Game #9 Toronto Blue Jays (4-4) @ Chicago White Sox (3-5)

 

Game #8 Toronto Blue Jays (4-3) @ Chicago White Sox (2-5)

 

Game #7- Toronto Blue Jays (4-3) @ Chicago White Sox (2-5) - game recap

 

Andres Gimenez hit a 2-run HR in a losing effort as the White Sox came from behind to walk-off the Blue Jays in 10 innings

After a rainout pushed back the opening road game to good Friday, the Blue Jays were looking to open the Easter long weekend with a win. The White Sox and Blue Jays split the season series last year with the Blue Jays outscoring the White Sox 25-19. Dylan Cease got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Jesus Sanchez was in LF, Daulton Varsho was in CF and Addison Barger was in RF. Could the Blue Jays start the Easter long weekend with a win? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The White Sox opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st on a fielding error by Dylan Cease on a ball hit by Miguel Vargas that scored Chase Meidroth
• Grant Taylor pitching line: 1IP 0H 0R 0BB 1K 9 pitches (all strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied it in the top of the 2nd as Alejandro Kirk doubled scoring Addison Barger
• The White Sox retook the lead in the bottom of the 3rd as Austin Hays singled scoring Vargas and Colson Montgomery
• Dylan Cease pitching line: 4.1IP 5H 3R (2 earned) 3BB 6K 93 pitches (53 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied the game in the top of the 8th as Andres Gimenez whacked a 2-run blast off the right foul pole; also scoring Ernie Clement
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 10th on a throwing error by Vargas on a ball hit by George Springer that scored Davis Schneider
• Alejandro Kirk left the game in the bottom of the 10th after hurting his thumb on a foul tip off the thumb side of his glove
• A batter later, the White Sox tied the game on a throwing error by Tyler Heineman on a ball hit by Derek Hill that scored Derek Hill that scored Vargas
• A batter after that, Tristan Peters singled home Hill\
• Final score: White Sox 5 Blue Jays 4 (10 innings)

   My Take:

• Dylan Cease battled through 4.1 innings, giving up 3 runs (2 earned) on 5 hits while walking 3 and striking out 6. He was battling in and out of jams all day. It was suggested online that windy conditions may have affected the slickness of the ball. Two problems with that theory. First, Cease was a White Sox starter for 5 seasons and did pretty well. Second, the White Sox were playing under the same conditions with the same ball and held the Blue Jays to 3 runs on 8 hits and a walk.
• The bullpen gave up 2 unearned runs on 6 hits while walking 1 and striking out 6 over the last 5.1 innings. You have to feel for Jeff Hoffman who had to contend with 2 catchers after Alejandro Kirk was forced to leave the game mid-at-bat after taking a deflected ball off his left thumb. While he struck out the current batter, a cold Tyler Heineman threw a ball into LF and a batter later, Trisatan Peters doinked a nice pitch into RF. Two blown saves, but this was not Hoffman's fault. Nice to see Brendon Little pitch a clean inning after a rough start to the season. Here's hoping this leads to more competent outings.
• Here's hoping the x-rays come back negative on Kirk's thumb because the Blue Jays can ill-afford to lose their captain behind the plate for very long.
• Offensively, the bats are still largely cold. No disrespect to Andres Gimenez, but when he is leading the team offensively, there is cause for concern. The Blue Jays need Vlad and George Springer to come through with their bats. Addison Barger and Daulton Varsho also need to contribute.
• The Blue Jays were 1-9 with runners in scoring position. 
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 2-game skid in what is expected to be a bullpen game for both teams with Mason Fluharty and Grant Taylor serving as the openers.

Game #7 Toronto Blue Jays (4-2) @ Chicago White Sox (1-5)

 

Game #6 - Colorado Rockies (2-4) @ Toronto Blue Jays (4-2) - game recap

 

After a solid win last night thanks to 6 strong innings from Max Scherzer and rallies by the offense in the 5th and 7th innings, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 2nd series win of the season.  Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Davis Schneider was in LF, Myles Straw was in CF and Jesus Sanchez was in RF. Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins and notch their 2nd series win of the season? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd as Davis Schneider singled scoring Myles Straw 
• Kyle Freeland pitching line: 5IP 5H 1R (earned) 1BB 6K 88 pitches (60 for strikes)
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 6IP 2H 0R 0BB 10K 89 pitches (67 for strikes)
• The Rockies tied it in the top of the 8th as Troy Johnston singled scoring Jake McCarthy 
• The Rockies took the lead in the top of the 10th as Tyler Freeman singled scoring Brenton Doyle 
• Jimmy Herget threw a prefect 10th for his first save of the season
• Final score: Rockies 2 Blue Jays 1 (10 innings)

