Gurriel Jr. doubled home Randal Grichuk
A batter later, Biggio singled scoring Gurriel Jr.
Marcus Stroman pitching line: 5IP 5H 1R (earned) 1BB 2K 89 pitches (53 for strikes)
The Blue Jays added a trio of runs in the bottom of the 8th as Smoak smoked a 3-run bomb to right also scoring Drury and Guerrero Jr.
Final score: Blue Jays 10 Padres 1

My Take:

Marcus Stroman had a solid outing giving up 1 run on 5 hits and a walk over five innings. I'm guessing Montoyo pulled Stroman a tad early for a couple of reasons. First, in both his last 2 starts, he threw over 100 pitches. Second, when Montoyo allowed Stroman to go out an extra inning, the opponent knocked him around. Stroman needs to learn that Montoyo is the boss and not have a hissy fit.
The bats came out and in a big way. The Blue Jays pounded 17 hits, scoring 10 times. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was a triple shy of the cycle. Vlad was 3-5, Biggio was 3-5, including his first carrer HR, Smoak unleashed separate three-run and two-run HR. Everyone in the lineup had at least one hit except Freddy Galvis and Danny Jansen.
A day after a horrendous performance, the bullpen shut down the Padres offence, limiting them to 5 hits over the game's final 4 innings.
Up next, the Blue Jays head to Tampa Bay for a matinee. Aaron Sanchez gets the start against the infamous Rays starter (probably Ryne Stanek or Yonny Chirnos).

#53 - San Diego Padres (28-24) at Toronto Blue Jays (20-32)

Hey, maybe their good fortune will rub off on the Jays today...

Sunday, May 26 , 2019 | 1:07 pm

Rogers Centre | Raptorland, ON

~~Chris Paddack~~ Robbie Erlin (0-0, 3.63, 1.16) vs. Marcus Stroman (2-6, 2.81, 1.34)

PREAMBLE:

Oh, there's a ballgame today? 90% of Toronto wouldn't even notice. Blue Jays, who?

Marcus Stroman takes the ball today as the Jays look to avoid getting swept by the Padres. ~~Hotshot rookie and intense cowboy Chris Paddack~~ Robbie Erlin is on the hill for the Pads, a late switch after Paddack was scratched with a stiff neck -- no wonder, he got whiplash watching the 7 HRs getting torched out of the ballpark in yesterday's game.

Game #52 San Diego Padres (28-24) @ Toronto Blue Jays (20-32) - game recap

Wil Myers was 2-2 with 4 runs scored and 4RBI as the Padres routed the Blue Jays 19-4

An intriguing pitching matchup for this one. Ex-Jays reliever Paul Quantrill's son, Cal Quantrill was ob the bump to start for the Padres against wily veteran Edwin Jackson, making his third start in a Blue Jays uniform. In an intriguing move, Cavan Biggio was moved up one spot in the batting order, batting 7th instead of 8th. Luke Maile got the start behind the plate.Could the Blue Jays even the weekend series? Here is today's game recap.

Saturday, May 25, 2019 | 3:07 pm

Rogers Centre | Toronto, Ontario

Cal Quantrill (0-2, 5.40, 1.73) vs. Edwin Jackson (0-1, 6.30, 1.50)

PREAMBLE:

The homecoming tour continues for the Padres as Paul Quantrill's boy, Cal, makes his first appearance in Toronto, a day after Josh Naylor made his homecoming. The Quantrills are from Port Hope, a hour or so east of Toronto.

The Blue Jays look to continue the youth movement as they take on the Padres in game two of a three-game series after losing the opener last night. Edwin Jackson will make his third Blue Jay start, going up against Quantrill.

