Sunday, July 31, 2022

Game #102- Detroit Tigers (41-62) @ Toronto Blue Jays (57-45) - game recap

 

Jose Berrios threw 7 strong innings in a 4-1 win over the Tigers

After a big come from behind win yesterday, thanks to a huge 3-run bomb by Teoscar Hernandez, the Blue Jays were looking for their 2nd straight win and 17th series win of the season and end their 4th straight month with a win as well. Yes, the Blue Jays have ended every month this season with a win. Jose Berrios got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. George Springer was off for the second time in three days as he nurses a sore elbow. Raimel Tapia was in CF. Jose Berrios got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. Cavan Biggio got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins to end the month of July and the home stand with a win? Here is today's game recap.

Game #102 Detroit Tigers (41-61) @ Toronto Blue Jays (56-45)

 

Saturday, July 30, 2022

Game #101- Detroit Tigers (41-61) @ Toronto Blue Jays (56-45) - game recap

 

Teoscar Hernandez hit a go-ahead 3-run HR in a 5-3 come-from-behind win over the Tigers

After dropping yesterday's game to the Tigers, the Blue Jays were looking to retake the lead in the series. With a win today, the Blue Jays would take the season series Max Castillo was sent down to AAA-ball and Trent Thornton was recalled in his place. Ross Stripling got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. George Springer was back in the lineup as DH. Bo Bichette was also back in the lineup after missing yesterday with a banged up shoulder from a Thursday collision. Santiago Espinal was back at 2B. Could the Blue Jays get their 8th season series win? Here is today's game recap.

Game #101 Detroit Tigers (41-60) @ Toronto Blue Jays (55-45)

 

Friday, July 29, 2022

Game #100- Detroit Tigers (41-60) @ Toronto Blue Jays (55-45) - game recap

 

Alek Manoah pitched into the 6th inning in a 4-2 come-from behind loss to the Tigers. Manoah left the game in the 6th inning after getting hit in his pitching elbow by a hard comebacker

And the Blue Jays have reached the century mark in games played. After a huge win yesterday on the back of a pair of Matt Chapman home runs and 5 solid innings from Yusei Kikuchi, the Blue Jays were looking for 2 straight wins. Alek Manoah got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Not surprisingly George Springer was out of the lineup tonight after exiting early last night with that troublesome elbow. Raimel Tapia took his spot in CF. Bo Bichette also had the complete day off with Santiago Espinal at SS and Cavan Biggio at 2B. Zack Collins served as DH tonight. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 wins in a row? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game #100 Detroit Tigers (40-60) @ Toronto Blue Jays (55-44)

 

Thursday, July 28, 2022

Game #99- Detroit Tigers (40-60) @ Toronto Blue Jays (55-44) - game recap

 

Matt Chapman hit a pair of HR and 3 RBI in a 5-3 victory over the Tigers. Yusei Kikuchi also threw 5 strong innings in his first start coming of the injury list

After dropping the last game of a mini series to the Cardinals, the Blue Jays were looking to bounce back with a win against the Tigers, They won 2 of 3 in Detroit June 10-12 and outscored the Tigers 17-4. Yusei Kikuchi came off the IL to make the start (Danny Jansen was behind the plate). Jeremy Beasley was sent back to AAA-ball. Lourdes was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday. Santiago Espinal was back in the lineup after the day off yesterday. Alejandro Kirk served as DH tonight. Could the Blue Jays start the weekend before the trade deadline with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game #99 Detroit Tigers (40-59) @ Toronto Blue Jays (54-44)

 

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Game #98- St. Louis Cardinals (52-47) @ Toronto Blue Jays (54-44) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette drove in the Blue Jays only run in a 6-1 loss to the Cardinals

After a solid win yesterday on the back of a grand slam by George Springer, the Blue Jays were looking for their 8th straight win, their 5th series sweep and their 8th season series win of the season. Kevin Gausman got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. got the complete day off with Raimel Tapia in CF. Alejandro Kirk served as DH tonight. Cavan Biggio got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it eight wins in a row? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game #98 St. Louis Cardinals (51-47) @ Toronto Blue Jays (54-43)

