Game #129 - Toronto Blue Jays (62-66) @ Tampa Bay Rays (76-50) - game recap

 

Charles McAdoo drove in a pair of runs in a 7-6 loss to the Rays

After a huge win over the Rays yesterday thanks to the offense coming to life, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 17th series win of the season. Righty Matt Waldron was DFA'd and lefty Brendan Cellucci was selected to the MLB roster. Max Scherzer got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Alejandro Kirk got the half day off as DH. Charles McAdoo was at the hot corner, Josh Smith was at 2B and Kazuma Okamoto was at 1B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 17th series win of the season?  Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Rsys opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Yandy Diaz belted a 2-run to Yandy Diaz to left-center; also scoring Junior Caminero
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 4th as Alejandro Kirk whacked a solo blast to left
• The Rays added a pair of runs in the botom half of the inning as Richie Palacios doubled scoring Diaz and Liam Hicks
• A batter later, Cedric Mulins scored on a sac bunt hit by Taylor Walls
• A batter after that, Chandler singled scoring Polacios
• A batter later, Walls scored on a ground ball hit by Caminero
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 5th as Charles McAdoo singled scoring Josh Smith
• Two batters later, Brandon Valenzuela scored on a sac fly by Nathan Lukes
• A batter later, Kirk singled scoring McAdoo
• A batter after that, Kazuma Okamoto singled scoring Myles Straw
• Brett Bateman was pinch hit for in the top of the 5th as he left the game after pulling his hamstring running out a ground out in the top of the 3rd.
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 4IP 5H 7R (all earned) 3BB 1K 73 pitches (42 for strikes)
• Drew Rasmussen pitching line: 5IP 7H 5R (all earned) 2BB 5K 86 pitches (61 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 6th as McAdoo singled scoring Smith
• Bryan Baker pitched a scoreless 9th for his 36th save of the season.
• Final score: Rays 7 Blue Jays 6 

My Take:-

• Max Scherze battled through 4 innings, giving up 7 runs on 5 hits while walking 3 and striking out 1. He was clearly unhappy with the horrible play by Jesus Sanchez that led to a 5 run inning that ended up being the difference in the game. At the same time, Scherzer needs to be able to limit the damage and he was unable to do that. The Blue Jays could have used another inning or two from the veteran righty.
• The bullpen held the Rays to three hits while walking none and striking out four over the last four innings. Paul Sewald and Mason Fluharty both retired every batter they faced
• The rejuvenated offense tried to rally but fell a run short. Alejandro Kirk (2RBI, including a solo HR), Charles McAdoo (2RBI) and Nathan Lukes and Kazuma Okamoto, who both drove in a run each, led the way
• The Blue Jayd were 1-2 on ABS challenges. The Rays didn't attempt any ABS challenges today.
• The Blue Jays were 3-7 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the wild card race, the Blue Jays are a game back of the Twins, who won today and a half gamew behind the Rangers, who were shut out by the Nationals for the 3rd WC apot. The Guardians, Royals and Tigers all lost and sit a half game back of the Blue Jays for the 3rd and final WC spot
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to escape Tampa Bay with their 17th series win of the season. Shane Bieber starts against Rays lefty Ian Seymour

Game #128 Toronto Blue Jays (62-65) @ Tampa Bay Rays (75-50)

 

Game #128 - Toronto Blue Jays (62-65) @ Tampa Bay Rays (75-50) - game recap

Alejandro Kirk drove in 3 runs, including a 2-run HR and finished a triple shy of the cycle as the Blue Jays doubled up the Rays 10-5

 

After a much-needed off-day/travel day yesterday, the Blue Jays opened a tough road trip that commenced the house of horrors AKA Tropicana Field. The Rays have dominated the season series, winning 8 of the first 10 games in the season series, outscoring the Blue Jays 54-28. Lenyn Sosa cleared outright assignment waivers and was assigned to AAA-ball. Jose Soriano got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Jesus Sanchez was in LF, Brett Bateman was in CF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Josh Smith was at the hot corner and Kazuma Okamoto got the start at 1B. Could the Blue Jays start the week and road trip with a win?  Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 1st as George Springer singled scoring Alejandro Kirk
• A batter later, Jesus Sanchez doubled home Springer
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in  the top of the 3rd as Kirk whacked a solo blast to left-center; also scoring Nathan Lukes
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 4th as Kirk singled scoring Ernie Clement
• A batter later, Brett Bateman scored on a wild pitch by Nick Martinez
• Nick Martinez pitching line: 3.2IP 9H 6R (all earned) 2BB 5K 82 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Rays got one back in the bottom half of inning on a wild pitch by Jose Soriano that scored Ryan Vilade
• Same batter, Taylor Walls singled scoring Cedric Mullins and Richie Palacios
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 5th as Kazima Okamoto smacked a solo blast to left-center
• Four batters laterm Brett Bateman singled scoring Clement
• Jose Soriano pitching line: 5.2IP 9H 3R (all earned) 0BB 2K 91 pitches (54 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added  a pair of runs in the top of the 7th as Josh Smith smashed a 2-run blast to right; also scoring Clement
• The Rays got one back in the botom of the 8th on a sac fly by Mullins that scored Yandy Diaz
• A batter later, Liam Hicks scored on a sac fly by Palacios
• Final score: Blue Jays 10 Rays 5