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman was stellar again, firing 6 shutout innings, giving up 2 hits, walking none and striking out 10. He retired the first 12 batters he faced and 6 of the last 7 batters on the day.  Too bad he can't also hit for himself
• This has to be the beginning of the end for Brandon Little. He was fortunate to only allow the one run. This was probably his best game of the season, but he still gave up a run and cost the team the game. He has options and even if he didn't, it's unlikely he'd be picked up by another team or have another team show interest in working out a trade. At the very least, he needs to be used in a low leverage situation and in a regulation inning so he doesn't start with a ghost runner on second base. Also, why isn't Little using the game plan and his pitches the way the team wants him to? That should be a big red flag. 
• This offense is definitely missing Bo Bichette. For all his defensive flaws, his consistent bat added protection to the lineup for guys like Vlad and Alejandro Kirk.  It was probably inevitable we see a regression in offense after seeing career years from several players last year. 
• The Blue Jays were 3-10 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays hit the road for the first time as they take on the White Sox. The series was supposed to start tomorrow but will instead start Friday due to expected inclement weather The Blue Jays and White Sox split the season series last year with the Blue Jays outscoring the White Sox 25-19. Dylan Cease starts against White Sox righty Sean Burke.

Game #6 Colorado Rockies (1-4) v. Toronto Blue Jays (4-1)

 

Game #5- Colorado Rockies (1-4) @ Toronto Blue Jays (4-1) - game recap-

 

Max Scherzer threw 6 solid innings in a 5-1 victory over the Rockies

After a blowout loss last night after Cody Ponce left the game with an injury and the bullpen imploded, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series and avoid their 1st series loss of the season. Ponce was placed on the 15-day IL with a right ACL sprain. Righty Lazaro Estrada was recalled from AAA-ball. Max Scherzer got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Jesus Sanchez was in LF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Could the Blue Jays even the series and avoid their 1st series loss of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Ryan Feltner pitching line: 3IP 1H 0R 1BB 4K 47 pitches (30 for strikes)
• The Blue jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 5th as Jesus Sanchez singled scoring Daulton Varsho 
• A batter later?  Tyler Heineman was forced in on a bases loaded walk to Vladimir Guerrero Jr 
• The Rockies got one back in the top of the 6th as Hunter Goodman hammered s solo bomb to the second deck in left-center 
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 6IP 4H 1R (earned) 1BB 4K 83 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 7th as Kazuma Okamoto singled scoring Myles Straw 
• A batter later, Nathan Lukes singled scoring Guerrero Jr.  Okamoto was thrown out at 3B on the play
• A batter after that, Ernie Clement doubled home Lukes
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Rockies 1

My Take:

• Max Scherzer gave the Blue Jays what they needed: 6 solid innings, giving up a run on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 4. The wiley veteran retired the first four batters he faced and was able to make pitches when he had to to get out of jams. Scherzer will certainly be in the rotation at least a few more turns after the injury to Ponce and the other injured starters at least a couple of weeks away from returning. There's also concern with the health of Scherzer, who battled a thumb issue last season. He's still capable of being a solid starter when he's healthy.
• The bulpen did its job, limiting the Rockies to 3 hits while walking none and striking out 2 over the last 3 innings. Nice to see Jeff Hoffman looking sharp despite the non-save situation.
• The bats came up clutch in the 5th and 7th innings, rallying for 5 runs on 8 hits and a walk. Vlad drove in a run and scored once. Nathan Lukes also drove in a run and scored a run
• Every Blue Jays starter had a hit and all but George Springer and Andres Gimenez either scored or drove in a run.
• That was a great response to getting blown out by the worst team in baseball last year
• The Blue Jays were 3-10 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 2nd series win of the season. Ace Kevin Gausman starts against Rockies lefty Kyle Freeland

Game #5 Colorado Rockies (1-3) v. Toronto Blue Jays (3-1)

 

Game #4 - Colorado Rockies (1-3) @ Toronto Blue Jays (3-1) - game recap

 