Game #51 San Diego Padres (27-24) @ Toronto Blue Jays (20-31) - game recap

Hunter Renfroe cranked a three-run HR in the top of the 8th as the Padres doubled up on the Blue Jays 6-3

It was another big day for the Blue Jays rebuild project 2019. Cavan Biggio, son of Craig Biggio, made his big league debut batting 8th and playing second base. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. also returned to the Blue Jays lineup -- in the outfield. I'm really hoping Gurriel Jr. doesn't go the way of Chuck Knoblauch, who like Gurriel Jr. experienced the yips on defense, including a stint in the outfield. Billy McKinney and Richard Urena were both optioned to Buffalo. Ryan Feierabend was DFA'd after two suboptimal outings. Elvis Luciano was placed on the bereavement list, and waiver wire pickup, lefty Zac Rosscup was placed on the roster. Finally, Thomas Pannone was also called back up. The Padres also recalled their #9 prospect, fellow Canadian Josh Naylor, who was DH'ing and batting 6th tonight. Could the Blue Jays take the opener of this weekend series Here is today's game recap.

Friday, May 24, 2019 | 7:07 pm

Rogers Centre | Toronto, ON

Joey Lucchesi (3-3, 4.28, 1.26) vs. Trent Thornton (1-4, 4.41, 1.29)

PREAMBLE:

The Blue Jays open a three-game series against the San Diego Padres, who will be making their first visit to Toronto since 2016 when the Jays won two out of three. The Jays are coming off a series where they lost 3 of 4 to the Red Sox while the Padres swept the Diamondbacks.

Trent Thornton looks to build upon the momentum of a few solid starts of late, and will butt heads with Joey Lucchesi, a left-hander for the Padres.

-Game #50 Boston Red Sox (27-23) @ Toronto Blue Jays (20-29) - game recap

Steve Pearce was 3-5 with a run scored and 3RBI as the Red Sox routed the Blue Jays 8-2

After a lengthy 13 inning marathon last night, the Blue Jays were back at it just over 12 hours hours. Clayton Richard came off the injured list after missing the first 2 months with a stress reaction in his knee. The southpaw was to be limited to roughly 50 pitches as he builds back up to a starter's load of 90+ pitches. The line up was pretty similar to last night, except Danny Jansen got the start behind the plate and Justin Smoak was the DH and Rowdy Tellez was at 1st base. Could the Blue Jays split the 4 game series? Here is today's game recap.

Thursday, May 23, 2019 | 12:37 pm

Rogers Centre | Toronto, ON

Ryan Weber (0-0, 1.13, 1.13) vs. Clayton Richard (first appearance of the season)

PREAMBLE:

Well, damn. A very winnable game got away from the Blue Jays last night as they went down in 13 innings. In today's finale, the Blue Jays look to come up with a series split against the Red Sox.

In what looks to be a battle of bullpens for today's matinee, Clayton Richard will come off the DL and take the ball for the Jays. How long he can go remains to be seen - Charlie Montoyo suggested that he might go 50 or 60 pitches. The Red Sox counter with Ryan Weber as their opener who, similarly, isn't expected to go beyond three or four innings at the most.

Michael Chavis hit a go-ahead solo shot in the top of the 13th as the Red Sox edged the Blue Jays 6-5

After each team, won by a rout the first 2 games of the series, the Blue Jays and Red Sox were back at it for round three. Aaron Sanchez started after leaving his last start early with more blister problems. Some potentially bad news emerged this morning when it was announced that Ryan Tepera was seeking the advice of an elbow specialist. He was placed on the IL with right elbow impingement yesterday. The injury news is concerning because this is the second issue Tepera's had with the elbow this season (he was forced to miss the first couple of weeks with an elbow strain sustained in spring training). Worst case, Tepera is heading for TJ surgery, which would effectively end his season and delay the start of next season more than likely. Tepera has struggled this season with an 0-2 record and a 6.55 ERA in 12 appearances. Eric Sogard was back in the lineup after missing a couple of days with a sprained thumb. Could the Blue Jays make it two in a row against their hated rivals? Here is tonight\s game recap.

