Game #33 Baltimore Orioles (15-19) @ Toronto Blue Jays (18-15) - game recap

 

Chase Anderson threw 5 strong innings in a losing effort as the Orioles came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 4-3 in 11 innings to avoid being swept

After a thrilling come from behind win yesterday, the Blue Jays wrapped up the homestand and the series against the Orioles. Today was trade deadline day and the Blue Jays were buyers for the first time in a few seasons. They had already acquired Daniel Vogelbach and Taijuan Walker in separate dea;s with the Mariners, and both have already made their Blue Jays debut. Today, the Blue Jays picked up lefty Robbie Ray from the Diamondbacks for fellow lefty Travis Bergen, who has been on the taxi squad this season and was on the active roster for a game or two, but never pitched. Currently, the Blue Jays have three starters on the IL (Nate Pearson, Trent Thornton and Matt Shoemaker) and none of the three are expected back in the near future. The Blue Jays also acquired IF/OF Jonathan Villar, who is expected to help fill the void with Bo Bichette still rehabbing the knee injury. Finally, the Blue Jays acquired righty Ross Stirling, who will provide depth in the bullpen. Expect some roster moves tomorrow to get the new players on the roster. Onto the game. Chase Anderson was o the bump, looking to go deep (past 5 innings) into the game to take pressure off a taxed bullpen. Vlad was back in the field after two days in a row as DH, Daniel Vogelbach got his first start in a Blue Jays uniform as DH (he had one pinch hit appearance on the weekend), Danny Jansen was back behind the plate after a day off yesterday, Joe Panik was at the hot corner to give Travis Shaw a day of rest and Santiago Espinal got the start at SS. Could the Blue Jays complete the sweep of the Orioles? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Orioles took the lead in the top of the 1st as Jose Iglesias singled scoring Anthony Santander 
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the 5th on a throwing error by Hanser Alberto that scored Danny Jansen and Joe Panik
• Keegan Akin pitching line: 4.1IP 3H 2R (none earned) 2BB 6K 81 pitches (54 for strikes)
• Chase Anderson pitching line 5IP 3H 1R (earned) 0BB 8K 84 pitches (53 for strikes)
• The Orioles tied it up in the top of the 6th as Santander doubled home Alberto
• The Orioles took the lead in the top of the 11th as Iglesias doubled home Santander
• Two batters later, Bryan Holaday doubled home Iglesias 
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning on a single by Lourdes Gurriel Jr. that scored Randal Grichuk
• Final score: Orioles 4 Blue Jays 3 (11 innings)

My Take:

• Chase Anderson had his best start in a Blue Jays uniform, giving up 1 run on 3 hits while walking none and striking out 8. Anderson retired the final 12 batters he faced. If I were Charlie Montoyo, I would have let Anderson keep rolling to start the 6th, but what do I know, and maybe at the point Anderson was removed, word had come that the Blue Jays had acquired more pitching help.
• The bullpen worked it's way in and out of trouble over the final 6 innings. Wilmer Font gave up the tying run, costing Anderson the win. Ryan Borucki allowed hits to 2 of the 3 batters he faced.Thomas Hatch was perfect with a strikeout in his 1.2 innings. Raphael Dolis gave up a hit and walk, but kept the Orioles from scoring in his inning. AJ Cole pitched a clean 10th inning and Anthony Bass allowed the inherited runner that started on second base to score and the batter who drove in the inherited runner to plate as well. It will be interesting to see which reliever is moved to the taxi squad to make way for Ross Stirling.
• Daniel Vogelbach got on base once in four tries, before being lifted for a pinch runner in the 9th after drawing a walk
• Lourdes Gurriel Jr. had nearly half the hits for the Blue Jays (2 doubles and a single)
• Up next, the Blue Jays head to Miami, where they will face the Marlins, with whom they split the two game series in Buffalo a few weeks back. It will be a bullpen day for the Blue Jays tomorrow, with one of Anthony Kay or Jacob Waguespack likely getting the ball first. The Marlins will counter with righty Eliser Hernandez
• No doubt the mood in each dugout was very different today. The Orioles were expecting to say goodbye (potentially) to more teammates as Baltimore was reeling, having lost 12/15 and were looking to next season. It turned out that the Orioles traded away Miguel Castro in a last-minute deal. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays were flying high, riding a 4-game win streak and were looking forward to (potentially) meeting a few new teammates to bolster their roster for the wild card race and likely 1st playoff appearance since 2016. It turned out, the Blue Jays added two more pitchers and a utility player (see preamble above). The next time these teams meet, it will be the last series of the season for both squads. 
• The biggest surprises of the trade deadline was the inactivity of the Yankees and Rays, who are usually active at the trade deadline, and Miami and San Diego being buyers, both of whom are perennial bottom feeders in the MLB. Their success must bolster the confidence of the Orioles and Mariners, who are bad teams.
• Boston was also in selling mode today. The Red Sox are only 2 years removed from their last World Series win. This year, their pitching has been terrinle.
• Ex-Blue Jay Kevin Pillar was on the move, packing his bags for Colorado.
• Another ex-Blue Jays, David Phelps switched addresses from Philly to Milwaukee
• Finally, Ex-Blue Jays reliever Paul Quantrill's son Cal is heading to Cleveland in a deal made because Mike Clevinger fell out of favor with the Indians after a night of partying
• In total, 65 players and/or prospects switched teams in the past week leading up to today's deadline. What will be interesting to see is who the up to 19 players to be named later (two of the deals that involved players to be named later had the option of receiving cash) are. Technically the trades this year could only involve players on the 60 man roster, which includes the taxi squads. These deals will likely involve players/prospects not currently on the 60-man roster and will be finalized in the off-season