 

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Game #97- St. Louis Cardinals (51-47) @ Toronto Blue Jays (54-43) - game recap

 

George Springer hit a grand slam and scored twice in a 10-3 come-from-behind win over the Cardinals

After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays open a 2-game set against the Cardinals, who will be minus Paul Goldschmidt, Austin Romine, and Nolan Arenado due to being unvaccinated against COVID-19. Pitcher Johan Oviedo will also miss the series due to an expired Cuban passport. The Blue Jays and Cardiinals split the two games in St. Louis back on May 23-24. The Blue Jays outscored the Cardinals 11-8. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was back in the field after DH'ing Sunday. Santiago Espinal was also back in the field after the complete day off Sunday. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Cavan Biggio at 1B. Could the Blue Jays make it 7 wins in a row? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game #97 St. Louis Cardinals (51-46) @ Toronto Blue Jays (53-43)

 

Monday, July 25, 2022

Ten weekly random thoughts - A look ahead to the second half and Week 16 July 11-17

 


After a much-needed 4 days off to rest the tired bodies and recharge ahead of the unofficial start to the second half of the season. The Blue Jays actually reached the halfway point of their season back on July 4th and entered play Friday playing the 94th game of the schedule. They sat in the 3rd wild card spot a half game behind the surging Mariners who won 14 straight heading into the all-star break. The Blue Jays were also 14.5 back of the Yankees. They started the second half with a bang, exploding for 28 runs, which included a rare inside the park grand slam. The Blue Jays completed the sweep, outscoring the Red Sox by a combined 40-10 over the weekend. Alek Manoah had a strong 6-inning outing in his first start after striking out the side in his all-star appearance Tuesday. Jordan Romano had a 4-out save Saturday and Tim Mayza ws credited with the win Sunday to improve his record to 4-0 on the season. Raimel Tapia almost had 2 grand slams on the weekend. He followed up the inside the park grand slam Friday with a bases clearing triple Sunday. Last week's random thoughts post looked back at the first half of play. This post will be a look ahead to the final half of the season. Looking at the week ahead, the Blue Jays have a brief 2-game set against the Cardinals. The two teams split the two games in St. Louis May 23-24 with the Blue Jays outscoring the Cardinals 11-8. The Blue Jays then finish the week with four games against the Tigers. The Blue Jays won 2/3 back in Detroit June 10-12, outscoring the Tigers 17-4 in that series. Here are ten random thoughts from week 16 of the MLB.

Sunday, July 24, 2022

Game #96- Toronto Blue Jays (52-43) @ Boston Red Sox (48-47) - game recap

 

Raimel Tapia was 3-5 with 4 RBI and a run scored in an 8-4 victory over the Red Sox. It was the Blue Jays 6th straight win and 3rd series sweep of the season.

After another solid win backed by Alek Manoah's strong post-all-star performance of 6 solid innings and a three run 3rd inning, the Blue Jays were looking for their 6th straight win and 3rd series sweep of the season.Ross Stripling got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. got the half day off as DH with Raimel Tapia in LF. Cavan Biggio was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays complete the sweep and make it six straight wins? Here is today's game recap.

Game #96 Toronto Blue Jays (52-43) @ Boston Red Sox (48-47)

 

Saturday, July 23, 2022

Game #95- Toronto Blue Jays (52-43) @ Boston Red Sox (48-47) - game recap

 

Alek Manoah threw 6 strong innings in a 4-1 come-from-behind win over the Red Sox

After shellacking the Red Sox yesterday in the biggest victory of the season in so many ways, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 5 games and win their 16th series of the season. Alek Manoah got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer was back in the lineup after missing the last 2 games with a nagging elbow injury. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Cavan Biggio at 1B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 5 games and notch their 16th series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game #95 Toronto Blue Jays (51-43) @ Boston Red Sox (48-46)

 

Friday, July 22, 2022

Game #94- Toronto Blue Jays (51-43) @ Boston Red Sox (48-46) - game recap

 

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was 6-7 with 5RBI and 3 runs scored in a 28-5 beatdown over the Red Sox.