#49 - Boston Red Sox (25-23) at Toronto Blue Jays (20-28)

Wednesday, May 22, 2019 | 7:07 pm

Rogers Centre | Toronto, Ontario

Rick Porcello (3-4, 4.80, 1.40) vs. Aaron Sanchez (3-4, 3.88, 1.51)

PREAMBLE:

The Blue Jays and the Red Sox have taken turns winning in routs after The Rowdy Show took over in game two of a four-game series between these two. Tonight, the Jays look to keep crushing the ball in an attempt to take attention away from Victoria Day-gate and keep it on the ball field.

Aaron Sanchez takes the ball tonight as he looks to keep his fingernails from going *splooge* all over the place. He'll face off against Rick Porcello.

Game #48 Boston Red Sox (25-23) @ Toronto Blue Jays (20-28) - game recap

Rowdy Tellez was 2-5 with 5 RBI and 2 runs scored as the Blue Jays routed the Red Sox 10-3

After a 12-2 pummeling last night, the Blue Jays were back at it tonight facing their second lefty in a row in Eduardo Rodriguez. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was back in the lineup after a controversial off-day yesterday. Ace Marcus Stroman was on the mound looking to secure his second win of the season. Prior to this one, the Blue Jays placed reliever Ryan Tepera on the IL with a right elbow impingement, recalling righty Jimmy Cordero. Could the Blue Jays tie the 4 game series? Here is today's game recap.

Tuesday, May 21, 2019 | 7:07 pm

Rogers Centre | Toronto, Ontario

Eduardo Rodriguez (4-2, 4.89, 1.42) vs. Marcus Stroman (1-6, 2.95, 1.29)

PREAMBLE:

Much controversy came before the start of yesterday's series opener as Vlad Guerrero Jr. wasn't inserted into the lineup for a nationally-televised holiday game, which was won in a rout by the Red Sox. The Blue Jays look to take advantage of most of the attention being placed on the Raptors tonight and come up with a better performance in the second of a four-game series.

Marcus Stroman takes the ball for the Jays against Eduardo Rodriguez -- just look at their records, it would (on paper) make more sense for Stroman to be the 4-2 pitcher and Rodriguez the 1-6 pitcher. Just shows you the true worth of wins in today's baseball.

Game #47 Boston Red Sox (25-22) @ Toronto Blue Jays (19-28) - game recap

Xander Bogaerts was 3-5 with 3 runs scored and 3RBI as the Red Sox routed the Blue Jays 12-2

The Blue Jays opened a four game series with the defending world series champs, Boston Red Sox with a rare Monday matinee on Victoria Day. No Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the lineup to start this one as he was given a complete day off. Eric Sogard was also out of the lineup with a sprained thumb. In a risky move, both catchers were in the line up (Luke Maile was behind the plate and Danny Jansen served as the DH. Could the Blue Jays pull it off against Blue Jays killer David Price? Here is today's game recap.

Monday, May 20, 2019 | 1:07 pm

Rogers Centre | Toronto, ON

PREAMBLE

The Toronto Blue Jays return home after salvaging a split in a four-game series against the White Sox in Chicago. Today, they start a four-game set against the Boston Red Sox with the expected howls of outrage from East Massholia over having to fly into Toronto for an early ballgame (hey Red Sox fans? Shut up).

David Price returns from the injury list to slowly pull out fingernails from Jays fans once again as he looks to build upon his career 21-3, 2.43 ERA record in 29 starts against the Jays. Edwin Jackson makes his second start as a Blue Jay.

The Blue Jays had their first week where increment weather affected their games. Of course, the Blue Jays rarely have to worry about that happening, except for last year. This week saw Vladimir Guerrero Junior hit his first three career home runs, Trent Thornton finally notch his first career win (as well as his first 2 career hits and runs), and the Blue Jays put up a 10-spot for the second time this season. Looking at the week ahead, the Blue Jays come home for a stiff 4-game test against the World Series champs Boston Red Sox, who are starting to heat up after a tough start to the season. The Blue Jays will avoid facing ace Chris Sale, who started Sunday against Houston. However, Ex-Jay and Blue Jay killer David Price is looking on track to come off the injured list to start the series opener Monday. The Blue Jays will also play a three-game set against the San Diego Padres, who are currently 3rd in the NL West and very much in the wild card hunt. The Padres landed one of the most coveted free agents in the off-season, locking Manny Machado up for the next decade. Eric Hosmer, Will Myers, and Eric Hosmer are the other players Blue Jays pitchers will want to be careful with. Here are ten random thoughts from week 7 of the MLB.