Game #32 Baltimore Orioles (14-19) @ Toronto Blue Jays (18-14) - game recap

 

Teoscar Hernandez hit a 2-run single in the 9th as the Blue Jays came from behind to walk off the Orioles 6-5

After a clinical 5-0 shutout over the Orioles last night, the Blue Jays continued their series against the lowly Baltimore Orioles squad with the first of two matinees to wrap up the homestand. The two teams will meet one more time in Buffalo to wrap up the season. Tanner Roark got the start for the Blue Jays. The righty was looking for his 3rd win in a Blue Jays uniform. Same lineup as yesterday, except Reese McGuire was behind the plate. Could the Blue Jays make it 4 in a row and 6 straight against the Orioles? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Orioles opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Ryan Mountcastle hammered a solo bomb to left
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom of the 4th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled home Randal Grichuk
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the 5th as Cavan Biggio singled scoring Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
• A batter later, Joe Panik scored on a sac fly by Grichuk
• Jose Lopez pitching line: 4.2IP 3H 3R (all earned) 3BB 3K 63 pitches (37 for strikes)
• Tanner Roark ptching line: 5IP 8H 4R (all earned) 2BB 5K 87 pitches (61 for strikes)
• The Orioles got one back in the top of the 6th as Pedro Severino singled home Renato Nunez
• A batter later, Mountcastle absolutely annihilated a 2-run bomb to left-center; also scoring Severino
•  The Blue Jays tied the game in the bottom of the 8th as Rowdy Tellez singled home Teoscar Hernandez
• The Orioles took the lead in the top of the 9th as Jose Iglesias singled home Rio Ruiz
• The Blue Jays won it in the bottom half of the inning on a single by Hernandez that scored Santiago Espinal and Grichuk
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 Orioles 5

My Take:

• Tanner Roark pitched in and out of trouble today. He tossed five innings, allowing 4 runs on 8 hits while walking 2 and striking out 5. Ryan Mountcastle destroyed two of Roark's pitches, taking him right out of the ballpark twice. Roark could have gone an extra inning, but best to let him leave on a positive note,
• Every Blue Jays starter except Reese McGuire got on base at least once and all but McGuire and Rowdy Tellez had at least one hit
• For the first four innings, it looked like Jose Lopez was going to have a Greg Maddux-like outing. He was still in the mid-20s with his pitch count with 1 out in the 4th. He threw almost 40 pitches the next inning and a third, including three walks.
• The Blue Jays got a bit of a break, not having to face Orioles closer Mychal Givens, who was traded to Colorado earlier in the day
• By the time the game ends tomorrow, the trade deadline will have passed. The Orioles could move another player or two, including Friday's starter Alex Cobb. I could see the Blue Jays looking for another reliever or a bat or two.
• Up next, the Blue Jays wrap up the weekend series and homestand with a matinee against the Orioles. They will be looking to sweep Baltimore for the second time this season. Chase Anderson gets the start against Orioles lefty Keegan Akin.