After 4 days off for the all-star break, the Blue Jays began the second half with a 3-game set against the Red Sox at Fenway Park. The Blue Jays have won 7 of the 10 meetings in the season series thus far and have outscored the Red Sox 42-32. Kevin Gausman got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. George Springer missed his second straight game with a sore elbow. Raimel Tapia was in CF. Alejandro Kirk served as DH. Could the Blue Jays make it four straight wins and start the unofficial second half with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game #94 Toronto Blue Jays (50-43) @ Boston Red Sox (48-45)

 

Monday, July 18, 2022

Ten weekly random thoughts - All-star edition and Week 15 July 11-17

 


We are now at the unofficial hallf way point of the 2021 season. This week's random thoughts post will take a look back at the first half and the news of this week. Next week's post will be more of a focus on the remainder of the season and whatever happens on the first weekend back against the Red Sox at Fenway next weekend. Thiss week, the Blue Jays limped home after a dreadful west coast swing that saw them win just once. In fact, they had just 1 win in 10 games after the loss in Seattle a week ago. The off-day was spent attending the funeral of Blue Jays 1st baseman. The timing of the funeral was fortuitous because it gave the team closure, but it also took away an off-day to rest. The Blue Jays swept the two game set against the Phillies. In a surprise move, Charlie Montoyo was fired Wednesday afternoon, a  couple of hours prior to the game Wednesday (more on that later). The Blue Jays dropped the opener of the final series before the all-star break, but bounced back with a big win. In fact, the Blue Jays finished the week strong with three straight wins, including two straight comeback wins. Looking at the week ahead, after a much-needed four days off for most of the team, the Blue Jays open the second half of the season with a three game set against the Red Sox at Fenway Park. The Blue Jays have won 7 of the 10 games against the Red Sox this season, outscoring the Red Sox 42-32. Here are ten random thoughts from week 3 of the MLB.

Sunday, July 17, 2022

Game #93- Kansas City Royals (36-56) @ Toronto Blue Jays (50-43) - game recap

 

Alejandro Kirk drove in a pair of runs, scored one himself and had a 3rd run score off a fielding error on a sharp grounder hit by him in a 4-2 come-from-behind victory over the Royals 

After a huge come-from behind win yesterday, the Blue Jays were looking to finish the unofficial first half with 3 straight wins. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. George Springer got the complete day off with Bradley Zimmer in CF. Alejandro Kirk served as DH. Could the Blue Jays make it three straight wins? Here is today's game recap. 

Game #93 Kansas City Royals (36-55) @ Toronto Blue Jays (49-43)

 

Saturday, July 16, 2022

Game #92- Kansas City Royals (36-55) @ Toronto Blue Jays (49-43) - game recap

 

Teoscar Hernandez drove in the winning run in a 6-5 come-from-behind win over the Royals in 10 innings 

After a huge win over the Royals on the back of 3-run home runs from Teo and Matt Chapman. Alek Manoah also contributed with 7 strong innings. Every Blue Jays starter had at least one hit. Today, the Blue Jays were looking to keep it going with their second straight win. The Blue Jays and Royals swapped pitchers with the Blue Jays receiving lefty Foster Griffin and the Royals receiving righty Jonatan Bernal. Griffin was optioned to AAA-ball. Sergio Romo was DF'A. Jeremy Beasley was recalled from AAA-ball. Max Castillo got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. George Springer was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday. Alejandro Kirk served as DH today. Santiago Espinal was back at 2B after the day off yesterday. Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins? Here is today's game recap.  