Game #46 Toronto Blue Jays (19-27) @ Chicago White Sox (21-24) - game recap

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a go-ahead 2-run HR in the top of the 8th as the Blue Jays knocked off the White Sox 5-2

After rain washed out half of the game yesterday, the Blue Jays were back at it today looking for the series split. Trent Thornton was back on the mound after securing his first career win, and first career hits and runs last start. Eric Sogard was back at second base and leading off after a day off yesterday. Justin Smoak was at first base with Rowdy Tellez serving as the DH today. Danny Jansen was back behind the plate after Luke Mailer caught knuckleballer Ryan Feierabend. Could the Blue Jays split this four game series? Here is today's game recap.

Sunday, May 19, 2019 | 2:07 pm ET

Guaranteed Rate Field | Chicago, IL

Trent Thornton (1-4, 4.81, 1.37) vs. Reynaldo Lopez (3-4, 5.58, 1.56)

PREAMBLE:

The White Sox were lucky to have the rain wipe out the rest of the game before the juggernaut Blue Jays offence could come from behind. Yeah right. In today's series finale, the Blue Jays look to even the four-game series at two games each, provided that some possible rain doesn't throw a monkey wrench into things.

Trent Thornton takes the ball for today's finale with all the weight off his back after securing his first major-league win last Tuesday against the Giants. Pity he won't be able to hit for himself in this game, too. He'll face off against Reynaldo Lopez of the White Sox.

Game #45 Toronto Blue Jays (18-27) @ Chicago White Sox (21-23) - game recap

Rowdy Tellez got on base in both his plate appearances and scored the Blue Jays only run in a rain-shortened 4-1 loss to the White Sox

Today was supposed to be a bullpen day, but Aaron Sanchez left his start early last night with more blister issues. The Blue Jays recalled lefty Ryan Feierabend, who has reinvented himself as a knuckleballer. Veteran Luke Maile got the start behind the plate with the unpredictability that comes with the knuckleball. Richard Urena got the start at second base, giving Eric Sogard the day off. Justin Smoak got a half day off, serving as the DH, with Rowdy Tellez at first base. Could the Blue Jays make it two wins in a row? Here is today's game recap.

Saturday, May 18, 2019 | 2:07 pm ET

Guaranteed Rate Field | Chicago, IL

Ryan Feierabend (first appearance of season) vs. Lucas Giolito (4-1, 3.55, 1.18)

PREAMBLE:

Sparked by a post from VladFraud, the Blue Jays' offence broke out with ten runs on fifteen hits, including a Vlad HR, as they thumped the White Sox in the second game of a four-game set. The Blue Jays look to maintain this momentum in this afternoon's tilt.

Ryan Feierabend makes his first appearance in the majors since 2014 when he appeared in six games, and prior to that, he hadn't played in the bigs since 2008. At age 33, he's reinvented himself as a left-handed knuckleballer, so it'll be interesting to see how he fares in today's game. Lucas Giolito is his mound counterpart today.