Game #31 Baltimore Orioles (14-18) @ Toronto Blue Jays (17-14) - game recap

 

Vlad had a pair of RBI and a run scored in a 5-0 shutout win over the Orioles

After prevailing in a tough back and forth game last night, the Blue Jays were back at it, trying for their 5th straight win over the Orioles and 3rd straight overall. The newly acquired Taijuan Walker made his Blue Jays debut, starting on the mount for Toronto. Vlad got the half day off, serving as the DH With Rowdy Tellez. Derek Fisher got the start in LF. Could the Blue Jays make it three wins in a row? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled home Teoscar Hernandez and Rowdy Tellez
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 4th on a fielder's choice hit by Derek Fisher that scored Guerrero Jr. The out at second stood after a challenge by the Blue Jays
• Three batters later, Cavan Biggio singled home Fisher and Joe Panik
• Alex Cobb pitching line:  4IP 8H 5R (4 earned) 2BB 2K 76 pitches (48 for strikes)
• Tiajuan Walker pitching line: 6IP 4H 0R 3BB 4K 92 pitches (56 for strikes)
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Orioles 0

My Take:

• Taijuan Walker had a solid debut in a Blue Jays uniform, firing 6 shutout innings, scattering 4 hits while walking 3 and striking out 4. His counterpart, Alex Cobb, who was perhaps making his final start in an Orioles uniform, was not as impressive, giving up 5 runs (1 unearned due to a bobble at 2B on a fielder's choice) giving up 8 hits, walking 2 and striking out 2. I can't imagine how difficult it is to play your best when you are one a team that's heading for a 4th straight losing season like the Orioles, versus being traded to a team challenging for a WC spot. The Orioles went on a streak where they won 6 straight, but have since lost 10 out of their last 14, including today. Toronto has been playing .500 ball for much of the season, but that's good enough to be in the WC hunt in a 60 game sprint with expanded playoffs.
• Vlad and Tellez are both making their case for playing time. Rowdy drew a pair of walks and scored a run, while Vlad had a pair of base knocks, 2 RBI and scored a run. Makes me wonder when Daniel Vogelbach will get playing time and where
• The bullpen was excellent in the final 3 innings, giving up just a single hit. Wilmer Font bounced back nicely after a disastrous half inning on Tuesday with a perfect 9th, including a strikeout.
• Up next, the Blue Jays look to keep things rolling and extend the win streak to 4 games. Tanner Roark gets the start against Orioles righty Jorge Lopez.

Game #30 Baltimore Orioles (14-16) @ Toronto Blue Jays (15-14) - game recap

 

Randal Grichuk hit a walk-off two-run HR as the Blue Jays came  from behind to defeat the Orioles 4-3 in 10 innings

Super quick preamble as it's getting late. After a postponement to protest against the cop shootings on black people, the Blue Jays were back in action, starting a weekend set against the Baltimore Orioles, who they swept  a couple of weeks ago in Baltimore. Appropriately enough, teams celebrated Jackie Robinson, who, of course, broke the color barrier in 1974. Pitching help is on the way as the Blue Jays acquired Mariners right Taijuan Walker from the Seattle Mariners. The Blue Jays were left scrambling this week with Nate Pearson, Trent Thornton and Matt Shoemaker all ailing. Pearson might be the closest of the three to returning. Brandon Drury was optioned to Buffalo and Anthony Alford was claimed off waivers by Pittsburgh, bringing an end to his time as a Blue Jay. Tonight, Hyun-Jin Ryu got the start. Vlad was back in the field after a day and a half off (served as the DH Wednesday and everyone took Thursday off to boycott). Danny Jansen was also back behind the plate after Reese McGuire played Wednesday. Rowdy Tellez served as DH tonight. Could the Blue Jays make it two in a row and four straight against Baltimore? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 4th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. smacked a solo blast to right
• A batter later, Teoscar Hernandez cranked a solo bomb to dead center 
• John Means pitching line: 4IP 4H 2R (both earned) 1BB 3K 74 pitches (47 for strikes)
• The Orioles tied the game in the top of the 6th as Ryan Mountcastle singled home Hanser Alberto and Jose Iglesias 
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning on a wild pitch by Tanner Scott that scored Guerrero Jr.
• Hyun Jiun Ryu pitching line: 6IP 8H 2R (both earned) 1BB 3K 98 pitches (65 for strikes)
• The Orioles tied the game in the top of the 8th as Renato Nunez cracked a liner to left
• The Orioles took the lead in the top of the 10th on an infield single by Alberto that plated Rio Ruiz
• The Blue Jays walked it off in the bottom half of the inning as Randal Grichuk smashed a 2-run blast to dead center; also scoring Reese McGuire
• Final score: Blue Jays 4 Orioles 3 (10 innings)