Game #92 Kansas City Royals (36-54) @ Toronto Blue Jays (48-43)

 

Friday, July 15, 2022

Game #91- Kansas City Royals (36-54) @ Toronto Blue Jays (48-43) - game recap

 

Alek Manoah threw 7 strong innings in an 8-1 rout over the Royals 

After dropping the opening game of the final series before the all-star break, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series against the Royals. Alek Manoah got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer got the half day off as DH with Raimel Tapia in CF. Could the Blue Jays start the weekend with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

  • The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Raimel Tapia singled home Teoscar Hernandez
  • The Blue Jays added a trio of runs in the bottom of the 3rd as Hernandez drilled a 3-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Alejandro Kirk and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
  • Zack Greinke pitching line: 4IP 8H 4R (3 earned) 1BB 3K 83 pitches (49 for strikes)
  • The Blue Jays added 3 runs in the botttom of the 5th as Matt Chapman hammered a 3-run bomb to the second deck in left; also scoring Bo Bichette and Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
  • The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Kirk singled home Cavan Biggio 
  • Alek Manoah pitching line: 7IP 4H 1R (earned) 0BB 6K 86 pitches (63 for strikes)
  • Final score: Blue Jays 8 Royals 1

My Take:

  • Alek Manoah threw 7 strong innings, allowing a run on 4 hits while walking none and striking out 6. After allowing a leadoff single to start the game, Manoah retired 12 straight before hitting Ryan O'Hearn to start the 5th. Manoah definitely deserves to start the all-star game.
  • The bullpen was solid, allowing just 1 hit while striking out 4 over the final 2 innings
  • The bats busted out in a big way after a quiet night last night. Teo drove in three runs and scored twice. Matt Chapman smoked a 3-run bomb Alejandro Kirk drove in one and scored another. Raimel Tapia drove in a run
  • Every Blue Jays starter had at least one hit
  • The score could have been much worse if the team was a bit better at driving in runs. They were 6-17 with runners in scoring position
  • Up next, the Blue Jays go for 2 in a row. The Blue Jays have not announced a starter. The Royals will start lefty Daniel Lynch

Game #91 Kansas City Royals (36-53) @ Toronto Blue Jays (47-43)

 

Thursday, July 14, 2022

Game #90- Kansas City Royals (36-53) @ Toronto Blue Jays (47-43) - game recap

 

Kevin Gausman threw 6 strong innings in a 3-1 loss to the Royals 

After shellacking the Phillies 8-2 on a day when manager Charlie Montoyo was fired, the Blue Jays opened their final series of the unofficial first half. They took 2/3 from the Royals in KC 5 weeks ago annd outscored the Royals 19-8, including a combined 15-0 in the first 2 games of that series. The Royals were missing a ridiculous ten players who are unvaccinated. Kevin Gausman made his return to the rotation after missing a turn and a few days after getting drilled by a comebacker July 2. Danny Jansen was behind the plate. Lourdes was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday. Alejandro Kirk served as DH today. Could the Blue Jays make it three straight wins? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game #90 Kansas City Royals (35-53) @ Toronto Blue Jays (47-42)

 

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Game #89- Philadelphia Phillies (46-43) @ Toronto Blue Jays (47-42) - game recap

 

Teoscar Hernandez hit a pair of 2-run HR in an 8-2 win over the Phillies

After a hard-fought win yesterday, the Blue Jays were looking to make it two wins in a row. In an unexpected move, Charlie Montoyo was fired this afternoon. The timing was awkward given the team won yesterday, but the team couldn't really make the move on the off-day since the team was at a funeral celebrating the life of first base coach Mark "Bud" Budzinski's eldest daughter Julia, who died tragically on the Canada Day long weekend in a tubing accident. Even though the Blue Jays won yesterday, they blew two different leads. I suppose the team felt the move could not wait a week lest the Blue Jays lose too much ground in the WC race. After Sunday's loss, they were officially out of a playoff spot and that couldn't have sat well with upper management. Brian Schneider will be the interim manager. Casey Candaele was appointed interim bench coach. Ross Stripling got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. got the half day off as DH with Raimel Tapia in LF. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 wins in a row? Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game #89 Philadelphia Phillies (46-42) @ Toronto Blue Jays (46-42)