Billy McKinney was 4-5 with a run scored and an RBI as the Blue Jays routed the White Sox 10-2

After a heartbreaking late loss to the White Sox last night, the Blue Jays were looking to get bck on track against Ivan Nova. Aaron Sanchez was on the mound, five days after striking out a season-high 11 batters. Luke Maile was a late scratch, reason not given. Socrates Brito cleared waivers and was reporting to Buffalo. Could the Blue Jays even the weekend series and avoid losing the season series? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Justin Smoak smoked a solo bomb to right
The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the top of the 2nd as Danny Jansen smacked 2-run blast to dead center also scoring Brandon Drury
The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 3rd as Freddy Galvis singled home Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
A batter later, Justin Smoak scored on a sac fly by Drury
A batter later, Billy McKinney doubled scoring Randal Grichuk and Galvis
The White Sox got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Tim Anderson scored on a fielder's choice hit by Leury Garcia
A batter later Yoan Moncada singled home Yolmer Sanchez
The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the top of the 4th as Vladimir Guerrero smashed a 2-run blast to dead center that barely cleared the wall; also scoring was Eric Sogard
Ivan Nova pitching line: 3IP 8H 9R (8 earned) 4BB 1K 88 pitches (52 for strikes)
Aaron Sanchez pitching line: 3IP 3H 2R (both earned) 2BB 4K 54 pitches (31 for strikes)
The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 5th as Sogard doubled scoring McKinney
Final score: Blue Jays 10 White Sox 2

My Take:

Here we go again. Aaron Sachez left the game after throwing 54 pitches with 9 outs recorded. Yet again, he is plagued by blister problems. He left the game early back on April 21st with a cracked fingernail. Sanchez cruised through the first two innings with 6 straight outs, 4 strikeouts. In the third inning, he gave up two runs on three his. The 4th inning, it was obvious something was wrong when Sanchez hit James McCann with a pitch and then walked the next batter, missing badly on all four balls. Immediately after, manager Charlie Montoyo and trainer Nikki Huffman came out of the dugout and subsequently removed Sanchez from the game. If Sanchez misses significant time, it will leave the Blue Jays with three legit starters and almost 2 weeks before the next off-day.
The bats came alive in a big way, lighting up White Sox starter Ivan Nova to the tune of 9 runs (8 earned) on 8 hits and 4 walks.Every Blue Jays starter had at least one hit and Billy McKinney was 4-5. Justin Smoak also got on base 4 times, drawing three walks.
Quirky stat of the day: The Blue Jays had a numeric palindrome with their runs/inning (1-2-4-2-1)
The bullpen did a really good job tonight, allowing just three hits and a walk over the final 6 innings
Up, next, the Blue Jays have a bullpen day with Clay Buchholz on the shelf for the foreseeable future. Daniel Hudson started the last bullpen day. The White Sox will counter with righty Lucas Giolito, who threw 7 4 hit innings against the Blue Jays in his last start.

Friday, May 17, 2019

#44 - Toronto Blue Jays (17-26) at Chicago White Sox (20-22)

Friday, May 17, 2019 | 8:10 pm ET

Guaranteed Rate Field | Chicago, IL

Aaron Sanchez (3-4, 3.75, 1.50) vs. Ivan Nova (2-3, 6.29, 1.65)

PREAMBLE:

The Blue Jays look to bounce back after accumulating only two hits in a game that got away from them in the eighth inning. This is the second game of a four-game series against the White Sox.

Aaron Sanchez takes the ball for the Jays as he looks to turn in a better performance than his most recent outing, also against the White Sox, last week. Ivan Nova faces the Jays again after turning in his best performance of the young season (but, of course).

Game #43 Toronto Blue Jays (17-26) @ Chicago White Sox (20-22) - game recap

Leury Garcia was 2-4 with a run and an RBI as the White Sox doubled up on the Blue Jays 4-2

Revenge week continues as the Blue Jays roll into Chicago, taking on a White Sox squad that took two of three from the Blue Jays just a week ago, Marcus Stroman was on the bump looking to continue his strong start to the season. Teoscar Hernandez, not surprisingly was sent down to AAA Buffalo to try and rediscover his swing. Richard Urena, who was not in tonight's lineup, was called up. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. got a half day off, serving as the DH tonight with Brandon Drury starting at 3B. Could the Blue Jays start the weekend series off with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Thursday, May 16, 2019 | 8:10 pm

Guaranteed Rate Field | Chicago, IL

Marcus Stroman RHP (1-6, 52.0 IP, 3.12 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 45 K)

vs.