My Take:

• Hyun Jin Ryu pitched his way in and out of trouble all night - he was pitching on an extra day or two of rest, so perhaps his stuff wasn't as sharp. Ryu threw 6 innings, giving up 2 runs on 8 hits while walking 1 and striking out three. More important, he threw the most pitches in a start this season. I'm sure the team will see how he feels tomorrow
• This was a back and forth game. Every time the Blue Jays scored, the Orioles tied the game two innings later. In the 10th, the Orioles got one run, but the Blue Jays answered with 2 in their half of the inning.
• Daniel Vogelbach made his Blue Jays debut, pinch hitting for Danny Jansen in the 9th. Going forward, he'll probably platoon with Vlad and Rowdy at 1B/DH. There may be days where Vlad gets the complete day off (who knows maybe he's playing through a minor injury and that's why the Blue Jays made the deal, or maybe they aren't sure they want to move forward with Rowdy Tellez in the long-term). Tellez was 0-4 today and struck out twice. Vlad gave the Blue Jays the lead twice and is improving at 1B.
• Up next, the Blue Jays look to make it three in a row. Taijuan Walker gets his first start as a Blue Jay after being acquired today. The Orioles will counter with righty Alex Cobb.

Game #30? We're half way there, living on a prayer.----------- Orioles @ Jays -------------

 

Game #29 Boston Red Sox (10-21) @ Toronto Blue Jays (15-14) - game recap

 

Rowdy Tellez was 3-4 with 2 runs scored and 4 RBI in a 9-1 rout over the Red Sox

After a tough loss stemming from a disastrous half inning for Wilmer Font. A few roster moves ahead of today's game. Sean-Reid Foley was added to the roster and Derek Fisher was activated from the IL. Relievers Sam Gaviglio and Travis Bergen were sent back to the taxi squad. Inclement weather was in the forecast for tonight, so there was question whether the full game would go ahead. It was essentially a bullpen day for both teams with Nate Pearson (stiff elbow) and Nathan Eovaldi (calf strain) were both unable to pitch. Julian Merryweather got the ball first for the Blue Jays tonight. Travis Shaw was back in the lineup after being pulled with knee discomfort prior to the 3rd inning last night. Randal Grichuk was back in the field after DH'ing last night, putting Cavan Biggio back at his natural 3B position. Vlad got the half day off tonight, serving as the DH. Rowdy Tellez got the start at 1B. Reese McGuire was behind the plate. Could the Blue Jays even the series? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Randal Grichuk crack a solo blast to left-center
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 2nd as Rowdy Tellez smashed a solo bomb to dead center 
• Julian Merryweather pitching line: 2IP 1H 0R 0BB 3K 36 pitches (23 for strikes)
• The Red Sox got one back in the top of the 3rd as Mitch Moreland smashed a solo blast to right
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 4th as Tellez crushed a 2-run bomb to right; also scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Colten Brewer pitching line: 3.2IP 5H 4R (all earned) 2BB 4K 80 pitches (49 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 7th as Grichuk singled home Santiago Espinal
• Two batters later, Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring Cavanan Biggio, Teoscar Hernandez and Grichuk
• Two batters later, Tellez singled scoring Guerrero Jr.
• Final score: Blue Jays 9 Red Sox 1

My Take:

• It was another stellar performance for a bullpen that has literally pitched more innings this season than the starters. With no off-day until September 10th and three starting pitchers on the injured list, the bullpen will be taxed even further. Tonight, Julian Merryweather and three relievers held the Red Sox to 1 run on three hits and 3 walks. Sean Reid-Foley made his first appearance of the season, tossing a perfect inning of mop-up duty in the 9th.
• Rowdy Tellez and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. both did their level best to make the roster decision when Daniel Vogelbach is set to be activated a difficult one. Guerrero Jr. and Tellez combined for 5 hits, 4 runs and 7 RBI between them. Vlad has had much better AB's recently.
• It was good to see Travis Shaw back in the lineup after he left in the 3rd inning last night. The Blue Jays are already being forced to be creative with their lineup the absence of Bo Bichette and Randal Grichuk playing through an injury.
• Up next, the Blue Jays go for the series win in the rubber match of this series. Ace Hyun-Jin Ryu gets the start with the hopes of pitching into the 7th inning and/or throwing 100 pitches. The Red Sox will counter with righty Chris Mazza