Davis Schneider hit a 2-run HR in a 14-5 blowout loss to the Rockies

After a solid sweep over the A;'s thanks to some lights out pitching from starters Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease and Eric Lauer, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the winning streak to 4 games as they kicked off a series against the Rockies. The Blue Jays swept the season series last year, outscoring the Rockies 45-6. Cody Ponce got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday's win. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 4 games? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Rockies opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd on a fielding error by Cody Ponce hit by Jake McCarthy that scored Kyle Karros. Ponce left the game a batter earlier with a knee injury on the play
• Cody Ponce pitching line: 2.1IP 1H 1R (earned) 1BB 3K 47 pitches (30 for strikes)
• The Blue jays tied it up in the bottom half of the inning as George Springer belted a solo jack to left-center
• The Rockies retook the lead in the top of the 4th on a fielding error by Ernie Clement on a ball hit by Jordan Beck that scored Ezequiel Tovar
• Tomoyuki Sugano pitching line: 4.2IP  2H 1R (earned) 2BB 4K 72 pitches (41 for strikes)
• The Rockies added a pair of runs in the top of the 6th as  Troy Johnston whacked a 2- run blast to right; also scoring TJ Humfield
• Two batters later, Braxton Fulford singled scoring Beck
• Three batters later, Willi Castro doubled scoring Fulford and Brenton Doyle 
• A batter later, Ezequiel Tovar doubled scoring Castro and Hunter Goodman
• The Rockies added a run in the top of the 8th as formed Goodman doubled scoring Doyle
• Two batters later, Tovar doubled home Goodman
• A batter later Rumfield singled scoring Ryan Ritter
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom held of the inning as Andres Gimenez belted a solo jack to right- center
• Three batters later, Davis Schneider whacked a 2-run blast to left: also scoring Jesus Sanchez
• The Rockies added a run in the top of the 9th as Fulford smashed a solo blast to left-center 
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Okamoto hammered a solo bomb just over the wall in straightaway center
• Final score: Rockies 14 Blue Jays 5

My Take:

• The Blue Jays are experiencing an early test of their rotation depth after Cody Ponce left the game in the 3rd inning after an awkward stumble trying to make a play on a ball hit in no-mans land between the mound and 1st base. Best case scenario would be an MCL sprain. Ponce gave up an earned run on a hit while walking 1 and striking out 3. Super unfortunate injury since he worked so hard to get back to the majors. Hopefully the injury is short term.
• There has to be early concern about Brandon Little, who came into a lower leverage situation since his first appearance n Friday. Little gave up 5 runs, 4 charged to him on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 1. He needs his 4-seamer to have more life to it if he's going to be successful in the bigs. Tyler Rogers was the only reliever to retire every batter faced. The Blue Jays need Max Scherzer to thrrow some innings to give the bullpen a break tomorrow night
• The bats rallied a bit, but could not bring the score into a save situation. Andres Gimenez is the hottest hitter on the team and went deep for his first HR of the season
• The Blue Jays were 0-6 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series and avoid their 1st series loss of the season. Max Scherzer starts against Rockies righty Ryan Feltner

Game #4 Colorado Rockies (0-3) v. Toronto Blue Jays (3-0)

Game #3 - Athletics (0-3) @ Toronto Blue Jays (3-0) - game recap

 

After the Blue Jays bailed out Brandon Little and pulled off an extra innings win and 2nd straight walk-off win, the Blue Jays were looking for 3 straight wins and to complete their 1st series sweep of the season. Eric Lauer got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Jesus Sanchez was in LF and Addison Barger was in LF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games and complete their 1st sweep of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as George Springer led off with a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 3rd as Jesus Sanchez hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Tyler Heineman
• The Blue jays added a run in the bottom of 4th as Kazuma Okamoto whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right-field for his first big league home run
• The A's got a pair back in the top of the 5th as Max Muncy whacked a 2-run blast to right and into the A's bullpen; also scoring Jacob Wilson
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom half of the inning on a bases loaded walk to Addison Barger that forced in Heineman
• Luis Morales pitching line: 4.1IP 5H 5R (all earned) 2BB 5K 71 pitches (41 for strikes)
• Jeff Hoffman pitched a scoreless 9th for his 1st save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 A's 2

My Take:

