Jays in the House: June 2019

Sunday, June 30, 2019

Game #84 Kansas City Royals (29-55) @ Toronto Blue Jays (31-53) - game recap

Justin Smoak smoked a pair of home runs in a losing effort as the Royals edged the Blue Jays 7-6

After taking the first two game of the series, the Blue Jays were looking for the series win vs. the lowly KC Royals. Aaron Sanchez was looking to snap a series of bad starts that have seen him give up 8, 7, and 6 earned runs in his last 3 starts. Luke Maile was behind the plate as his primary catcher. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. got a complete day off. Teoscar Hernandez was back in CF. Justin Smoak got a half day off, serving as the DH with Rowdy Tellez at 1st base. Could the Blue Jays make it three in a row vs. the Royals? Here is today's game recap.

Sunday, June 30, 2019 | 1:07 pm

Rogers Centre | Toronto, Ontario

Brad Keller (3-9, 4.32, 1.39) vs. Aaron Sanchez (3-10, 5.89, 1.70)

PREAMBLE:

The Blue Jays look to secure a series win in today's third of a 4-game set, riding high after a two-run, walk-off home run by Danny Jansen in yesterday's matchup.

On the mound, two starters mired in winless stretches go head-to-head. Aaron Sanchez takes the ball for the Jays, having lost his last 9 decisions. His counterpart, Brad Keller, hasn't won in his last six starts.

Game #83 Kansas City Royals (28-55) @ Toronto Blue Jays (31-52) - game recap

Danny Jansen hit a 2-run walk off HR in the 9th as the Blue Jays knocked off the Royals 7-5

After a great come from behind win led by the hot stick of Lourdes Gurriel Jr, who homered twice, the Blue Jays look for their second straight win. Marcus Stroman gets his second to last start before the all-star break tonight. It's expected he or Ken Giles will be the rep for the Blue Jays at the all-star game. In the event of injury to one of the outfielders, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has made a strong case for being an injury replacement. He has 6 outfield assists to lead all AL left fielders and has jacked his average to .309 with a pair of HR last night. Danny Jansen got his 4th straight start behind the plate.

Saturday, June 29, 2019 | 4:07 pm

Rogers Centre | Toronto, Ontario

Homer Bailey (7-6, 4.61, 1.38) vs. Marcus Stroman (5-9, 3.04, 1.25)

PREAMBLE:

The epic struggle for 2nd worst-dom in the A.L. (let's be honest, nobody's catching the oriLOLes) continues after KC's "win" last night.

In today's afternoon game, Marcus Stroman looks to continue a string of solid outings (and audition for opposing scouts); he'll go up against Homer Bailey, who will be making his first career appearance against the Blue Jays. Bailey has been hot of late, winning his past three starts with a 0.47 ERA.

Game #82 Kansas City Royals (28-54) @ Toronto Blue Jays (30-52) - game recap

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. hit a pair of HR and had 3RBI as the Blue Jays knocked off the Royals 6-2

After ending the official first half of the season with a heartbreaking loss to the mighty Yankees, the Blue Jays look to open the second half of the schedule with a win over one of the few teams they are ahead of in the standings, the KC Royals. It's hard to believe that just four short years ago, these two juggernauts were battling it out in the ALCS. Now, both teams are well into rebuilds and both are on pace to lose 100 games. Tonight, Danny Duffy, one of the few Royals left from the 2016 team, takes to the mound. Sean Reid-Foley will start for the 1st time since opening week. He threw a few innings out of the bullpen last week. Justin Smoak is back after a brief stint on the IL with a strained quad and was at 1st base tonight. Billy McKinney is heading back to Buffalo. Danny Jansen got his third straight start behind the plate. Could the Blue Jays start the official second half and the Canada Day long weekend with a victory? Here is tonight's game recap.

Friday, June 28, 2019 | 7:07 pm

Rogers Centre | Toronto, Ontario

Danny Duffy (3-3, 4.48, 1.35) vs. Sean Reid-Foley (0-1, 6.75, 2.75)

PREAMBLE:

After finally getting a day off after 16 straight days with a game, the Blue Jays get set to face the Kansas Shitty Royals in a four-game series that will end with a Canada Day matinee. Tough road trip for the Jays, but they did win two out of three in Fenway and went right down to the final at-bat in each of the three losses in Yankee Stadium.

Tonight, Sean Reid-Foley gets a chance to prove his worthiness of staying on the Jays roster as he takes the ball for the Jays. He'll go up against Danny Duffy, who is a career 2-3, 4.86 against the Jays.