Game #28 Boston Red Sox (10-20) @ Toronto Blue Jays (14-14) - game recap

Danny Jansen was 2-4 with a pair of RBI in a losing effort as the Red Sox defeated the Blue Jays 9-7

 

After a hard-fought four game split with the Rays, the Blue Jays returned to their temporary home to take on the AL East bottom-dwellers Boston Red Sox. Boston has already accepted that this season is a lost cause and started trading away players on expiring contracts (Heath Hembree and Brandon Workman were both dealt to the Phillies on the weekend). Meanwhile, the Blue Jays are right in the thick of the wild card hunt and are expected to be buyers this week ahead of Monday's trade deadline. The Blue Jays acquired Dan Vogelbach in a minor deal with the Mariners. Where he fits remains a mystery, given he is a 1B/DH and the Blue Jays have largely been platooning Vlad and Rowdy Tellez at those two positions. Starting pitching is expected to be a major target this week with Nate Pearson, Matt Shoemaker and Trent Thornton all on the 10-day IL and none are expected back soon. For tonight, Chase Anderson got the start. The Blue Jays were likely expecting around five innings from him since he is still building up after missing the first couple of weeks of the season with an oblique strain. Randal Grichuk got the half day off, serving as the DH tonight, meaning Cavan Biggio was in RF tonight and Teoscar Hernandez was covering CF. Vlad was at 1B for the second straight game and Brandon Drury was at 2B tonight. Santiago Espinal got the start at SS. Could the Blue Jays make it two wins in a row? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Lourdes Gurriel Jr. doubled home Randal Grichuk and Cavan Biggio
• Two batters later, Danny Jansen singled scoring Gurriel Jr. and Teoscar Hernandez. Jansen was thrown out at second base trying to stretch a single into a double 
• The Red Sox got one back in the top of the 2nd as Mitch Moreland singled scoring Xander Bogaerts
• Travis Shaw left the game prior to the 3rd inning with knee discomfort
• The Red Sox got one back in the top of the 4th as Moreland doubled home Bogaerts 
• Three batters later, Jackie Bradley Jr legged out an infield single (Red Sox won challenge) scoring Moreland
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom half of the inning as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring Biggio and Santiago Espinal
• Kyle Hart pitching line: 3.1IP 8H 6R (all earned) 3BB 3K 70 pitches (39 for strikes)
• Chase Anderson pitching line: 5IP 7H 4R (3 earned) 1BB 3K 83 pitches (55 for strikes)
• The Red Sox got 1 back in the top of the 6th as Bradley Jr. singled scoring Moreland
• Two batters later, Alex Verduga singled home Christian Vasquez
• A batter later, Rafael Devers tripled scoring Bradley Jr., Verduga and Jose Peraza
• A batter later, Devers scored on a sac fly by JD Martinez
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 9th as Teoscar Hernandez smacked a solo blast to right
• Matt Barnes pitched the 9th for his second save of the season
• Final score: Red Sox 9 Blue Jays 7

My Take:

• Normally, I'd be lamenting another pitcher failing to make it past 5 innings. However, Chase Anderson is still working on building back up in sub-optimal circumstances. It's quite frankly a surprise he hasn't re-injured himself, given that ideally he'd be on a rehab stint, but because there are no minor leagues playing this year, he's forced to jump right into the fire and pitch in the majors. Not the best start, allowing 4 runs (3 earned) on 7 hits while walking 1 and striking out 3. Best thing is, he threw 83 pitches and should need just one more start to get to the 90-100 pitch threshold you like to see starters at
• The Blue Jays will have interesting decisions to make now that two of their regular infielders are injured (Travis Shaw at one of the corner positions and Bo Bichette at SS). There are a few players capable of playing multiple infield positions (Joe Panik and Brandon Drury have both played 2B/SS/3B this season, Vlad has experience at the hot corner, and Santiago Espinal has played one game at the hot corner). Vlad may not see much time at DH the next while if the Blue Jays want to keep some of the other bats in the lineup.
• It was another ugly inning for reliever Wilmer Font, who was lit up for 4 runs on 3 hits and a hit batter and raised his ERA to 11.00. Plus he tagged starter Chase Anderson with an extra run on  his pitching line. Font has had a rough season thus far. Hopefully the issue is mechanical and not an injury.
• Despite the loss, the Blue Jays put up 7 runs on 13 hits and most nights, that will be a win.
• Every Blue Jays starter except Travis Shaw (had just one AB before leaving with an injury) and Brandon Drury 
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series. They will catch a break as Red Sox ace Nathan Eovaldi, will miss his scheduled start due to a calf strain. Instead, the Blue Jays will face righty Colten Brewer. The Blue Jays have not announced a starter, but it's expected to be a bullpen day. One of Jacob Waguespack, Anthony Kay or Thomas Hatch will likely get the ball first, unless the Blue Jays acquire a starter in the next few hours.