• Eric Lauer was excellent through the first 4 innings, retiring 12 of the first 13 batters he faced, including striking out the side in the 1st inning. Fatigue seemed to hit him in the 5th inning, when he gave up 2 straight hits, including a 2-run HR to chop the lead in half. He did recover to retire the next 4 batters, before giving up a single to the last batter he faced. The Blue Jays should consider keeping him in the rotation when Shane Bieber and Trey Yesavage come off the IL because facing a southpaw starter every 5 days can throw hitters off. Certainly he needs to be the long man out of the bullpen and the Blue Jays should keep him stretched out because there are a few pitchers with health concerns.
• The bullpen had it's best day of the season, holding a tough A's lineup to 2 hits, while walking none and striking out 6. Gutsy effort from Mason Fluharty, who was drilled on back to back comebackers. He came in and struck out the only batter he faced today. Brayden Fisher got 5 outs and Jeff Hoffman rebounded nicely after blowing the save in the opening game of the season on Friday. 
• The bats showed some pop with George Springer (61st career leadoff HR), Jesus Sanchez (2-run HR in the 3rd inningl first HR as a Blue Jay), and Kazuma Okamoto (solo shot in the 4th and first HR of his career) all went deep. The Blue Jays added an important insurance run in the 5th thanks to a patient AB from Addison Barger to force in a run on a bases loaded walk. It was nice to see the team give some run support to the pitchers.
• The Blue Jays were 1-2 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays welcome the Colorado Rockies to town. The Blue Jays swept the season series last year, outscoring the Rockies 45-6. Cody Ponce starts against Rockies righty Tomoyuki Sugano.

Game #3 Athletics (0-2) v. Toronto Blue Jays (2-0)

 

Game #2 - Athletics (0-2) @ Toronto Blue Jays (2-0) - game recap

 

Ernie Clement drove in the winning run in a 7-6 extra innings win over the A's

After a walk-off win thanks to a clutch Andres Gimenez, the Blue Jays were looking for their 2nd straight win and 1st series win of the season. Dylan Cease got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Davis Schneider was in LF and Myles Straw was in RF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 1st series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd as George Springer doubled scoring Myles Straw
• The A's tied it in the top of the 6th as Tyler Soderstrom doubled scoring Nick Kurtz
• Dylan Cease pitching line: 5.1IP 3H 1R (earned) 2BB 12K 90 pitches (61 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Daulton Varsho singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr
• Mason Fluharty left the game in the top of the 7th after facing 2 batters and getting hit by back-to-back line drives
• Two batters later, A's tied it in the top of the 7th as Denzel Clarke singled scoring Jeff McNeil
• Two batters later, Shea Langeliers hammered a grand slam to dead center; also scoring Max Muncy, Clarke and Kurtz
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Guerrero Jr. singled home Jesus Sanchez
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 8th as Jesus Sanchez singled scoring Alejandro Kirk
• A batter later, Andres Gimenez singled scoring Varsho
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom of the 9th as Kirk whacked a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• The A's retook the lead in the top of the 10th as Brent Rooker singled scoring Kurtz
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom half of the inning on a sac fly by Addison Barger that scored Sanchez
• The Blue Jays walked it off in the bottom of the 11th as Ernie Clement singled home Nathan Lukes
• Final score: Blue Jays 7 A's 6 (11 innings)

My Take:

• Dylan Cease fired 5.1 solid innings, giving up a run on 3 his while walking 2 and striking out 12. Cease retired 7 of the first 9 batters he faced. Unfortunately, his effort was wasted by the bullpen.
• Two games, two blown saves. After Jeff Hoffman ruined a stellar start by Kevin Gausman yesterday, Brandon Little was pressed into a tough situation with runners on 1st and 2nd with none out after Mason Fluharty was forced out after getting drilled by 2 comebackers. Little hasn't looked great since the all-star break last season. He had a couple of pitches that were touching 97mph, but he couldn't control his knuckle curve. Back to the drawing board for him. On the plus side, Spencer Miles, who was credited with the win, looked like he deserves a shot at a higher leverage situation.
• The offence bailed out Littl today with some clutch hits, topped by a solo blast from Alejandro Kirk. Jesus Sanchez came off the bench and scored twice. He was nearly picked off taking too long to decide to advance to 3rd on a soft liner that dropped in front of A's LF Tyler Soderstrom, whose throw forced 3B Max Muncy to dive back to apply the tag
• The Blue Jays are continuing to use ABS challenges wisely, overturning two more calls today (Kirk to get Cease a strikeout and George Springer to extend an at-bat)
• The Blue Jays were 7-20 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games and complete their 1st sweep of the season. Eric Lauer starts against A's righty Luis Morales

Game #2 Athletics (0-1) v. Toronto Blue Jays (1-0)

 

Game #1 - Athletics (0-1) @ Toronto Blue Jays (1-0) - game recap

 

Andres Gimenez drove in all 3 Blue Jays runs in a 3-2 comeback win over the Athletics to open the 2026 regular season.