 

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Game #88- Philadelphia Phillies (46-42) @ Toronto Blue Jays (46-42) - game recap

 

Jose Berrios threw 6 strong innings and struck out 13 batters in a 4-3 victory over the Phillies to snap a 4-game losing streak

After a sorely-needed off day yesterday, the Blue Jays returned home to open a mini 2-game set against the Phillies to start the unofficial final week of the first half of the season. The Blue Jays won 2 of 3 against the Phillies last season and outscored the Phillies 15-13. Philadelphia is expected to be without several key unvaccinated players. Danny Jansen was activated off the 10-day IL and Gabriel Moreno was optioned back to AAA-ball to play every day. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Jansen behind the plate. George Springer was back in the field after DH'ing Sunday. Alejandro Kirk served as DH tonight. Could the Bluer Jays snap the 4-game losing streak and start the final week before the all-star break with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game #88 Philadelphia Phillies (46-41) @ Toronto Blue Jays (45-42)

 

Monday, July 11, 2022

Ten weekly random thoughts - Weeks 9-14 May 31-July 10

 


It's been a while since a Monday off-day. The Blue Jays have played a TON of baseball since the last edition of ten weekly random thoughts waaayyy back on May 31. Before we get into the meat of this post, let's do a quick recap of the last 5 weeks. First off, the Blue Jays swept the White Sox at home. Hyun-Jin Ryu started the second game of this series and it would be the last pitch he threw in 2022 due to season-ending Tommy John surgery (more on that later). The Blue Jays then dropped 2 of 3 to the Twins. The series featured a pair of blow out victories by the Twins and Blue Jays respectively and a rare bad start by Kevin Gausman, who gave up 5 runs over the 1st 2 innings. The comeback fell short unfortunately by 2 runs. The Blue Jays then went into Kansas City where they shutout the Royals the first two games by a combined 15-0 score.  The final game of the series didn't go so well. Yusei Kikuchi could not even get out of the 1st inning, throwing 45 pitches and walking four batters. Unfortunately, the bullpen was unable to keep the score close enough. The Royals tacked on runs in every inning but the 2nd, 3rd and 8th innings. After an off-day, the Blue Jays blew out the Tigers 10-1, dropped the second game and shut out the Tigers 6-0. Next, the Blue Jays faced the bottom feeders of the AL East the Baltimore Orioles, who aren't quite the laughingstocks they once were, but still bad nonetheless. The two squads split the four games with the losses coming on subpar performances from Kikuchi (hey at least he lasted 4 innings this time) and Gausman (dang I got him on my fantasy team!). 

Sunday, July 10, 2022

Game #87- Toronto Blue Jays (45-42) @ Seattle Mariners (45-42) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette drove in three runs and scored once in a losing effort as the Mariners came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 6-5. The Blue Jays have just 1 win in their last 10 games

After dropping their third straight game to the Mariners, the Blue Jays were looking to avoid the series sweep. The Mariners have already clinched the season series with yesterday's win over the Blue Jays. Max Castillo got the start with Gabriel Moreno behind the plate. Lourdes was back in LF after DH'ing yesterday. George Springer got the half day off as DH with Raimel Tapia in CF. Matt Chapman got the full day off with Santiago Espinal at the hot corner. Cavan Biggio was at 2B today. Could the Blue Jays end the road trip from hell with a win? Here is today's game recap.

Game #87 Toronto Blue Jays (45-41) @ Seattle Mariners (44-42)

 

Game #86- Toronto Blue Jays (45-41) @ Seattle Mariners (44-42) - game recap

 

Alek Manoah pitched 7.2 strong innings in a losing effort as the Mariners came from behind to edge the Blue Jays 2-1

After a heart-breaking extra-innings loss last night, the Blue Jays were looking for their first win of the series facing old teammate Robbie Ray, who won the 2021 Cy Young. Ace Alek Manoah got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. got the half day off as DH with Raimel Tapia in LF. Could the Blue Jays eke out a win vs. Robbie Ray? Here is tonight's game recap.  