Game #27 Toronto Blue Jays (14-13) @ Tampa Bay Rays (19-11) - game recap

 

Randal Grichuk bashed a 3-run hr in a 6-4 victory over the Rays 

The Blue Jays were looking to avoid dropping below .500 and losing 3 straight games. After a rough day yesterday with news that Matt Shoemaker was going on the IL with a lat strain (he's considered week-to-week and Trent Thornton injured his pitching shoulder, the Blue Jays were looking for Tanner Roark to pitch deep into the game today. The Blue Jays DFA'd Thomas Pannone and added lefty Travis Bergen. They also acquired Dan Volelbach, who was just recently DFA'd by the Mariners for cash considerations. Interesting move since 1B/DH are already platooned by Rowdy Tellez and Vlad. Speaking of Vlad, he was back in the field after 2 days as DH, Travis Shaw got the start at 1B, Joe Panik was at the hot corner and Santiago Espinal was at SS. Could the Blue Jays snap the 2-game losing streak? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Rays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Yoshi Tsutsugo hammered a solo bomb off the right foul pole
• The Blue Jays executed a brilliant relay to gun down Joey Wendle at the plate to keep the score 1-0 for the Rays
• The Blue Jays tied it in the top of the 2nd as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring Cavan Biggio
• The Rays took the lead in the bottom of the 4th as Willy Adames lined a two-run blast to left; also scoring Tsutsugo
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 6th as Lourdes Gurriel Jr. lined a solo blast to left-center
• Blake Snell pitching line: 5.2IP 4H 2R (both earned) 1BB 9K 101 pitches (66 for strikes)
• Tanner Roark pitching line: 5IP 6H 3R (all earned) 3BB 2K 96 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Blues Jays took the lead in the top of the 7th as Randal Grichuk smashed a 3-run blast to left; also scoring Santiago Espinal and Biggio
• Kevin Kiermaier left the game prior to the top half of the 8th inning after getting hit by a pitch in the bottom of the 6th
• The Rays got one back in the bottom of the 8th on a fielder's choice hit by Joey Wendle that scored Ji-Man Choi. Espinal was charged with a throwing error on the play
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 9th as Biggio doubled home Espinal
• Jordan Romano pitched a scoreless 9th for his 2nd save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 Rays 4

 My Take:

• Tanner Roark pitched five solid innings (although I'm sure the Blue Jays would have hoped he could have been a bit more efficient and gone an extra inning or two with the rotation in shambles) giving up 3 runs on 6 hits while walking 3 and striking out 2. After Chase Anderson pitches tomorrow, the injured Nate Pearson's spot comes up on Wednesday. Anthony Kay, Thomas Hatch or Jacob Waguespack will likely get the start.
• There were pretty defensive plays from both sides. The Rays  made fine plays on all three outs in the 2nd inning and Cavan Biggio robbed Joey Wendle of a base hit with a diving stop in the 4th
• Offensively, the long ball carried the day for the Blue Jays, capped off by a 3-run shot off the hot bat of Randal Grichuk.
• Up next, the Blue Jays fly home to begin a three-game set starting tomorrow against the AL East basement dwellers, the Boston Red Sox, who have already begun the process of moving veteran players having completed a trade on the weekend sending Brandon Workman and Heath Hembree to the Philles. Chase Anderson gets the start for the Blue Jays, while The Red Sox will counter with lefty Kyle Hart

Game #26 Toronto Blue Jays (13-13) @ Tampa Bay Rays (19-10) - game recap

 

Teoscar Hernandez got on base 4 times today with 3 walks and a HR. He also scored 2 of the Blue Jays runs in a 5-4 loss to the Rays

