Thursday, April 29, 2021

Game #23 Washington Nationals (9-12) @ Toronto Blue Jays (11-12) - game recap

 

George Springer made his Blue Jays regular season debut in an 8-2 rout loss to the Nationals

After a huge come from behind win, the Blue Jays were looking to sweep the mini two game set with the Nationals. George Springer made his long-anticipated debut after recovering from oblique and quad strains. Springer was signed to a huge $150-million 6-year deal in the off-season. Hyun-jin Ryu was placed on the 10-day IL with a glut strain suffered in his start Sunday vs. the Rays. Hopefully he only misses one start because the Blue Jays are super thin in the pitching department and already have a couple of bullpen days a week. Rowdy Tellez was optioned to the alt. squad with Springer expected to DH a lot in the early going as he continues to work his way back to full health. Steven Matz got the start and was looking to improve to 5-0. He's looked excellent in his first 3 starts. Danny Jansen was back behind the plate after the day off yesterday. The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday. Could the Blue Jays make it three wins in a row? Here is tonight's game recap

Game Highlights:

  • The Nationals opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd as Ryan Zimmerman singled home Victor Robles and Trea Turner
  • A batter later, Starlin Castro singled scoring Josh Harrison
  • The Nationals added 3 runs in the top of the 4th on three run bomb to dead center by Harisson; also scoring Robles and Turner
  • Steven Matz pitching line: 32IP 8H 6R (all earned) 1BB 2K 80 pitches (54 for strikes)
  • The Nationals added a pair of runs in the top of the 5th as Josh Bell hammered a opposite-field 2-run bomb to left; also scoring Kyle Schwarber
  • The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Lourdes Gurriel Jr. whacked a solo blast to right
  • Erick Fedde pitching line: 6IP 2H 1R (earned) 3BB 7K 98 pitches (59 for strikes)
  • The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 8th as Bo Bichette annihilated a solo bomb off the scoreboard in left
  • Final score: Nationals 8 Blue Jays 2

My Take:

  • It was not a good night for Steven Matz, who was knocked around for 6 runs on 8 hits, while walking 1 and striking out 2. He also hit Josh Bell to load the bases in the 3rd inning. He pitched in and out of trouble in every inning but the 2nd when he had a clean 1-2-3 inning. Hopefully he bounces back next start because the Blue Jays need starters to eat innings.
  • George Springer finally made his regular season debut after missing the first 22 games with oblique and quad strains. Springer was just days away from making his debut when he injured his quad while running the bases. While Springer was 0-4 in his debut, he made contact in every AB. It might take a few games for him to get his timing back. Batting practice is vastly different from playing a game.
  • Danny Jansen's hitless streak was extended to 0-34. His last hit was a double April 7 against Texas. With few catching options, the best the Blue Jays can really do is give more playing time to Alejandro Kirk. The Blue Jays could send Jansen to the minors if he has options left. Jansen is under Blue Jay control until 2025 when he becomes a free agent
  • The Blue Jays were 0-3 with runners in scoring position
  • Up next, after an off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays begin a weekend series against the Braves. Atlanta won 2 of the 3 games in the season series last year and outscored the Blue Jays 15-6. Robbie Ray gets the start Friday against an unannounced Braves starter.