Game Highlights:

  • The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 6th as George Springer whacked an opposite field solo blast to right-center 
  • Robbie Ray pitching line: 6IP 3H 1R (earned) 2BB 6K 95 pitches (60 for strikes)
  • The Mariners took the lead in the bottom of the 7th as Carlos Santana bashed a 2-run blast to right; also scoring JP Crawford
  • Alek Manoah pitching line: 7.1IP 3H 2R (both earned) 4BB 7K 103 pitches (62 for strikes)
  • Diego Castillo pitched a scoreless 9th for his 5th save of the season
  • Final score: Mariners 2 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

  • It was the expected pitching duel with aces Alek Manoah and Robbie Ray pitted against each other. Both pitchers allowed 3 hits, both aces made one mistake. The difference was Manoah's mistake counted for two runs and Ray's mistake was a solo shot. Manoah was brilliant, allowing just one hit and 2 walks through the first 6 innings. Unfortunately, JP Crawford led off the 7th with a single and then Carlos Santana took him yard.
  • Yimi Garcia did his job and retired the two batters he faced to keep the Blue Jays within a run
  • The Blue Jays looked like they were going to tie the game after Vlad and Alejandro Kirk - the 2 Blue Jay all-star starters - got back to back clutch singles. After Teoscar Hernandez grounded out to 1st base, Castillo and the Mariners elected to intentionally walk Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Matt Chapman grounded out to end the game
  • It certainly hasn't been the return to Seattle the Blue Jays wanted to give their fans. Three straight losses. Is it fatigue from the huge amount of baseball in the last 3 weeks? Is it the team still grieving the loss of Julia Budzinski? Is it the time difference that's been having a huge impact? Probably a combination of all three. Either way, the Blue Jays face the very real possibility of leaving Seattle out of a playoff spot.
  • Up next, the Blue Jays try to end the 3-game losiing streak and avoid the 4-game series sweep. Whoever wins tomorrow will also clinch the season series. Righty Logan Gilbert starts for the Mariners. It will likely be a bullpen day for the Blue Jays as Kevin Gausman is aiming for his next scheduled start, which would be Wednesday against Philadelphia.

Saturday, July 9, 2022

Game #86 Toronto Blue Jays (45-40) @ Seattle Mariners (43-42)

 

Game #85- Toronto Blue Jays (45-40) @ Seattle Mariners (43-42) - game recap

 

Teoscar Hernandez scored a run and drove in a run in a 5-2 extra innings loss to the Mariners

After dropping the first game of this much-anticipated 4-game series in Seattle, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series. Vlad and Alejandro Kirk were named as starters to the all-star game. Yimi Garcia was activated off the 10-day IL and Casey Lawrence was optioned back to AAA-ball. Ross Stripling got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer was back in the lineup and in CF after a couple of days off to rest a nagging elbow injury. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Cavan Biggio at 1B. Could the Blue Jays even the series and guarantee they will remain ahead of the Mariners in the wild card standings after this series is over? Here is tonight's game recap.

Friday, July 8, 2022

Game #85 Toronto Blue Jays (45-39) @ Seattle Mariners (42-42)

 

Game #84- Toronto Blue Jays (45-39) @ Seattle Mariners (42-42) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette scored a run and drove in a run in an 8-3 loss to the Mariners

After a hard-fought win in oakland yesterday, the Blue Jays headed north to Seattle for a 4-game series that began tonight. The Blue Jays took 2 of 3 from the Mariners back in Toronto May 16-18 and outscored Seattle 10-7. Lefty Yusei Kikuchi was placed on the 15-day IL with a neck strain. Righty Max Castillo was recalled in his place. Lefty Anthony Banda got the start with Gabriel Moreno behind the plate. George Springer remained out of the lineup. He has been dealing with an elbow injury. Bradley Zimmer was in CF. Teoscar Hernandez was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday. Alejandro Kirk was the DH tonight. Could the Blue Jays make it two wins in a row? Here is tonight's game recap. 

