Game #43 - Tampa Bay Rays (24-22) @ Toronto Blue Jays (19-24) - game recap

 

Davis Schneider whacked a 2-run HR in a losing effort as the Rays hung on to edge the Blue Jays 4-3

After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays opened a weekend set and home stand against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Blue Jays and Rays split the opening 4 games of the season, with the Blue Jays outscoring the Rays 20-17. Chris Bassitt got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. Daulton Varsho was in CF and Davis Schneider was in LF. IKF got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays start the weekend with a win? Here is tonight's game recap..

Game Highlights:

• The Rays opened the scoring in the top of the 6th as Randy Arozarena scored on a ground out hit by Jonathan Aranda
• Two batters later, Richie Palacios hammered a 2-run bomb to the second deck in right; also scoring Isaac Paredes
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 5.2IP 5H 3R (all earned) 3BB 5K 103 pitches (65 for strikes)
• The Rays added a run in the top of the 7th as Yandy Diaz singled scoring Ben Rortvedt
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 8th as Davis Schneider drilled a 2-run jack to left-center; also scoring Danny Jansen
• Three batters later, Ernie Clement singled scoring Daulton Varsho
• Tyler Alexander pitching line: 7.1IP 3H 3R (all earned) 0BB 4K 105 pitches (74 for strikes)
• Pete Fairbanks threw a perfect 9th for his 4th save of the season
• Final score: Rays 4 Blue Jays 3

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt battled through 5.1 innings, giving up 3 runs on 5 hits while walking 3 and striking out 5, Bassitt was able to limit the damage to a base runner or two per inning that didn't score until the 6th innings when the Rays broke the game open scoring three runs on two hits, a walk and a throwing error by Vlad. He literally needed to be perfect with Rays starter Tyler Alexander taking a no-hitter into the 8th inning
• The bullpen gave up a costly insurance run in the 7th inning that proved to be the difference in the game. Genesis Cabrera and Nate Pearson both retired every batter they faced
• Realy not much to say about the offense, which did literally nothing in 8 of the 9 innings. It look a bloop hit by Danny Jansen to break up the perfect game and no-hit bid. Davis Schneider quickly ended any chance of a shuout with a no-doubter to left-centered that halved the Rays lead. George Springer killed the rally by hitting into an inning ending double play (AKA MK special)
• Vlad saw his hitting streak come to an end 6 games. He now has hits in 14 of his last 16 games
• Interesting that GM Ross Atkins is holding a media availability tomorrow. Don't expect anyone to get fired just yet. Something does need to happen  soon before the Blue Jays fall too far back in the standings
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 2-game skid and even both this weekend series and the season series. Kevin Gausman starts against Rays righty Zach Eflin.

Game #43 Tampa Bay Rays (23-22) @ Toronto Blue Jays (19-23) AppleTV+ Exclusive

 

Game #42 - Toronto Blue Jays (19-23) @ Baltimore Orioles (27-14) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette drove in both Blue Jays runs in a losing effort as the Orioles came from behind to edge the Blue Jays 3-2

After a rain out yesterday, the Blue Jays were going for two straight wins, their 6th series win and 1st series sweep of the season. Yusei Kikuchi got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. George Springer was back in the lineup and in RF after missing a couple of days with the illness that's been going through the Blue Jays team lately. Kevin Kiermaier was in CF and Daulton Varsho was in LF. Davis Schneider got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins, 6 series wins and a series sweep? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Orioles opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Jacob Westburg whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right-center
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 3rd as Bo Bichette doubled scoring George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Kyle Bradish pitching line: 4IP 4H 2R (both earned) 2BB 3K 85 pitches (56 for strikes)
• Yusei Kikuchi pitching line: 4.1IP 6H 1R (earned) 1BB 9K 88 pitches (55 for strikes)
• The Orioles walked it off in the bottom of the 9th as Adley Rutschmann drilled a 2-run jack to right; also scoring Westburg
• Final score: Orioles 3 Blue Jays 2

My Take:

• Yusei Kikuchi battled through 4.1 innings, giving up a run on 6 hits while walking 1 and striking out 9. The pitch count was most likely elevated due to the high number of strikeouts. He gave up a leadoff HR and had one perfect inning, the 3rd. Had a few stressful innings. 
• The bullpen gave up 2 runs on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 3 over the last 3.1 innings. Jordan Romano was charged with his first blown save of the season. Zack Pop and Tim Mayza retired every batter they faced
• Aside from an offensive outburst that saw a pair of runs scored on 3 hits, the Blue Jays managed a grand total of six base runners the remainder of the game and did nothing with a bases loaded opportunity in the 5th inning
• Bo Bichette and Vlad  extended their hit streaks to 6 games and Vlad now has hits in 13 of his last 14 games.
• The Blue Jays were 2-13 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, after an off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays begin a stretch of 13 games in as many days. They start that stretch with a weekend set, beginning Friday. at home against the Rays. The two squads split the season opening 4-game series in TB with the Blue Jays outscoring the Rays 20-17. Chris Bassitt starts Friday. The Rays have not set their rotation for the series yet.

Game #42 Toronto Blue Jays (19-22) @ Baltimore Orioles (26-14)

Game #41 - Toronto Blue Jays (19-22) @ Baltimore Orioles (26-14) - game recap

 

Daulton Varsho drove in a paur of runs and scored once in a 3-2 come-from-behind win over the Orioles

After another loss and series loss on Mother's day yesterday thanks to a lacklustre effort from the offensr, the Blue Jays hit the road for their 1st trip to Baltimore.  The Orioles won 10 of 13 games in the season series last year, outscoring the Blue Jays 75-40. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer got the complete day off with Cavan Biggio in RF. The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday. Could the Blue Jays start the week with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highights:

• The Orioles opened the scoring in the bottom of the 4th as Adley Rutschmann hammered a solo bomb to right-center 
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the top of the 6th as Daniel Vagelbach singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 
• The Orioles retook the lead in the bottom of the 6th as Rutchmann hammered a solo bomb to right
• Corbin Burnes pitching line: 6IP 6H 1R (earned run) 2BB 2K 85 pitches (58 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied it in the top of the 7th as Daulton Varsho hammered a solo bomb to right
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 7IP 3H 2R (both earned) 1BB 4K 94 pitches (59 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the 1op of the 10th on a fielder's choice hit by Varsho that scored Cavan Bigguo
• Final score: Blue Jays 3 Orioles 2 (10 innings)

My Take:

• Jose Berrios was great tonight, giving up a pair of runs on 3 hits while walking one and striking out 4. Orioles catcher Adley Rutschmann was a thorn in the side of Berrios, going yard on the Blue Jays ace twice. Berrios had out streaks of 7 and 8 batters in a row. He's been one of the Blue Jays best pitchers in 2024
• The bullpen did its job, holding the Orioles to a walk while striking out 3 over the last 3 innings. Jordan Romano was credited with the win.
• Daulton Varsho was the offensive hero tonight, hitting a game-tying HR in the 8th inning and knocking in the winning run via a groundoot in the 10th inning
• Interesting decision to drop down a bunt to move the runner over to 3rd base in the 10th inning. The Blue Jays didn't even have to sacrifice an out 
• Vlad extended his hit streak to 5 games
• The Blue Jays were 2-11 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays go for 2 straight wins and their 5th series win of the season. Chris Bassitt starts against Orioles righty Kyle Bradish

Game #41 Toronto Blue Jays (18-22) @ Baltimore Orioles (26-13)

 

Game #40 - Minnesota Twins (24-16) @ Toronto Blue Jays (18-22) - game recap

 