Game #81 Toronto Blue Jays (29-52) @ New York Yankees (52-28) - game recap

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was 3-5 with 2 runs scored and 4RBI in a losing effort as the Yankees edged the Blue Jays 8-7

We are officially at the halfway point of the 2019 season. The Blue Jays came into this one well back of the 38-43 record they had after 31 games a year ago. They had a decent chance of avoiding a sweep with a hot Trent Thornton on the mound, who has thrown two quality starts in a row and should be riding a two game win streak if not for the bullpen blowing one of the games. The Blue Jays got a bit of a break with one of the big bats, Gioncarlo Stanton, out of today's Yankees lineup after leaving last night's game a few innings after banging his knee into the ground diving into 3rd base in the 1st inning. Danny Jansen surprisingly got the start behind the plate after starting last night. Normally with a quick turnaround between games, managers would switch catchers. Pretty much the same lineup as last night, except Vlad DH'd, Brandon Drury was in the field at 3rd base and Eric Sogard got the day off with a lefty starting for the Yankees (James Paxton). Could the Blue Jays avoid the series sweep? Here is today's game recap.

It's getting closer to game time and Lunchbox is busy, soooooooo here's your game thread.
Seeing a piss poor post like this should make us all appreciate the excellent work that Lunchbox, dabbles, Tina et al do on a regular basis. It doesn't get said often enough. Thanks to all of you who contribute.
This is where I usually insert a bunch of links to stuff I find interesting but time is short. The game is at hand, I gotta leave to do a bunch of crap that I don't want to do.
This is your game thread.
Deal with it.

DAYTIME BASEBALL!!!!#Bluejays and #Yankees at 1pm Eastern on @Sportsnet Radio Network with @benwag247 and me, @JGoldberg12 handles #BluejaysTalk and such. Here be the starting lineups! pic.twitter.com/D7ZvdOB83P
— Mike Wilner (@Wilnerness590) June 26, 2019

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Game #80 Toronto Blue Jays (29-51) @ New York Yankees (51-28) - game recap

Edwin Encarnacion smacked a solo HR in the 8th as the Yankees edged the Blue Jays 4-3

The Blue Jays had a big inning late to make a game of a baseball game they were never really in (still kicking myself for leaving CC Sabathia on my fantasy team bench :( rats.) Tonight, Clayton Richard took the ball first. He's been rocked in a few of his starts, much like E-Jack. Danny Jansen was back behind the plate and Teoscar Hernandez was back in center field after a day off last night to rest his ailing wrist. Other than that, same lineup as yesterday. Oh, and the Yankees DFA'd Kendrys Morales today after activating him from the IL. Could the Blue Jays beat the mighty Yankees? Here is today's game recap.

Tuesday, June 25, 2019 | 7:05 pm

Yankmee Stadium | Bronx, N.Y.

Clayton Richard (0-3, 7.46, 1.74) vs. Chad Green (1-2, 6.75, 1.62)

PREAMBLE:

The Blue Jays look to even up the series against the Yankees after losing 10-8, making it a close game with six late runs to send a few heart palpitations through the Yankee faithful in the stands.

Clayton Richard continues to look for his first win as a Blue Jay, and first anywhere since almost a calendar year ago (winless in 17 starts since last June 27th). He'll face an opener, Chad Green (or maybe it's Nestor Cortes Jr. or David Hale), for the Yankees.

Game #79 Toronto Blue Jays (29-50) @ New York Yankees (50-28) - game recap

Freddy Galvis hit a grand slam in a losing effort as the Yankees held on for a 10-8 victory over the Blue Jays

Vlad and Cavan both added Yankee Stadium to their repertoire of MLB ballparks to become familiar with in their rookie campaigns. CC Sabathia faced the Blue Jays for one of the final times of his illustrious career that will come to an end at the end of the season. Luke Maile got the start behind the plate, catching Aaron Sanchez, who is attempting to ressurect a a disastrous season that has been derailed by several starts where he has been forced to leave early with blister problems and broken nails. Could the Blue Jays make it three in a row vs. division rivals? Here is today's game recap.

"It's hard to be humble?" ::barf::

Monday, June 24, 2019 | 7:05 pm

Yankee Stadium | Bronx, N.Y.