It's that time again. Time for the openung pitch of the 2026 season. The Blue Jays kick things off against the Athletics, who begin what is expected to be the second-last season in California (the A's are slated to move to Las Vegas beginning in the 2028 season. The Blue Jays won the season series 5-2 over the A's last year, outscoring the A's 52-34. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer was in his traditional leadoff spot and served as DH. Nathan Lukes was in LF, Daulton Varsho was in CF and Addison Barger was in RF. Kazuma Okamoto was at the hot corner, Andres Gimenez was at SS, Ernie Clement was at 2B and Vlad was at 1B. Could the Blue Jays start the season with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The A's opened the scoring in the top of the 4th as Shea Langeliers belted a solo jack to left\
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the 5th as Andres Gimenez tripled scoring Kazuma Okamoto and Erne Clement
• Luis Severino pitching line: 5IP 3H 2R (both earned) 3BB 3K 84 pitches (52 for strikes)
• Kevin Gausnan pitching line: 6IP 1H 1R (earned) 0BB 11K 83 pitches (60 for strikes)
• The A's  tied it up in the top of the 9th as Langeliers hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• The Blue Jays walked it off in the bottom half of the inning as Gimenez singled scoring Okamoto
• Final score: Blue Jays 3 A's 2

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman was spectacular today, firing 6 strong inningsm giving up a hit on a run while walking none and striking out 11. You know Gausman has all his stuff working when he is racking up the strikeouts. He struck out the side in the 1st inning and retired the first 10 batters he faced and the final 8 he faced. Only blemish was a no-doubter by Jays killer Shea Langeliers
• The bullpen was wobbly today and Jeff Hoffman certainly didn't give the Blue Jays fans much confidence in his abilities as a closer, Langeliers took him deep to CF. The good Jeff Hoffman saved 33 games last season (good for 4th in the MLB). However, the bad Jeff Hoffman couldn't keep the ball in the ball park and gave up a league high (among relievers) 15 long balls and blew 7 saves. He's no Trevor Hoffman, but he needs to be able to convert more saves and keep the ball in the ball park. None of the relievers retired every batter they faced.
• Alejandro Kirk made the Blue Jays first ABS challenge and successfully overturned a ball into a  strikeout. I expect to see more challenges on days where the weaker umpires are behind the plate, such as CB Buckner.
• Offensively, Andres Gimenez drove in all the runs (2-run triple in the 5th and a walkoff single in the 9th. Japanese import Kazuma Okamoto had a solid regular season debut, drawing a walk, collecting 2 hits and scoring twice. He had 2 putouts defensively
• The Blue Jays were 2-7 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, Dylan Cease makes his first regular start as a Blue Jay. The A's will counter with lefty Jeffrey Springs.

Game #1 Athletics (0-0) v. Toronto Blue Jays (0-0) Opening Day

 

volume SEVEN *

"I'm on my waaaaay, just set me freeeeee, dome sweet dome."

Ten random thoughts: a look ahead to the 2026 MLB season

 

In just three sleeps, the Blue Jays will open the 50th season in franchise history. 142 days ago, the Blue Jays came within inches of hoisting the world series trophy for the 3rd time in franchise history. Bo Bichette, now a NY Met, hit a 3-run HR that was oh so close to holding up, until closer Jeff Hoffman gave up a game tying home run to Miguel Rojas on a full count. The Blue Jays won't be taken lightly that's for sure. Time to look ahead to the 2026 season, which could be the last baseball we see for a while with the CBA set to expire. Here are ten random thoughts from around the MLB.

1. Let's kick things off with a look at the injuries and their impact going forward. Anothony Santander had a nightmare 2025 season, playing just 54 games in the regular season before being shut down with back and shoulder injuries. He played five games in the postseason before being shut down for good after being removed after the 5th inning of game 3 of the ALCS. Santander finished the 2025 season batting .175 with 6HR and 18RBI in just 194AB. As the Blue Jays were making their way to Duneedin, manager John Schneider announced that Santander was to undergo major shoulder surgery and would miss 5-6 months. Assuming no setbacks, Santander might be back by beginning of August Signed to a huge 5-year deal last year, the contract has aged very poorly. The Blue Jays were hopeful that Santander would add a big bat as  a DH/4th outfielder. Alas, he's spent more time on the IL and at this point, DH looks like the best position for him. 

Bowden Francis's season is over before it began as he underwent tommy john surgery the same week as Santander. Francis struggled in 2025, going 2-8 with a 6.05ERA over 14 starts before being placed on the IL with a shoulder injury that ended his season. Francis, if healthy, would have been in the mix for a spot in the Blue Jays rotation.