Alek Manoah threw seven strong innings in a 5-1 loss to the Twins 

After pulling off a a huge comeback win yesterday to save Kevin Gausman, who was bad yesterday, the Blue Jays were going for their 2nd straight win and 5th series win of the season. Alek Manoah got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Sppringer was back in the lineup and in RF. Daniel Vogelbach served as DH. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins and 5 series wins? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Twins opened the scoring in the top of the 7th as Carlos Santana belted a 3-run jack to right-center; also scoring Max Kepler and Alex Kirillof
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning on a sac fly by Danny Jansen that scored Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Bailey Ober pitching line: 6.1IP 1H 0R 0BB 10K 104 pitches (67 for strikes)
• Alek Manoah pitching line: 7IP 4H 3R (none earned) 1BB 6K 78 pitches (55 for strikes)
• The Twins added a pair of runs in the top of the 8th as Kepler doubled scoring Edouard Julien and Carlos Correa
• Final score: Twins 5 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Alek Manoah was excellent today, firing 7 strong innings, giving up 3 unearned runs on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 6. Manoah's delivery was a lot more consistent and he had much better command of his pitches. Maybe this might be the turning point in his career and not a one-off good start 
• The bullpen gave up a pair of runs on 2 hits and a walk while striking out 3 over 2 innings. Erik Swanson was responsible for both runs, both hits and the walk. It has been a disastrous season for Swanson, who missed the first few weeks with an injury suffered in spring training. One has to wonder if he was rushed back too soon.
• The offense was almost non-existent today, after its biggest output of the season yesterday.. Through the first 6 innings, the Blue Jays had exactly one hit - a single by the red hot Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who later scored the Blue Jays only run on a sac fly by Danny Jansen
• The Blue Jays were 0-2 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays hit the road for a brief three-game series in Baltimore. The Orioles won 10 of 13 games in the season series last year, outscoring the Blue Jays 75-40. Ace Jose Berrios starts against Orioles righty Corbin Burnes.

Game #40 Minnesota Twins (23-16) @ Toronto Blue Jays (18-21)

 

Game #39 - Minnesota Twins (23-16) @ Toronto Blue Jays (18-21) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was 4-4 with a run scored and 3RBI in a 10-8 come-from-behind win over the Twins

After a heartbreaking loss yesterday, the Blue Jays were trying to even the series and avoid their 6th series loss of the season. Kevin Gausman got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday's loss. Could the Blue Jays even the series and avoid their 6th series loss of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Twins opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Carlos Correa singled scoring Edouard Julien
• A batter later, Alex Kirilloff singled scoring Correa and Max Kepler. Davis Schneider was charged with a fielding error on the play
• The Twins added a run in the top of the 2nd as Trevor Larnach singled scoring Carlos Santana
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Bo Bichette hammered a solo bomb to keft-center
• The Twins added 3 runs in the top of the 3rd as Santana hammered a 3-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Correa and Willi Castro
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Daulton Varsho doubled scoring Davis Schneider
• A batter later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled home Varsho\
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 3IP 10H 7R (6 earned) 2BB 6K 86 pitches (54 for strikes)
• The Twins added a run in the top of the 4th as Ryan Jeffers drilled a solo jack to left-center
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 5th as Schneider whacked a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• Four batters later, Danny Jansen smacked a 2-run blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen; also scoring Guerrero Jr.
• Simeon-Woods Richardson pitching line: 4.1IP 8H 5R (all earned) 1BB 2K 91 pitches (61 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the bottom of the 7th as Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Cavam Biggio and Schneider
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the 7th as Ernie Clement singled scoring Danny Jansen
• A batter later, Jansen scored on a sac fly by Schneider
• Jordan Romano pitched a scoreless 9th for his 6th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 10 Twins 8

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman eas rocked tonight, giving up 7 runs (6 earned) on 10 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6. It was his worst start of the season and was bad timing with Alek Manoah slated to start tomorrow. The Blue Jays are about to enter their busiest stretch of baseball with just two off-days left in May and 13 straight days of games after the off-day Thursday. It is imperative that the Blue Jays find a couple of starters capble of pitching deep in games,\
• The bullpen was excellent tonight, giving up a run on three hits while walking none and striking out 6. Erik Swanson, Yimi Garcia and Trevor Richards retired every batter they faced
• The offence was the star of the game today with their largest output of the season, hitting double digits in runs for the first time this season
• Every starter except Justin Turner had at least one hit
• The Blue Jays were 5-9 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 5th series win of the season. Alek Manoah starts against Twins righty Bailey Oder

Game #39 Minnesota Twins (23-15) @ Toronto Blue Jays (17-21)

Game #38 - Minnesota Twins (23-15) @ Toronto Blue Jays (17-21) - game recap

 