Aaron "Three-Finger" Sanchez (3-9, 5.49, 1.67) vs. CC Sabathia (4-4, 4.14, 1.37)

PREAMBLE:

After a successful trip to Boston, where the Blue Jays took two out of three and could (should?) very easily have ended up with a sweep, the Jays head to New York to take on the home run-hungry Yankees. The Jays' offence might be slowly emerging from its deep slumber; they've scored at least 5 runs in 5 straight games, 7 of their last 8, and 9 of their last 12 -- most of that done without Vlad being a significant contributor with his hand injury.

On the hill, Aaron Sanchez looks to rescue what is rapidly becoming another lost season. He'll face CC Sabathia, who is quietly going through a retirement tour in his final MLB season. CC got his 250th major-league win in his last start and is a career 18-12, 3.65 ERA in 35 career starts vs. the Jays.

It was a wild week where the Blue Jays narrowly avoided being swept in a season series to the Angels, and they took out their frustrations on the Red Sox with a sweet series win that shoulda coulda woulda been a sweep if not for the bullpen imploding in the opener. Edwin Jackson (lower back strain) and Justin Smoak (quad strain) joined the walking wounded on the IL and Ken Giles returned after a brief stint on the IL with elbow inflammation. Vlad will be repping the Blue Jays at the all-star game in the home run derby. Hopefully he doesn't kill the pitcher. Looking ahead to next week, the Blue Jays have a three game set at Yankee Stadium. Monday will see CC Sabathia pitching against the Blue Jays for one of the last times in his career. The big southpaw is retiring at the end of the season. Sabathia is 18-12 with a 3.65ERA in 18 starts vs. the Blue Jays There will also be lots of ex-Blue Jays to see in this series with Edwin Encarnacion, Gio Urshela, JA Happ (who will not pitch in this series as he started Sunday), and Kendrys Morales. Tulo is also a Yankee, but he is contemplating his playing future and hurt yet again. After the off-day Thursday, the Blue Jays return home to face the Kansas City Royals. The Blue Jays were 5-2 against the Royals last season, outscoring them 46-31. The Royals are dead last in the AL Central and have a run differential of -59. Here are ten random thoughts from week 12 of the MLB.

Game #78 Toronto Blue Jays (29-49) @ Boston Red Sox (42-37) - game recap

Marcus Stroman threw 6 shutout innings as the Blue Jays knocked off the Red Sox 6-1

Both teams had come from behind wins in the first two games of the series. Marcus Stroman got the start in what is likely to be one of his final games in a Blue Jays uniform. Danny Jansen was back behind the plate. Sean Reid Foley was recalled after several strong starts in Buffalo. Jordan Roman was sent down to make room on the roster for SRF. Could the Blue Jays win a series in Boston? Here is today's game recap.

Just because

Sunday, June 23, 2019 | 1:05 pm

TearItDown Park | East Massholia, MA

Marcus Stroman (4-9, 3.23, 1.27) vs. Rick Porcini Mushroom (5-6, 4.31, 1.30)

PREAMBLE:

The Blue Jays and the Red Sux have split the first two games of this series, each pulling out a comeback win. Both sides are claiming "we should be going for the series sweep this afternoon."

In the finale, Marcus Stroman takes the ball as he continues to burnish his resume for an All-Star selection and as the top pitching trade bait for the next month-plus. He'll take a career 5-3, 3.70 mark against the Sox as he faces the Porcini Mushroom, who is 10-11, 5.39 in 25 career starts against the Jays.

Game #77 Toronto Blue Jays (28-49) @ Boston Red Sox (42-36) - game recap

Rowdy Tellez scored the game winning run on a bases loaded walk as the Blue Jays came from behind to edge the Red Sox 8-7

After blowing a gem by rookie Trent Thornton, the Blue Jays were looking to even the weekend series against the mighty Red Sox. It was a bullpen day for the Blue Jays, whereas the offence was facing their 5th straight lefty in Brian Johnson. Luke Maile got the start behind the plate. Could the Blue Jays steal a win? Here is today's game recap.

Because of the two triples in last night's game that wouldn't have happened anywhere else.

Saturday, June 22, 2019 | 4:05 pm

The Park That Wouldn't Pass Muster If Built Today | East Massholia, MA

Derek Law (0-1, 5.16, 1.59) and Sam Gaviglio (4-1, 4.47, 1.05)

vs.

Brian Johnson (1-1, 10.00, 2.67)

PREAMBLE:

Well, that was a real ball-breaker last night. Two triples that wouldn't have happened pretty much anywhere else conspired to ruin Trent Thornton's excellent outing. This afternoon, the Blue Jays look to get a lead again and actually hold it this time without any ballpark shenanigans.