Former ace Jose Berrios is another pitcher who has had tough injury luck. The latest concern is a stress fracture in his pitching elbow. You don't want to mess with that with the UCL right in that area. He'll be monitored closely. Berrios was 9-5 with a 4.17ERA in 2025.  Once he's back, he'll be a key part of the rotation and will be asked to eat some innings. Here's hoping he keeps the ball in the ballpark.\

Lefty prospect Rickey Tiedermann, who missed the entire 2025 season rehabbing from July 2024 tommy john surgery, finds himself in a familiar position after experiencing soreness in his left elbow. No pun intended, but Tiedermann just can't catch a break and there is an opportunity there for him in the Blue Jays pitching fold, but he has to get healthy and prove he can stay healthy before he'll get that opportunity. The good news is the MRI came back clean - meaning he did not re-tear the UCL.

Reliever Yimi Garcia, who has also been snake bit by injuries in recent seasons, starts 2026 on the IL as he continues to work his way back from late-season elbow surgery. Garcia is going to be a key cog in the bullpen, and a potential candidate as closer on days Jeff Hoffman needs a day off and setuup man. Garcia was 1-2 with a 3.86ERA over 22 appearances in 2025.

Acquired at the trade deadline, Shane Bieber will start the season on the IL with right forearm fatigue. Bieber returned from tommy john surgery and made some key starts for the Blue Jays down the stretch. He opted to take the player option to give him a full season to showcase his talents before testing free agency. Bieber was 4-2 with a 3.57ERA over 7 starts in the regular season. He took the loss in game 7 of the world series.

Finally, phenom Trey Yesavage, who rocketed up the depth charts, starting at the single A level in Vancouver before humbling the mighty Dodgers lineup in the world series, will get a delayed start to his 2026 season as he deals with a shoulder impingement. Yesavage is likely going to continue to enjoy success since he's still relatively unknown. Eventually batters will adapt to his pitches, but the video on him is still relatively limited.

In a nutshell, the Blue Jays will start with a rotation anchored by ace Kevin Gausman, free agent signing Dylan Cease (8-12 with a 4.55ERA in 32 starts in 2025), lefty Eric Lauer (9-2 with a 3.18ERA in 28 games, 15 starts in 2025), newcomer Cody Ponce, who hasn't pitched in the majors since 2021 and Max Scherzer, who inked a one year deal a few weeks ago when the Blue Jays realized they needed some depth in the rotation with injuries to pitchers (Scherzer was 5-5 with a 5.19ERA over 17 starts last season). Scherzer himself has injury concerns with a thumb injury that hampered him last season, but appears ok for the moment. Here's hoping no more injuries occur!

2. At long last, the MLB is implementing automatic balls and strikes, which will limit the catchers ability to steal a strike by dramatically pulling the ball back into the strike zone. Batters will no longer be able to crouch to make the strike zone smaller. The system was tested in the minors the last couple of seasons and in spring training last year. Teams will get 2 challenges per game, which must be initiated by the batter, catcher or pitcher by tapping their head. Challenges are retained if successful and teams get an extra challenge in extra innings if they are out of challenges. The Dominican Republic certainly wishes they could have benefited from the system after being eliminated in the semi-finals of the recent world baseball classic on a strikeout that appeared low. Expect a lot of early challenges, especially when there's an umpire behind the plate that historically doesn't have a great reputation of accuracy. Another rule coming in for this season limits base runners who try to draw an obstruction call, like Josh Naylor did in the ALCS game 5. Bottom line, players need to give fielders room to make the play. Violators will be called out and runners return to their original base. Finally, the MLB is going to be enforcing, through warnings and evictions, that base coaches remain in their boxes. This will mean that decisions will have to be made quicker to send runners home on base hits.

Three Blue Jays to watch:

• Jeff Hoffman - The Blue Jays closer will be looking for redemption after giving up the game-tying home run in game seven of the world series. He had a solid regular season with 33 saves, but gave up 33 home runs (the most by a reliever) and blew 7 saves in the regular season and the most important save in the post season. Load management is going to be important to keep Hoffman sharp and healthy. His velocity was dropping in the latter half of the season and his second half was worse as a result. It would be good if newcomer Tyler Rogers or Louis Varland would emerge as a viable closer option so the Blue Jays could reduce Hoffman's workload.
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. - With the free agency departure of Bo Bichette to the NY Mets, this has become Vlad's team. Guerrero Jr. will be under pressure to replicate his career 2021 season, that needs to have an asterisk next to it since a good chunk was played in a minor league ballpark due to the COVID  restrictions in Toronto, when he batted .311 with 48HR (best in the AL), 111RBI and led the league in runs scored (123), on-base% (.401), slugging% (.601), on-base +  slugging% (1.002) and total bases (363). He won't have the same protection that Bichette provided. 
• Kazuma Okamoto - The Japanese phenom provides the Blue Jays with some stability at the hot corner. He's made some nice plays in spring training and hit .333. Last season, Okamoto hit .322 with 15 HR and 51RBI over 77 games. He'll start hitting lower in the lineup and could move up based on performance.