Yusei Kikuchi threw 8 stellar innings in a 3-2 loss to the Twins

After an off-day/travel day yesterday, the Blue Jays opened an abbreviated one series weekend homestand against the Minnesota Twins. The Blue Jays and Twins split the season series last year with the Twins outscoring the Blue Jays 28-26. Yusei Kikuchi got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. George Springer got the complete day off with Cavan Biggio in RF. Daulton Varsho was in CF and Davis Schneider was in LF. Ernie Clement got the start at the hot corner and IKF was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Twins opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Jose Miranda singled scoring Carlos Correa
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the bottom of the 3rd as Isiah Kiner-Falefa bashed a solo jack to left-center
• The Twins retook the lead in the top of the 5th as Carlos Santana smacked a solo blast just fair to the opposite field in right
• Joe Ryan pitching line: 7IP 6H 1R (earned) 0BB 7K 104 pitches (75 for strikes)
• Yusei Kikuchi pitching line: 8IP 4H 2R (both earned) 0BB 3K 97 pitches (68 for strikes)
• The Twins addded a run in the top of the 9th as Max Kepler singled home Correa
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Kiner-Falefa singled scoring Bo Bichette
• Griffin Jax got the last 3 outs for his 5th save of the season
• Final score: Twins 3 Blue Jays 2

My Take

•  Yusei Kikuchi was excellent tonight and may have had his best start in a Blue Jays uniform, firing 8 innings, allowing a pair of runs on 4 hits while walking none and striking out 3. After giving up a run on three straight hits in the 1st inning, Kikuchi retired 11 straight before giving up a leadoff homerun in the 5th and 23 of the next 24 batters he faced. He was stellar from the get go and could be an early candidate to rep the Blue Jays at the all-star game.
• The bullpen, on the otther hand gave up a costly insurance run in the 9th that was the difference in the game. It has been an achilles heel for the Blue Jays after being an asset for the last couple of seasons. Injuries to Erik Swanson, who hasn't looked good at all since returning from that injury, and Jordan Romano, who has also not been too sharp, but that could be from lack of consistent work. The lefties haven't consistently been able to get out left-handed batters. It will be interesting to see if Aaron Sanchez pans out. The Blue Jays are stretching him out to be a starter, but he has had bullpen success too.
• The offence continues to be anemic and lack the ability to strike at key times. Yes, they did get a run back in the 9th inning, but they could not tie it up. The top 5 hitters in the lineup were a combined 2-15. Vlad had a pair of hits and Davis Schneider drew a walk. The other Schneider, manager John Schneider needs to start setting his lineup based on who is hot and who is not. Players should be earning their playing time, not having it handed to them. For example, why not bat Vlad cleanup tomorrow since he now has hits in 10 of his last 11 games
• I don't foresee anyone getting fired until the next off-day Thursday. You want to give the new manager, likely to be an interim from within the organization, to have a fresh series to work with. Quite frankly, Ross Atkins needs to go first
• It would seem the 2-year renovation project had the unintended consequence of being to the Blue Jays' offence's disadvantage, but hey, fans have cup holders and more comfy seats. There is also still loonie dog day to offset the exorbitant price of food every other day.
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series and avoid their 6th series loss of the season. Kevin Gausman starts against Twins righty and ex-Blue Jays prospect Simeon Woods-Richardson

Game #38 Minnesota Twins (22-15) @ Toronto Blue Jays (17-20)

 

Game #37 - Toronto Blue Jays (17-20) @ Philadelphia Phillies (26-12) - game recap

 

Chris Bassitt threw 6.1 strong innings in a 5-3 win over the Phillies

After an ugly loss yesterday due to an uncharacteristically bad start from ace Jose Berrios, the Blue Jays were looking to escape Philadelphia with the series split and snap the 2-game skid. Chris Bassitt got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. Daulton Varsho was in LF. IKF was at the hot corner, and Davis Schneider got the start at 2B. Justin Turner served as DH. Could the Blue Jays snap the 2-game skid. earn the series split and (possibly) save some jobs? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled scoring George Springer
• The Phillies tied it up in the bottom half of the inning on a sac fly by Kyle Schwarber that scored Bryson Stott
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the top of the 6th as Bo Bichette singled scoring Justin Turner 
• A batter later, Davis Schneider singled scoring Danny Jansen
• Two batters later. Kevin Kiermaier singled home Bichette
• Aaron Nola pitching line: 5.2IP 9H 4R (all earned) 0BB 7K 96 pitches (68 for strikes)
• The Phillies got one back in the bottom of the 7th on a sac fly by Stott that scored Nick Castellanos
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 6.1IP 3H 2R (both earned) 2BB 6K 102 pitches (67 for strikes)
• The Phillies got one back in the bottom of the 9th as Stott doubled scoring Brandon Marsh
• Jordan Romano got the last 3 outs for his 5th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Phillies 3