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

Game #83- Toronto Blue Jays (45-38) @ Oakland A's (28-56) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette knocked one out of the park in the 8th for the game winning run as the Blue Jays came from behind to edge the A's 2-1 to avoid the series sweep and snap the 5-game skid

After dropping their 5th straight game after another subpar performance by Yusei Kikuchi, who walked 5 batters and hit 2 others as he continues to struggle with fastball command, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 5-game skid and avoid being swept for the second time this season. Righty Shaun Anderson was DFA'd and righty Matt Peacock was claimed off waivers from the Royals. Trent Thornton was optioned to AAA-ball and righty Casey Lawrence was recalled in his place. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after the partial day off yesterday (he entered the game in the 6th inning). Lourdes GurrielJr. was back in the field after the full day off yesterday. George Springer got the full day off today with Raimel Tapia in CF. Teo got the half day off as DH with Cavan Biggio in RF. Could the Blue Jays stop the 5-game losing streak and avoid the series sweep? Here is today's game recap.

Game #83 Toronto Blue Jays (44-38) @ Oakland Athletics (28-55)

 

Game #82- Toronto Blue Jays (44-38) @ Oakland A's (28-55) - game recap

 

Matt Chapman hit a 2-run homer against his former team in a 5-3 loss to the A's

After a tough loss to start the road trip, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 4-game skid. Yusei Kikuchi got the start with Gabriel Moreno behind the plate. Vlad got the full day off with Cavan Biggio at 1B. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. got the full day off as well with Raimel Tapia in LF. Alejandro Kirk served as DH today. Could the Blue Jays snap the 4-game skid? Here is tonight's game recap.

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Game #82 Toronto Blue Jays (44-37) @ Oakland Athletics (27-55)

 

Game #81- Toronto Blue Jays (44-37) @ Oakland A's (27-55) - game recap

 

Alejandro Kirk drove in the only Blue Jays run in a 5-1 loss to the A's

After a third straight loss thanks to a 6-run 5th inning by the Rays, the Blue Jays headed west to take on the Oakland A's. It is the halfway point of the season. The Blue Jays are 3rd in the AL East, 14 games back of the Yankees. They are in the 2nd WC spot, a game back of the Red Sox and a half game up on the Rays.  The Blue Jays took 2 of 3 from the A's back in Toronto April 15-17 and outscored the A's 13-11. Lefty Anthony Banda, acquired from the Pirates over the weekend, was activated and Matt Gage was optioned to AAA. Alek Manoah got the start with Alejandro Kirk  George Springer was back in the field after DH'ing Sunday. Vlad DH'd today with Cavan Biggio. Santiago Espinal was back in the field after the day off yesterday. Could the Blue Jays snap the 3-game losing streak and start the week and road trip with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Sunday, July 3, 2022

Game #80- Tampa Bay Rays (43-36) @ Toronto Blue Jays (44-36) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drove in a pair of runs in a 7-3 loss to the Rays 

First off, deepest condolences to Blue Jays 1st base coach Mark Budzinski, who's eldest daughter passed away suddenly yesterday. After dropping both ends of the double header yesterday, the Blue Jays were looking to end their mini 2  game skid, notch their 14th series win of the season and end the home stand on a winning note. Ross Stripling got the start with Gabriel Moreno behind the plate. George Springer was back in the lineup as DH after getting the second game of the double header completely off. Bo Bichette was back in the field after DH'ing the second game of the double header. Raimel Tapia was in CF and Cavan Biggio got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays notch their 14th series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game #80 Tampa Bay Rays (42-36) @ Toronto Blue Jays (44-35)