4. Three series to watch

• April 6-8 vs. LA Dodgers - The Blue Jays get an early rematch against the back to back champs LA Dodgers, who added Kyle Tucker to an already dangerous lineup. The Dodgers are largely the same team as last year and stand a strong chance to three peat. This will be a good early test for the Blue Jays
• July 3-5 @ Seattle Mariners - The Mariners will get their ALCS rematch on the 4th of July long weekend. Cal Raleigh, JP Crawford, Julio Rodriguez and Canadian Josh Naylor will be the bats to watch out for in this lineup. The Mariners are a team full of players entering their primes. The rematch in Toronto is the last weekend of August
• June 29-July 1 vs. NY Mets - The same week of the ALCS rematch, Bo Bichette makes his return to Toronto. If the Blue Jays are struggling offensively, Ross Atkins might want to stay away from the Roger's center that week because any boos that come with the tribute video will be directed at Atkins for not getting Bichette signed. As much as Bichette was criticized for his defense, he was arguably the Blue Jays most consistent hitter, batting over .300 in 4 of his 7 seasons in Toronto and leading the league in hits in both 2021 and 2022 with 191 and 189 hits respectively. Oddly, the Mets want him to play the hot corner, a position he's never played either in the majors or minors. Bichette has been an everyday shortstop, but played the ALCS and world series at 2nd base to protect a knee injury from sliding into home plate late in the regular season. Here's hoping Bichette stays healthy until the series so he can play in it.

5. Legendary Blue Jays broadcaster Buck Martinez has decided to retire after 2 years of battling and beating cancer twice. Martinez served as primary catcher to legandary Blue Jays pitcher Dave Stieb in 1982 and 1983. His playing career was effectively ended July 9 1985 on an home plate collision where he managed to help turn and complete a rare 9-2-7-2 double play while sprawled on the Kingdome turf with a broken leg. Over 6 seasons as a Blue Jays, Martinez batted .222 with 35HR and 154RBI. After his playing career was done, Buck turned to broadcating where he was the color analyst on TSN until 2001 when he became the Blue Jays manager for 2 seasons. The Blue Jays were a combined 100-115 in those 2 seasons. A decade later, Martinez returned to the Blue Jays broadcast booth a decade later as play-by-play man for Sportsnet. Many of the legendary broadcasters developed their own catch phrases. For instance, Hawk Harrelson of the White Sox would yell "you can put it on the boaaard! Yes!" on home runs and "He gone!" for a strikeout. The Yankees Michael Kay yells "See ya!" on home runs. For MAartinez, his iconic catchphrase was "swing and a drive" Martinez did a commendable job of educating the average fan on baseball and especially the catcher position. Martinez will be honored and be inducted as the first member of hall of excellence on August 29. It would be neat if Martinez started his own podcast like Don Cherry has done, but I suspect Martinez is done with analyzing baseball and will want to complete his bucket list while his health allows him to.

6. As the Blue Jays celebrate their 50th season, they will likely get a few of the alumni to throw out the 1st pitch. A few suggestions of who should get the honor: George Bell (1st to win MVP award as a Blue Jay), Pat Borders (1992 world series MVP), Bobby Cox (managed the Blue Jays to their 1st playoff appearance), Carlos Delgado (had 4-home run game), Jerry Johnson (recorded 1st win in franchise history), Josh Johnson (2015 MVP), Doug Ault (hit first home run in franchise history), and Pat Hentgen 1996 Cy Young)

7. As mentioned in the preamble, fans better enjoy this season because it is very likely that baseball is headed towards a lockout in the offseason. The big issue is going to be about a salary cap, vehemently opposed by the players.The MLB is the only league without a hard salary cap. Instead, their is a luxury tax applied, something big spenders like the Dodgers scoff at. Even if the players manage to avoid a salary cap, the loophole of deferring contracts must be closed. Without it, Ohtani would likely be in Toronto and not LA and the Dodgers would not have as many of the best players they are able to buy every season. It woulsd also make the teams operating on smaller payrolls more competitive since some of the better free agents would be available to sign at a cheaper price. The players are also opposing changes to the revenue sharing agreement with the MLB proposing a higher dependency on gate ticket sales and local revenue. The MLB is also seeking a draft on international talent. The players are seeking to have prospects paid at younger ages and they want more control of on-field rules. 