Dylan Covey RHP (0-2, 10.2 IP, 5.91 ERA, 1.88 WHIP 5 K)

Game #42 Toronto Blue Jays (17-25) @ San Francisco Giants (18-24) - game recap

Brandon Drury scored all three runs for the Blue Jays in a 4-3 loss to the Giants

Baseball is such a weird sport sometimes. Today the Blue Jays were looking to sweep the mini series as the Giants did to them three weeks ago. The pitching matchup featured two starters making their 2019 debuts. Edwin Jackson, playing for his 14th team, made his Blue Jays debut, and the Giants sent righty Shaun Anderson, who was picked dead last in his draft year, to the mound for his MLB debut. Could the Blue Jays sweep the mini series? Here is today's game recap.

Wednesday, May 15, 2019 | 3:45 pm

Oracle Park | San Francisco, CA

Edwin Jackson (first start of season) vs. Shaun Anderson (MLB debut)

PREAMBLE:

Vlad. Vlad. VLAD.

After a prodigious display of bat speed + power from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in his big breakout performance last night, the Blue Jays look to sweep this two-game mini-series and exact revenge for being swept by the Giants 3 weeks ago.

The pitching matchup is between two chaps making their first MLB starts of the season, except it'll be a record 14th team that Edwin Jackson is making an appearance with, while his counterpart Shaun Anderson is making his debut as a major-leaguer.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. launched his first two career home runs to lead the Blue Jays to a thrilling 7-3 victory over the Giants

Tonight, the Blue Jays began a week long road trip with stops in San Francisco and Chicago. Trent Thornton was on the mound making his ninth attempt at his first career win. He came into this one
0-4 with a 5.06ERA. The lineup is more or less the same as it's been for the past few days. Could the Blue Jays get the road trip started with a victory? Here is tonight's game recap

#41 - Toronto Blue Jays (16-24) at San Francisco Giants (17-23)

Tuesday, May 14, 2019 | 9:45 pm ET

Oracle Park | San Francisco, CA

PREAMBLE:

A 6:45 local game time? Don't think I've ever seen a start time like that.

The Blue Jays did the smart thing and got the hell out of town for a while with the way they've been playing lately (2-10 in their past 12 after reaching the .500 mark). They've embarked on a revenge tour with five games against two teams that they went 1-4 against earlier in the season, starting in San Francisco for two games before moving on to Chicago.

Trent Thornton takes the ball for his umpteenth attempt at securing his first major-league win. The Giants are bullpenning things tonight with Nick Vincent going for an inning or two. We might see Tyler Beede tonight - he's the one who was selected by the Jays in the first round of the 2011 draft but was the only one from that round not to sign with the team that drafted him.

Ten weekly random thoughts: Week 6: May 6-12

First of all, I want to wish all you JITHers a very happy mother's Day, both moms and single dads. It has been another eventful week for the Blue Jays, with injuries, demotions, and recalls. There was even a trade this week. The Blue Jays didn't have a great week on the field, getting swept by the Minnesota Twins in a three-game series in which they were outscored 20-1. Then Friday came and Clay Buchholz was unable to make his scheduled start and was eventually placed on the IL with shoulder inflammation. This left the Blue Jays with essentially three starting pitchers. They rectified the situation by acquiring Edwin Jackson from the Oakland A's for cash considerations (more on that later). The Socrates Brito experiment also came to an end as he was DFA'd Friday (nore on that later). Benefiting from players getting demoted and placed on the IL were outfielder Jonathan Davis, and relief pitchers Javy Guerra and Thomas Pannone, the latter of who was supposed to be going down to Buffalo, but he was quickly recalled once Buchholz was placed on the IL. Here are 10 random thoughts for week 6 of the MLB.