Today, we've got an opener, Derek Law, and he'll be followed by Sam Gaviglio in what will be a bullpen day. They'll take on Brian Johnson, who was beaten up a little by the Jays last year in going 1-1, 8.49 ERA in four appearances (2 starts). Gaviglio has been respectful enough against the Red Sox in his career, going 1-2, 4.79 in seven appearances (3 starts).

Randal Grichuk was 3-4 with 3RBI and a run scored in a losing effort as the Red Sox came from behind to knock off the Blue Jays 7-5 in 10 innings

And so begins another battle between the mighty Red Sox and the not so mighty Blue Jays. Cavan Biggio got the day off and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. served as the DH. Billy McKinney played 1st base tonight. Trent Thornton came into this one coming off a strong performance his last start. Could the Blue Jays steal a win in Boston? Here is tonight's game recap.

#76 - Toronto Blue Jays (27-48) at Boston Red Sux (41-35)

Friday, June 21, 2019 | 7:10 pm

Fenway Park | East Massholia, MA

PREAMBLE:

The Blue Jays, relieved to get the gorilla off their backs, head to Fenway Park for a three-game series against the Red Sux. Certainly made for a more enjoyable flight to Boston.

Trent Thornton looks to continue a series of solid starts, including his best one of the season last time out against the Astros. He'll face off against Chris Sale, who is having an off season by his standards. Sale is a career 0-2, 9.00 against the Jays in Fenway Park, though he's been very good his whole career against the Jays in stadiums not named Fenway.

Vlad's first time playing at Fenway. Time to rattle the Monster, Vladito.

Billy McKinney hit a walk-off HR in the 10th as the Blue Jays beat the Angels 7-5

After being thoroughly outclassed by the Angels, both in this series and in the season series, having lost all 6 games between the two squads and been outscored 40-20. Teoscar Hernandez made his return to the lineup after missing a couple of days after dinging his wrist in a collision with the wall. Cavan Biggio continued to be bounced around the lineup, batting cleanup tonight and occupying second base. Luke Maile got the start behind the plate. Ken Giles made his return to the bullpen after a ten day stint on the IL with elbow inflammation. Could the Blue Jays eke out a win vs. perhaps the best player in the MLB in Mike Trout? Here is today's game recap.

#75 - Los Angeles Angels (38-37) at Toronto Blue Jays (26-48)

Thursday, June 20, 2019 | 7:07 pm

Rogers Centre | Troutville, ON

Jose "Cy Young" Suarez (2-1, 4.50, 1.25)

vs.

Sacrificial Lamb to be Slaughtered by Trout (Clayton Richard - 0-3, 7.52, 1.77)

PREAMBLE:

The Blue Jays look to avoid getting bludgeoned for the third time in the series by the Best Player of All-Time and not be swept in the finale of a four-game series.

It's Clayton Richard's turn to get fed to Mr. Trout tonight on the mound. His counterpart, Jose Suarez, gets to feel what it's like to be Cy Young for one night.

Game #74 LA Angels (38-37) @ Toronto Blue Jays (26-48) - game recap

Rowdy Tellez hit a pair of home runs in a losing cause as the Angels thumped the Blue Jays 11-6

The score yesterday was much closer than it appeared. Marcus Stroman deserved to win, but his team managed three hits through the game's 1st 7 innings, one that left the ballpark. Tonight, the Blue Jays faced their second lefty in a row with Andrew Heaney getting the start. Vlad was back at third base tonight after serving as the DH last night. Danny Jansen started for the second straight day behind the plate. Could the Blue Jays beat the Angels? Here is tonight's game recap.

Wednesday, June 19, 2019 | 7:07 pm

Rogers Centre | Toronto, Ontario

PREAMBLE:

After two losses to open this series against the Angels, the Blue Jays look to combine some decent-enough offence (as in game 1) and pitching (as in game 2) into one game for once and come away with a win.

Aaron Sanchez ponders which finger ailment will pop up tonight as he takes the ball for the Jays, going up against Andrew Heaney.

Game #73 LA Angels (37-37) @ Toronto Blue Jays (26-47) - game recap

Marcus Stroman threw 7 strong innings in a losing effort as the Angels defeated the Blue Jays 3-1

After getting walloped (mostly Edwin Jackson) last night by the Angels, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series with ace Marcus Stroman on the bump. Justin Smoak was placed on the 10 day IL with a strained quadriceps muscle. Edwin Jackson also landed on the 10 day IL with a lower back strain. Billy McKinney and Justin Shafer took their respective roster spots. Teoscar Hernandez was also out of the lineup with a sprained wrist he injured last night banging into the wall. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was given a half day off serving as the DH, presumably to rest his injured hand from getting hit by a pitch on the weekend. Danny Jansen was back behind the plate as the primary catcher for Stroman. Could the Blue Jays even the series? Here is today's game recap.