8. One way the MLB can sweeten the pot is by allowing active MLB players to participae in the 2028 olympics. There is a huge logistical issue that would need to be resolved. There is really no way to make up 2 weeks of missed games should the MLB opt to shut down the season during the 2-week window. Unlike the NHL, which is currently playing a condenced schedule with teams playing pretty much every other day, the MLB plays every day. You can't really extend the season much more  becuse the weather will start getting bad in some of the  MLB cities and even snow could be a factor if, say the Yankees were to make the world series. Also, players need time to rest and build back up, especially those who played in the postseason. Maybe the MLB tries it for 2028 since the games ar being held in Los Angeles

9. As part of the celebrations of the 50th season, the Blue Jays should honor a team from each decade every month, I would do it in chronological order: April: 1977 team (inaugural team), May: 1985 team (1st team to make the playoffs), June: 1992 team (first team to win the world series) August: 2003 team (Roy Halladay Cy Young year) and September: 2015 team (made it to the ALCS; Josh Donaldson MVP year).

10. Typically I put the Blue Jay of the week/month in this spot, but since the season hasn't started yet, I'm going with my projected Blue Jay of the year: Vlad. Guerrero Jr. is going to be more motivated than ever to dominate the league having gotten so close to hoisting the world series trophy 5 months ago. Also, this is effectively his team now that Bo Bichette has left for the Mets in free agency. He knows that he can put up bigger power numbers like hs dad used to do.

volume SIX POINT FIVE

"Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!!"

volume SIX

Pretty sure that's all the Florida tropes touched upon.

volume FIVE

Manatee. Manatee. Manatee, yeah manatee. Speaking words of wisdom, manatee-EEEEE.

volume FOUR POINT FIVE

you are like a hurricane / there's calm in your eye

volume FOUR

Do you like pina coladas? Gettin' caught in the rain? 

volume THREE

"Got a toothpick? Well, then, walk them juicy legs o'er here and hand it to me, will ya?"

volume TWO

Ladies and gentlemen, your Toronto Blue Jays logo.

Get Up, Ball! Get Up!!

It's a grapefruit. Get it?

Talk-O Tuesday

Go ahead. Yak it up.

Love Will Tear Us Apart *

Behold, Eros! God of Love (and tiny penises, from the look of things). 

Emergency Post!!!

Emergency Post!!!

Folks, I had so many complaints about the last post that I felt compelled to act!!  I had to do something!!

I'm told there were nightmares, sleepless nights, and several visits to the emergency room!

Anyway, pitchers and catchers report soon! The season starts in about 45 days!  To celebrate, here is a picture of the greatest Jays shortstop of all time - Manny Lee!!!!!!!!!!!

THIS IS YOUR NEW THREAD!!!!!!

Sorry!!

"Hi, everybody!!"

volume THREE

NORMAL NORMAL NORMAL

Fill 'er Up, Michael!

Imagine stolen from the internet February 2026.

Human / Nature

Just met the new neighbour. Seems like a nice enough -- GAAAH!

---

Man, this has got to be the coldest, snowiest winter I have experienced in seven years of life where the rivers meet. One of the nastier winters coast-to-coast-to-coast in quite some time, from the sound of things. Since I figure most of us would prefer the weather milder, sunnier and generally easier to get around in, I refuse to complain about it. Not one word.

I have enveloped myself in warm thoughts. Mmm. Oh, shit! This may or may not be your new thread. 

I Had To Take Action!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 It's Thursday!!!! Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, what's been going on lately?!? What has Atkins done for us in recent times? NOTHING!!!!!

We demand action! Something must be done!! I officially call for trades, signings, movement!!! Anything less will result in me forever abandoning my fanship of the Toronto Blue Jays! I would never again watch the game of baseball, at any level!!!!

Good Day!!!!!!

p.s. this post pre-empted a scheduled one that contained inappropriate content (redundant "this is your thread" comment!)

T.G.I Friday

Image stolen from Sportsnet / 22 January 2026 *

Here We Go!

Footage courtesy of YouTube

Thanks for the Memories, Old Friend

Image stolen from Reuters 16 JANUARY 2026

Did I Remember to Take Out the Garbage?

"Yes, you fool! You brought your scraps to me as instructed!!"

Disturbance at the Heron House *

"Get Off!!"

An Inch An Hour, Two Feet A Day *

Image stolen from a random website in January 2026.

Several Days into the New Year