After a heartbreaking extra innings loss last night that snapped a 6-game winning streak, the Blue Jays were looking to start another win streak today. Trent Thornton was back on the bump after a disastrous return from an elbow injury. Thornton couldn't even get out of the 1st inning against Philadelphia. It took a late seven inning rally to avoid being saddled with the loss. He probably won;t go more than an inning or two as he builds his arm strength back up. Ideally this would be done through a rehab stint in the minors, but that's not an option this year with only the majors operating this year. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. served as the DH for the second straight day with Travis Shaw getting the start at 1B. Brandon Drury was at the hot corner and Santiago Espinal got the start at SS. Danny Jansen was back behind the plate after the day off yesterday. Could the Blue Jays start another winning streak? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Trent Thornton pitching line: 1IP 2H 0R 0BB 2K 25 pitches (17 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Teoscar Hernandez lined a solo blast to left
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 4th as Travis Shaw singled home Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• The Rays got one back in the bottom of the 5th as Jose Martinez singled scoring Joey Wendle
• A batter later, Willy Adames scored on a sac fly by Austin Meadows. Hernandez made a throwing error on the play
• A batter later, Brandon Lowe singled home Martinez
• Josh Fleming pitching line: 5IP 4H 2R (both earned) 2BB 3K 72 pitches (41 for strikes)
• The Rays added a run in the bottom of the 7th as Meadows singled scoring Kevin Kiermaier 
• Three batters later, Meadows scored on a sac fly by Ji-Man Choi
• The Blue Jays got a pair back in the top of the 8th as Lourdes Gurriel Jr. cranked a 2-run bomb to left-center; also scoring Hernandez
• John Curtiss got the final 5 outs of the game for his 1st save of the season
• Final score: Rays 5 Blue Jays 4

My Take:

• Trent Thornton only made it through an inning today. While his outing went MUCH better than Thursday, where he was tagged for 6 runs on 5 hits while walking two and striking out 1. Today, he allowed a pair of hits and struck out two batters. The bigger concern is his elbow issue cropped up  again. He was massaging the elbow after a pitch. Honestly, the best thing the Blue Jays can do for his present and future is to shut him down for 2020, do some more tests and, if necessary, get that TJ surgery done with because if that's required, he'll see most, if not all, of the 2021 season wiped out. 
• Buck Martinez made an interesting comment after the Lourdes Gurriel Jr. HR, calling it a rally killer. He actually has a point. The Rays generated all five of their runs today without hitting any out of the ball park. Pitchers will adjust and start throwing balls lower in the zone. I thought Charlie Montoyo was an ex-Rays coach. He should be adopting TB's winning strategy
• The Blue Jays are in deep doo doo with three pitchers likely not pitching for a bit. Matt Shoemaker was placed on the IL Sunday too. How are the Blue Jays going to make it to their next off-day, which isn't until September 10th? At the moment, the Blue Jays have 3 starting pitchers injured (Nate Pearson, Shoemaker and Thornton). They may need to look at doing a trade or two for some starting pitchers. Or maybe they might look at signing a free agent willing to play. At the moment, only Chase Anderson (who already had an IL stint to start the season), Tanner Roark and Hyun-Jin Ryu are the only healthy bodies they have that are built up as starters. Anthony Kay, Sam Gaviglio and Ryan Borucki are options to eat up multiple innings. We may be seeing a position player pitch an inning soon.
• Up next, the Blue Jays wrap up the season series against the Rays. Tanner Roark gets the start for Toronto. He needs to pitch past the 5th inning with the bullpen being WAY overused. I fear another reliever will blow out his elbow as happened to Tim Mayza last September because they have been overused. The Rays will counter with lefty Blake Snell.

Game #25 Toronto Blue Jays (13-12) @ Tampa Bay Rays (18-10) - game recap

 

Hyun Jin Ryu threw five strong innings in a losing effort as the Rays came from behind to edge the Blue Jays 2-1