Tuesday, June 18, 2019 | 7:07 pm

Rogers Centre | Toronto, ON

PREAMBLE:

Well, that (almost) predictably didn't go well for Edwin Jackson in the series opener last night, just blown off the mound with 7 runs in less than an inning. Might we have seen him for the final time in a Blue Jays uniform?

In today's second game of the series, the Blue Jays look to build upon the offence they displayed in the final few innings and get back on track, especially now that the rest of the city of Toronto no longer have any sporting distractions (well, of course, until Kawhi signs somewhere) to take away from the stench of this year's team.

Marcus Stroman auditions once again for the Padres and Yankees tonight while going up against Tyler Skaggs of the Angels.

Game #72 LA Angels (36-37) @ Toronto Blue Jays (26-46) - game recap

Cavan Biggio hit a pair of home runs in a losing effort as the Angels doubled up the Blue Jays 10-5

Big day in Toronto today (and it's not this game). The Raptors held their championship parade today, graciously waiting until the Blue Jays got back in town so they could join in the festivities. Both the Angels and Blue Jays opted to use openers in this one, meaning this game was essentially a battle of the bullpens. Justin Smoak missed his 3rd straight game with a hamstring injury. Rowdy Tellez got the start at 1st base and Eric Sogard was the DH tonight. Charlie Montoyo switched the batting order a bit, dropping Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to 3rd in the order and moving Cavan Biggio to 2nd in the order. Luke Maile got the start behind the plate. David Phelps was activated from the IL, with Elvis Luciano being transferred to the 60-day IL to make room for him on the roster. It was also the annual Jays Care auction tonight with many great items for fans to bid on, from road trips to throwing out the first pitch to a personalized voicemail message from retired Blue Jays broadcaster Jerry Howarth. Could the Blue Jays make it two wins in a row? Here is tonight's game recap.

Monday, June 17, 2019 | 7:07 pm

Rogers Centre | Raptortown, ON

Luis Garcia (1-1, 4.74) vs. Edwin Jackson (1-4, 10.22)

PREAMBLE:

The Blue Jays arrive home from a 6-game road trip, right smack into the middle of a berserk day in downtown Toronto. Hopefully the incredible energy being created outdoors navigate right into the bats of the Jays hitters (hint: Vlad needs to start burnishing his ROY creds and Smoakey needs to up his trade worth pronto).

Edwin Jackson gets the start for the Jays, though I don't know why Charlie wouldn't use a starter again just to give LaStella and Trout one fewer look at prime rib nom noms being hurled by EJax. Luis Garcia is opening for the Angels, who will go to Felix Pena when Garcia is done with his 1 or 2 frames.

EDITED: it now appears that Derek Law will open for EJax, a formula that worked well last time out. Mr. Law, have you met Mr. Trout? (Leaving the pitchers listed as is, just in case)

This week was a rough one all around. The Blue Jays got a big scare on Friday when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was drilled on the left (glove) hand by a 96mph fastball. He ran the bases and played a half inning more before being pulled from the game for x-rays (more on that later). Ken Giles and Edwin Luciano became the latest pitchers to go down with elbow injuries (more on that later). The good part of the week was pummeling the Baltimore Orioles in two of three games. This week features a brief four game homestand against the LA Angels and Shohei Ohtani, who hit for the cycle this week. Albert Pujols is ten hits away from tying Tony Gwyn on the career hits list and with a strong series he could hit that milestone. Then the Blue Jays hit the road again, this time landing in Boston. The Red Sox and baseball community got a scare this week when David Ortiz was shot in an ambush in his home in the Dominican Republic (more on that later). The Red Sox on the field have slowly been rebounding from a rough start to the season. Here are ten random thoughts from week 11 of the MLB.

Game #71 Toronto Blue Jays (26-45) @ Houston Astros (48-24) - game recap

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was 2-4 with 4RBI and a pair of runs scored as the Blue Jays shut out the Astros 12-0

After another blowout loss, the Blue Jays were looking to avoid being swept for the 4th time in 6 series. Vlad was back in the lineup, DH'ing after missing a game to rest the hand he bruised getting hit by a pitch Friday. Trent Thornton was back on the mound looking for his second career win. Could the Blue Jays snap the three game losing streak and split the road trip? Here is today's game recap.