Game #40 Chicago White Sox (18-21) @ Toronto Blue Jays (16-24) - game recap

Tim Anderson cranked a three-run shot to dead center as the White Sox beat the Blue Jays 5-1

It was the rubber match of a three game set vs. the Chicago White Sox. The Blue Jays took the opener on the strength of a strong effort by the bullpen after Clay Buchholz was unable to start. The White Sox took Saturday's game, scoring four times on 8 hits off ace Marcus Stroman. On Sunday, the Blue Jays turned to Aaron Sanchez, who was looking for a strong start after a seven inning gem five days ago. Eric Sogard got the day off, so Freddy Galvis batted leadoff ahead of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Could the Blue Jays win it for the moms in the crowd? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Rowdy Tellez singled home Freddy Galvis
The White Sox took the lead in the top of the 4th as Yonder Alonso smashed a 2-run bomb to right-center; also scoring Jose Abreu
Three batters later, Tim Anderson whacked a three run jack to dead center; also scoring James McCann and Charlie Tilson
Aaron Sanchez pitching line: 6IP 9H 5R (all earned) 2BB 11K 103 pitches (66 for strikes)
Lucas Giolito pitching line: 7IP 4H 1R (earned) 1BB 8K 105 pitches (69 for strikes)
Final score: White Sox 5 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

Aaron Sanchez had an encouraging start where he had 11 strikeouts. Sanchez had one brutal inning in the 4th where he was lit up for 5 runs on 5 hits and a hit batter. He got the first 6 batters of the game, including 5 strikeouts in a row. The extra inning he threw when he was at 90+ pitches could be huge with the Blue Jays facing 16 straight days without an off-day after an off-day/travel day tomorrow.
Not much to say about the offence today. After three of the first four batters reached safely, the Blue Jays had a grand total of 2 base runners the final 8 innings (a lead-off single in the second by Teoscar Hernandez and a lead-off walk to Randal Grichuk in the 4th).
As scary moment in the bottom of the 3rd when White Sox outfielder Leury Garcia stayed down after crashing into the scoreboard making a running catch. Garcia was lifted for a pinch hitter the next inning.
One of the few highlights defensively today was Danny Jansen throwing out 2 White Sox base runners. He has quietly turned into a solid player defensively. Credit to Russell Martin, who did a great job mentoring him when he came up in August.
Up next, after an off-day/travel day tomorrow, the Blue Jays open a two-game set against the San Francisco Giants. It will be the first road interleague action of the season. Trent Thornton will make his 9th attempt at his first career win. The Giants will counter with righty Tyler Beede, who is coming off an 8-run shellacking in his last start.

#40 - Chicago White Sox (17-21) at Toronto Blue Jays (16-23)

Your 1976 White Sox uniforms!

Sunday, May 12, 2019 | 1:07 pm ET

Rogers Centre | Toronto, Ontario

PREAMBLE:

The Blue Jays look to secure a series win in the rubber match of a three-game series against the White Sox this afternoon. The Jays have won 7 of their past 10 vs the Sox, so they look to keep that momentum going.

Aaron Sanchez takes the ball this afternoon, going up against Lucas Giolito who is pitching much better than last season when he had the worst qualifying ERA in the majors at 6.13 over 173 innings.

Game #39 Chicago White Sox (17-21) @ Toronto Blue Jays (16-23) - game recap

White Sox catcher James McCann was 4-5 with a pair of runs and a RBI as the White Sox defeated the Blue Jays 7-2

After scraping out a victory in the series opener, the Blue Jays turned to ace Marcus Stroman, looking for his second win of the season. The Blue Jays went with the same lineup as yesterday except Luke Maile got the start behind the plate. The Blue Jays made an in-game trade, acquiring righty Edwin Jackson from the A's for cash considerations. Could the Blue Jays make it two in a row? Here is today's game recap.

Saturday, May 11, 2019 | ~~4:07~~ 3:07 pm ET

Rogers Centre | Toronto, Ontario

PREAMBLE:

The Blue Jays snapped a five-game losing streak in last night's 4-3 victory, with one encouraging sign being that they scored three runs in the first inning for the first time all season and four in the first two innings.