A day after throwing his batting order into a blender and squeaking out a win over the surging Tampa Bay Rays, Charlie Montoyo went back to a lineup that more or less made sense, with Cavan Biggio leading off and Randal Grichuk batting 2nd. Vlad got the half day off, serving as the DH with Rowdy Tellez at 1B today. Joe Panik got the start at SS with Bo Bichette still on the shelf. Reese McGuire got the start behind the plate. Could the Blue Jays keep it rolling and make it seven wins in a row? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Aaron Slegers pitching line: 4IP 0H 0R 0BB 5K 58 pitches (39 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 5th on a bases loaded walk to Cavan Biggio that forced in Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• The Rays tied it up in the bottom half of the inning on a fielder's choice hit by Manuel Margot that scored Willy Adames
• Hyun Jin Ryu pitching line: 5IP 3H 1R (earned) 0BB 5K 94 pitches (61 for strikes)
• The Rays walked it off in the bottom of the 10th as Kevin Kiermaier singled home Manuel Margot
• Final score: Rays 2 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• It was another strong start for ace Hyun Jin Ryu, who threw 5 strong innings, allowing a run on 3 hits while walking none and striking out five. Credit the Rays batters for working the count and getting Ryu's pitch count up.
• Low-scoring affair. Ten hits between the teams. However, that didn't mean there weren't base runners. The Blue Jays drew 6 walks and the Rays drew 4 walks.
• The Blue Jays were a miserable 1-8 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to take a series lead as Trent Thornton starts in a quick turnaround after he was yanked in the 1st inning his last time out in game two of the double header against Philly Thursday. The Rays will counter with lefty Scott Fleming

Game #25: Jays (13-11) @ Rays (17-10) 6:40PM EST.

 

Game #24 Toronto Blue Jays (13-11) @ Tampa Bay Rays (17-10) - game recap

 

Cavan Biggio was 3-3 with 2 runs scored and an RBI as the Blue Jays hung on for a 6-5 victory over the Rays in 10 innings. It was their 6th straight win.

The Blue Jays and Rays opened up their third and final series of the season tonight at Tropicana Field. The Rays have won 4 of the 6 games between the AL East division rivals. The Blue Jays have climbed back into the Wild card race and were in the 2nd WC spot heading into play tonight after stringing together a 5-game win streak. The Rays, meanwhile, were 1st in the AL East and tied for second in the entire American League, a game back of the surging Oakland A's. The LA Dodgers are the class of the entire MLB with a 19-8 record and a ridiculous +66 run differential. Anyway, back to this series. Injuries have wedged a hole in the rotation. Sunday looks like it might be a bullpen day, with starter Nate Pearson on the shelf with a tight pitching elbow. Tonight, Matt Shoemaker, who may be making his last start in a Blue Jays uniform with the trade deadline just days away, got the start. He and Hyun-Jin Ryu have been the most consistent starting pitchers for tonight. The batting order was seemingly out in a blender for tonight. It's better if I just post it right below the preamble because it's too complicated to write it all out. Could the Blue Jays make it 6 wins in a row? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Rays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Brandon Lowe smacked a solo blast to right-cener
• The Blue Jays tied the game in the top of the 2nd as Teoscar Hernandez  hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• A batter later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. cranked a solo blast to left
• Five batters later, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. doubled scoring Brandon Drury 
• A batter later, Randal Grichuk singled home Cavan Biggio. Gurriel Jr. was called out after a challenge on the play
• The Rays got one back in the bottom of the 3rd as Randy Diaz cracked a solo blast to dead center 
• Matt Shoemaker pitching line: 5IP 4H 2R (both earned)  1BB 6K 74 pitches (52 for strikes)
• The Rays tied the game in the bottom of the 6th as Jose Martinez doubled scoring Lowe and Diaz
• Ryan Yarbrough pitching line: 6.1IP 8H 4R (all earned) 2BB 6K 97 pitches (64 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 10th as Biggio doubled home Drury
• Two batters later, Biggio scored on a sac fly by Gurriel Jr.
• The Rays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Diaz singled home Lowe
• Jordan Romano pitched the 10th for his 1st save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 Rays 5 (10 innings)

My Take:

• Overall a solid night for Matt Shoemaker. A couple of mistake pitches that went over the wall, other than that, 2 other hits and a walk. I would have given him an extra inning or two, but that's just me.
• Too bad the bullpen IMMEDIATELY cost him the win. Ryan Borucki just didn't have his best stuff tonight
• The Blue Jays appear to have figured out how to win in extra innings. That's two straight extra inning wins and 6 straight wins overall
• That was much harder than it had to be. Jordan Romano got caught nibbling and the Rays had the tying run on 3rd with two outs, before Romano induced a soft comebacker
• Up next, the Blue Jays try for 7 in a row for the 1st time since July 2-8. Hyun Jin Ryu starts for the Blue Jays against an unknown Rays pitcher.