Sunday, June 16, 2019 | 2:10 pm ET

Minute Maid Park | Houston, Texas

Trent Thornton (1-5, 4.78, 1.41) vs. Brad Peacock (6-3, 3.42, 1.08)

PREAMBLE:

The Blue Jays look to salvage the finale of a three-game mauling by the Astros after the latter opened with 15-2 and 7-2 wins.

Trent Thornton faces the organization that drafted him and then traded him to the Jays last off-season for Aledmys Diaz. He'll face off against Brad Peacock who has gone 3-0, 4.79 in three starts (six appearances) against the Blue Jays.

Game #70 Toronto Blue Jays (25-45) @ Houston Astros (48-23) - game recap

Jack Mayfueld was 3-4, scoring three times and knocking in one run himself as the Astros defeated the Blue Jays 7-2

After an extremely rough game made worse by an injury scare to Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who was drilled with a 96MPH fastball (not surprisingly he was out of the lineup today), the Blue Jays were back at it this afternoon trying not to embarrass themselves against this powerhouse team. Clayton Richard was on the bump looking for a much better start than five days ago. Danny Jansen was behind the plate catching the veteran lefty. Could the Blue Jays pull off a massive upset? Here is today's game recap.

Saturday, June 15, 2019 | 4:10 pm ET

Minute Maid Park | Houston, TX

PREAMBLE:

After a 15-2 pounding in the series opener, the Blue Jays look to right the ship and try to hold the flooding to only a trickle this time around in today's second game. It's like the Astros don't even need the services of guys like Altuve, Correia, Springer and Diaz.

Clayton Richard faces the Astros for the first time since 2012, back in the good ol' days when the Astros were losing 107 games (2012 isn't that long ago, guys). Framber Valdez faces the Blue Jays for the first time in his career.

Robinson Chirinos was 2-5 with 6 RBI and a run scored as the Astros routed the Blue Jays 15-2

The Blue Jays began a three game series against the red-hot Houston Astros tonight. Cavan Biggio returned home to Houston where his father Craig played 20 hall of fame seasons. Cavan served as bat boy as a young lad. Aaron Sanchez got the start (how would his troublesome finger hold up in the blistering heat?), Luke Maile was behind the plate. Randal Grichuk was in center fie;d between infielders-turned-outfielders Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Brandon Drury. Could the Blue Jays make it three in a row? Here is today's game recap.

#69 - Toronto Blue Jays (25-43) at Houston Astros (46-23)

Cavan and Craig Biggio

Friday, June 14, 2019 | 8:10 pm ET

Minute Maid Park | Houston, Texas

Aaron Sanchez (3-7, 4.25, 1.54) vs. Gerrit Cole (5-5, 3.72, 1.00)

PREAMBLE:

Near-last place Blue Jays are in Houston to face the first-place Astros for a series. What could go wrong, right? Prepare for some blood-letting.

Aaron Sanchez takes the ball tonight for the Jays as he brings a career 3-1, 3.66 record against the Astros while opposing Gerrit Cole, who has only faced the Jays once in his career (in 2014 while with Pittsburgh).

Danny Jansen was 3-5 with 3 runs scored and a pair of RBI as the Blue Jays routed the Orioles 12-3

After a nerve-wracking win yesterday where the Blue Jays almost blew a 6 run lead (tying run was on 2nd with no one out) the Blue Jays were back at it with ace Marcus Stroman on the bump. The Blue Jays acquired righty Nick Kingham from the Pittsburgh Pirates for cash considerations. Ryan Tepera was transferred to the 60 day IL to make room on the roster. Elvis Luciano was placed on the 10 day IL with an elbow sprain/forearm tightness. Justin Shafer was recalled to take his spot in the bullpen. Danny Jansen was behind the plate and Cavan Biggio was in right field and batting 7th. Teosar Hernandez was the only natural outfielder playing in this one. Could the Blue Jays take two in a row from the worst team in the majors? Here is today's game recap.

#68 - Toronto Blue Jays (24-43) at Baltimore Orioles (21-46)

Alternatively: #6 - Toronto Raptors (3-2) at Golden State Warriors (2-3)

Thursday, June 13, 2019 | 7:05 pm

Oriole Park at Camden Yards | Baltimore, MD

Marcus Stroman (3-8, 3.31, 1.32) vs. Gabriel Ynoa (0-2, 4.96, 1.44)

and

Kawhi Leonard (30.9 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 4.0 apg) vs. Steph Curry (28.5 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 5.7 apg)

PREAMBLE:

The Raptors look to lock up the NBA title in tonight's Game 6, the last-ever game to be played in the Oracle before the Warriors move to a new building in San Francisco next year.