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt gave the Blue Jays everyrhing they needed today: length (6.1 inning) and a chance to win, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6. Bassitt retired the first 6 batters he faced then 13 straight. You can't ask for much more 
• Even when they win, the bullpen tends to make fans nervous. Tonight, Jordan Romano found himself in a situation with runners on 2nd and 3rd with one out and the winning run at the plate. Lucky he was able to get Kody Clemens and ex-teammate Whit Merrifield to pop out to end the game. It was great to see Tim Mayza retire 2 of the 3 batters he faced. It has been a rough start to the season for the veteran lefty reliever
• Offensively, it was the best game in a while in terms of driving in runners in scoring position - going 5-11
• Don't look now, but Vladdy is swinging a hot stick. He now has hits in 9 of his last 10 games
• Every Blue Jays starter except Justin Turner and Daulton Varsho had at least one hit and all starters reached base at least once
• Up next, after an off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays return home for a brief weekend homestand against the Twins, who eliminated the Blue Jays in the wild card series last October, outscoring the Blue Jays 5-1. The two teams split the 6 games in the regular season last year with the Twins outscoring the Blue Jays 28-26. Yusei Kikuchi starts Friday against Twins righty Joe Ryan

Game #37 Toronto Blue Jays (16-20) @ Philadelphia Phillies (26-11)

 

Game #36 Toronto Blue Jays (16-19) @ Philadelphia Phillies (25-11)

 

Game #35 - Toronto Blue Jays (16-19) @ Washington Nationals (17-17) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a grand slam in a losing effort as the Nationals came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 11-8

After hanging on for a win with a shaky Jordan Romano doing enough to get the last three outs, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games, notch their 5th series win of the season and 3rd season series win. The big story today was expected to be the return to the bigs for Alek Manoah, who has much to prove after a disastrous 2023 season that resulted in two separate demotions. One of the ugliest moments came July 29th when he ended the season of Taylor Wall with a fastball to the face that resulted in facial fractures. There were early injury concerns for Manoah in spring training where he made just one start before being shut down with shoulder soreness. Brenden Little was optioned back to AAA-ball. Alejandro Kirk was behind the plate. Justin Turner was back at DH after playing the hot corner yesterday (Ernie Clement was at the hot corner today). IFK got the start at 2B. Daulton Varsho was in CF and Davis Schneider was in LF. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins and notch their 5th series win and 3rd season series win? Here is today's game recap.

Game #35 Toronto Blue Jays (16-18) @ Washington Nationals (16-17)

 

Game #34 - Toronto Blue Jays (16-18) @ Washington Nationals (16-17) - game recap

 

Kevin Kiermaier hit a 2-run HR in a 6-3 win over the Nationals

After an ugly loss after the bullpen imploded, ruining a solid start from Yusei Kikuchi, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the three game skid and avoid their 6th series loss and 3rd season series loss of the season. Kevin Kiermaier was reinstated from the 10-day IL and got the start in CF, Nathan Lukes was optioned back to AAA-ball.  Daulton Varsho was back in LF (and batting 2nd. Bo Bichette was dropped to 5th in the batting order). Kevin Gausman got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. Justin Turner was at the hot corner and Daniel Vogelbach served as DH. Cavan Biggio got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays snap the 3-game skid and avoid their 6th series loss and 3rd season series loss? Here is today's game recap.

Game #34 Toronto Blue Jays (15-18) @ Washington Nationals (16-16)

 

Game #33 Toronto Blue Jays (15-17) @ Washington Nationals (15-16) Apple TV+ Exclusive

 

Game #32 - Kansas City Royals (19-13) @ Toronto Blue Jays (15-17) - game recap

 

Danny Jansen hit a solo HR in a 6-1 loss to the Royals

After a tough loss yesterday thanks to a Michael Massey 2-run jack in the 2nd inning and a pair of insurance runs in the 8th inning, which was more than enough thanks to the Blue Jays lack of offense,  the Blue Jays were looking to notch their 5th series win and end the homestand on a winning note. Chris Bassitt got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. George Springer was back in RF with Daulton Varsho back in the lineup and in CF after the complete day off yesterday. Addison Barger was in LF and Davis Schneider got the start at 2B. IKF was at the hot corner.  Could the Blue Jays notch their 5th series win and end the homestand with a win? Here is today's game recap. 

Game #32 Kansas City Royals (18-13) @ Toronto Blue Jays (15-16)