In this afternoon's matchup, Marcus Stroman looks to bounce back from a poor start and will face a long-time punching bag for Blue Jays hitters, Ivan Nova.

Game #38 Chicago White Sox (16-21) @ Toronto Blue Jays (16-22) - game recap

Randal Grichuk whacked a three-run blast as the Blue Jays edged the White Sox 4-3

The Blue Jays started a three game series vs. the Chicago White Sox tonight. Right off the bat (pun intended) the Blue Jays received bad news as tonight's starter Clay Buchholz was unable to make his scheduled start due to a shoulder injury. The timing was unfortunate because yesterday, the Blue Jays optioned Thomas Pannone back to Buffalo. Daniel Hudson got the start. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was back in the lineup in the number 2 hole after sitting out the series finale vs. Minnesota Wednesday. Pannon was on his way back up with Buchholz headed to the IL. The Socrates Brto experiment has come to an end as he was DFA'd today. Jonathan Davis took his place on the roster and Javy Guerra rounded out the roster moves today. Could the Blue Jays snap the 5 game losing streak? Here is today's game recap.

April 7, 1977 vs. the White Sox

Friday, May 10, 2019 | 7:07 pm ET

Rogers Centre | Toronto, Ontario

Dylan Covey (0-1, 4.50, 2.00) vs. Daniel Hudson (2-1, 3.63, 1.27)

PREAMBLE:

After a much-needed day off to exorcise a bunch of demons (hint: there's a LOT of them in the early going of this season), the Blue Jays are back at it again as they take on the White Sox for a three-game series.

Clay Buchholz was scheduled to start tonight, but has been scratched with a lat strain. Daniel Hudson will get the spot start tonight in what will be a bullpen-by-committee game for the Jays. He'll match up against Dylan Covey of the Sox.

Game #37 Minnesota Twins (23-12) @ Toronto Blue Jays (15-22) - game recap

Jorge Polanco was 5-5 with a pair of RBI and a pair of runs scored as the Twins routed the Blue Jays 9-1 to complete the series sweep and take the season series

After 2 ugly games, where the Blue Jays were outscored 11-0, they came into this one trying to score a run. They were facing a pitcher in Kyle Gibson, who has historically had rough outings against Toronto. Trent Thornton was on the bump trying to build on his strong seven inning outing last Friday.Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Teoscar Hernandez got the night off. Socrates Brito was in right field Justin Smoak got half the night off, serving as the DH, with Rowdy Tellez playing 1st base. Could the Blue Jays score a run and avoid being swept? Here is tonight's game recap.

Wednesday, May 8, 2019 | 7:07 pm hammering time

Target Centre (considering how welcome the Twins feel) | Toronto, ON

Kyle Gibson (2-1, 4.68, 1.32) vs. Trent Thornton (0-3, 4.08, 1.19)

PREAMBLE:

The Blue Jays were shut-out in the first two games of this series and they look to snap that streak of futility in the finale of a three-game series against the Twins.

Trent Thornton took the only loss in the previous four-game series against the Twins a couple weeks back, so he looks to flip the script by being the only winner for the Jays in this series. He'll take the ball today against Kyle Gibson, who has been hit around a little by the Jays in his career with a high ERA (5.68 ERA overall, including 7.56 in three Toronto starts) even though he's gone 3-1 in four decisions.

Game #36 Minnesota Twins (22-12) @ Toronto Blue Jays (15-21) - game recap

Aaron Sanchez threw 7 strong innings in a losing effort as the Blue Jays were shutout 3-0 by the Twins

After an ugly shutout yesterday, the Blue Jays were back at it today looking to snap a three game losing streak. Aaron Sanchez was looking to pitch deep in the ball game to save an overworked bullpen. Freddy Galvis batted leadoff with Eric Sogard getting the night off. Justin Smoak moved up a couple of spots to bat in the number 2 hole. Luke Maile got the start behind the plate. Could the Blue Jays snap the losing streak? Here is tonight's game recap.

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