Oh... you mean the baseball game. Okay.

The Blue Jays look to secure a series win during their titanic three-game battle against the oriLOLes as the two teams battle for the right to pick first overall in 2020's draft.

Marcus Stroman looks to build upon his trade value (hellooooo Padres? You watching?) as he takes the ball tonight for the Blue Jays. He'll face Gabriel Ynoa, who will be making his fourth start in place of a struggling Dan Straily, who was exiled to the bullpen.

Game #67 Toronto Blue Jays (24-43) @ Baltimore Orioles (21-46) - game recap

Rowdy Tellez hit a mammoth grand slam as the Blue Jays knocked off the Orioles 8-6

After a heartbreaking loss to the Orioles, the Blue Jays were looking to snap a 5-game losing streak. Ken Giles was placed on the IL with elbow inflammation. Righty Jordan Roman took Giles' place on the roster and Clay Buchholz was transferred to the 60 day IL. Derek Law got the start as the opener as the Blue Jays had a bullpen day today. Cavan Biggio was back in the lineup and batting lead off after a day off yesterday. Vlad was back in the field after serving as the DH yesterday. Luke Maile got the start behind the plate. Could the Blue Jays prevail? Here is tonight's game recap.

Wednesday, June 12, 2019 | 7:05 pm

Oriole Park at Camden Yards | Baltimore, MD

Derek Law (0-1, 5.89, 1.58) vs. David Hess (1-8, 7.08, 1.51)

PREAMBLE:

The Blue Jays opened a 3-game series against the Orioles last night in an epic battle of ineptitude, and the Jays 'won' by a 2-4 score. Tonight, the two shit bird franchises face off again as the Jays are currently a mere two games ahead of the Orioles.

Derek Law gets the opener role tonight as the Jays look to get through the meat of the order before turning things over to Edwin Jackson. The duo will go up against David Hess, who no-hit the Jays for 6.1 innings in his second start of the season -- and of course, that was his only win of the season as he's gone a dreadful 0-8, 8.20 ERA since then. Watch him no-hit the Jays again, because y'know...

Game #66 Toronto Blue Jays (23-43) @ Baltimore Orioles (21-45) - game recap

Anthony Santander was 3-4 with a run scored and an RBI as the Orioles doubled up on the Blue Jays 4-2

The Blue Jays began a 16 day stretch between off-days opening a three game set vs. the lowly Baltimore Orioles, who began play today tied for the worst record in baseball. Trent Thornton got the ball, seeking his 2nd career win for the umpteenth time. After Vlad sat Sunday, Cavan Biggo rode the pine to rest his weary 24 year old legs. Danny Jansen got the start behind the plate. Could the Blue Jays snap the 4-game losing streak. Here is tonight's game recap.

Tuesday, June 11, 2019 | 7:05 pm

Oriole Park at Camden Yards | Baltimore, MD

Trent Thornton (1-4, 4.73, 1.36) vs. John Means (5-4, 2.67, 1.07)

PREAMBLE:

After a day off yesterday, the Blue Jays start a 16-game stretch with 12 of them on the road, facing the Orioles, Astros, Angels, Red Sox and Yankees. Nothing builds character like taking almost-nightly thumpings.

Trent Thornton takes the ball for the Jays with John Means doing the same for the Orioles. Both starters will be facing their opponents for the first time in their careers.

Ten weekly random thoughts: Week 10: June 3-9

The week started off well with two come from behind victories against the Yankees with timely hitting. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. became the first player to hit a Zach Britton sinker that was below the strike zone for a home run.. Edwin Jackson was lit up for the 5th time in a row (more on that later). Marcus Stroman also had a rough inning where he gave up five runs in the 4th inning. The bullpen held up well this week to minimize the damage. Ken Giles even got to pitch in a game that mattered. This week, the Blue Jays play the lowly Baltimore Orioles and then face a much tougher test with the World Series champs of 2018. Justin Verlander should start on Saturday or Sunday. Here are ten random thoughts from week 10 of the MLB.

Game #65 Arizona Diamondbacks (34-32) @ Toronto Blue Jays (23-42) - game recap

Tim Locastro hit a three run triple and scored himself a batter later as the Diamondbacks routed the Blue Jays 8-2

The Blue Jays were looking to avoid being swept in 2 of 3 series after dropping the first two.. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was not in the lineup today, taking away arguably the Blue Jays best offensive weapon. It was a lefty-lefty matchup Sunday with Clayton Richard pitching against Robbie Ray. Could the Blue Jays wrap up the homestand with a win? Here is today's game recap.

Sunday, June 9, 2019 | 1:07 pm

SkyDome | Toronto, ON

Robbie Ray LHP (4-3, 3.62 ERA, 1.39 WHIP 91 K)

Clayton Richard LHP (0-1, 3.55 ERA, 1.42 WHIP 9 K)

Game #64 Arizona Diamondbacks (33-32) @ Toronto Blue Jays (23-41) - game recap

Zack Greinke threw six shutout innings as the Diamondbacks shut out the Blue Jays 6-0

After getting spanked 8-2 by the Diamondbacks last night, the Blue Jays were trying to even the series and guarantee a split in the homestand this week. Aaron Sanchez was on the mound and who knows how many innings he's going to last in a given start with his fingers. Cavan Biggio led off today and was back at his ideal second base position. The Blue Jays batters were in tough with Zack Greinke pitchng. Could the Blue Jays pull off a miracle? Here is today's game recap.

Saturday, June 8, 2019 | 3:07 pm

SkyDome | Toronto, ON

Zach Greinke RHP (6-2, 3.09 ERA, 0.93 WHIP 75 K)

Aaron Sanchez RHP (3-6, 3.95 ERA, 1.53 WHIP 58 K)

Diamondbacks righty Merrill Kelly threw seven strong innings as the Diamondbacks routed the Blue Jays 8-2

After a difficult loss to the Yankees, the Blue Jays were right back at it taking on the Arizona Diamondbacks. Marcus Stroman was back on the mound (he got one of the three wins in 2016 vs. Arizona). Cavan Biggio got the start at first base as Justin Smoak got a full day off and Rowdy Tellez served as the DH. Danny Jansen was back behind the plate after a day off yesterday. Randal Grichuk also returned to the field after serving as the DH yesterday. Could the Blue Jays get back on track with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

The Diamondbacks opened the scoring in the top of the 4th as David Peralta singled home Ketel Marte
A batter later, Christian Walker hit a ground-rule double scoring Eduardo Escobar
A batter later, as Kevin Cron cranked a three-run blast into the Blue Jays bullpen also scoring Walker and Peralta
The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 5th as Teoscar Hernandez smacked an opposite field shot into the Diamondbacks bullpen
The Diamondbacks added a run in the top of the 6th as Peralta knocked one out to right into the Diamondbacks bullpen
Marcus Stroman pitching line: 5.2IP 7H 6R (all earned) 2BB 4K 101 pitches (62 for strikes)
The Diamondbacks added a run in the top of the 7th as Escobar singled home Jarrod Dyson
Merrill Kelly pitching line: 7IP 3H 1R (earned) 2BB 3K 95 pitches (58 for strikes)
The Diamondbacks added a run in the top of the 9th on an opposite field shot by Carson Kelly
The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Lourdes Gurriel Jr. singled home Randal Grichuk. Gurriel Jr. advanced to second on the play on a throwing error
Final score: Diamondbacks 8 Blue Jays 2

My Take:

Marcus Stroman cruised through the first three innings, facing the minimum 9 batters. In the 4th inning, he was lit up to the tune of 5 runs on 4 hits and a walk. Stroman pitched into the 6th inning, key with Sanchez pitching tomorrow and a big stretch of games coming up starting Tuesday. How many more starts will Stroman make in a Blue Jays uniform with the team reportedly actively shopping him, Sanchez and Smoak
The offence was pretty non-existent through the first seven innings, managing just a single run (on a solo HR) 3 hits and a pair of walks. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. had the best day with a pair of hits. The Blue Jays best inning offensively was the 8th when they had runners on 1st and second (the only inning with multi-base runners)
Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series as Aaron Sanchez and his wonky digit take to the mound against former 2009 Cy Young winner Zack Greinke.

Friday, June 7, 2019

Game #63 - Diamondbacks (31-32) vs Blue Jays (23-39)

Friday, June 7, 2019 | 1:07 pm

SkyDome | Toronto, ON

Merrill Kelly RHP (5-6, 4.41 ERA, 1.43 WHIP 55 K)

Marcus Stroman RHP (3-7, 2.84 ERA, 1.30 WHIP 59 K)

Sunday, June 30, 2019

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Thursday, June 20, 2019

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Tuesday, June 11, 2019

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Friday, June 7, 2019