My Take:

• Jose Soriano battled through 5.2 innings, giving uo 3 runs on 9 hits while walking none and striking out 2. He was pitching on an extra day of rest and his command was off a touch. Soriano was good enough to be able to battle out of the jams he got into, other than the 4th inning when he uncorked a wild pitch and gave up a 2-run single. He certainly has the arsenal to be a very good piece in the Blue Jays rotation for years to come
• The bullpen gave up a pair of runs on 4 hits while walking none and striking out none over the last 3.1 innings. Mason Fluharty and Spencer Miles retired every batter they faced. Matt Waldron should have thrown his last pitch as a Blue Jay tonight. This is the second consecutive outing where the Blue Jays had to get a reliever up and throwing and eventually in the ball game. The bullpen is already very overworked. They can ill afford to keep Waldron around if he can't handle pitching in the lowest leverage spot - the last innings of a blowout.
• The offense exploded today with a 10 run 17 hit output led by Alejandro Kirk (3RBI, includiing a 2-run HR; finished a triple shy of the cycle), Josh Smith (2-run HR), Ernie Clement (3 runs scored), George Springer (run scored, RBI), and Brett Bateman (run scored, RBI)
• Every Blue Jays starter had a hit and all but Andres Gimenez either scored a run or drove in a run
• Alejandro Kirk was 0-2 on ABS challenges and the Rays were 1-2 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 4-14 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the uber tight wild card race, the Blue Jays are effectively tied with the Twins and Rangers for the 3rd wild card spot with the Guardians, Orioles and Tigers a half game back of the Blue Jays, Rangers and Twins. The Mariners aren't out of the race either and are 2 games back. The Rangers are up 5-0 on the Nationals and look like they are well on their way to a win, the Mariners are getting spanked 12-0 by the Brewers, the Tigers and Orioles lost their games while the Guardians and Twins won theirs. This race is almost certainly going to come down to the wire unless one team, like the Blue Jays goes on a big run (very possible given the favorable schedule after this week, but msny of the remaining games will be against the very teams they are battling for the wild card spot) or a big losing streak could take a team out of the race. It's going to be a fun final 5 weeks of the season.
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games, notch their 17tth series win of the season and win their first series at Tropicana field since September 22-24, 2023. Max Scherzer starts against Rays righty Drew Rasmussen

Game #127 Toronto Blue Jays (61-65) @ Tampa Bay Rays (75-49)

 

ten random thoughts: post-trade deadline/home stretch edition

 

We are a couple of weeks after the trade deadlne with six weeks left in the 2026 regular season. In this edition of ten random thoughts, we'll look at the latest injuries and their impact on the team going forward, the trade deadline - players accquired and players sent packing, look ahead to the home stretch and the remaining games and more. Buckle up Blue Jays fans, we are fast approaching the last station in this wild 2026 season. Here are ten random thoughts from around the MLB.

1. The 2026 season has been an unmitigated nightmare for the Blue Jays and the proverbial hits kept on comimg in the last few weeks. Fitst came the news that Yimi Garcia's season has effectively ended before it began. The 35-year-old righty, who has been plagued with injuries the last 2 years, now heads into free agency dealing with thoracic outlet syndrome. At the moment Garcia is deciding whether to have surgery to correct the issue, which would keep him out well into the 2027 season, if it happens. Then Trey Yesavage injured the meniscus in his right knee warming up for the 3rd inning of his first start of August and had surgery last Tuesday to repair the damage.. Even the trade deadline acquisitions aren't safe from the injury situation in Toronto. Jameson Taillon pulled himelf after the 4th inning of his first home start last Monday with forearm tightness - always a concern since that can be a precursor to a tommy john surgery. Hopefully the Blue Jays learned their lesson from Jose Berrios and will take every precaution with Taillon before the injury becomes worse. Spencer Arrighetti was diagnosed with Morton's Neuroma, essentially feels like you are stepping on a rock evidentally. Why the Blue Jays are going to let him try to pitch through it I have no idea. It's likely Arrighetti will change his mechanics, which could compromise other body parts like his shoulder, elbow or back. It looks like the Blue Jays are going to end the year the way it started - with a bullpen day every 5 days. Among the walking wounded are Vlad (missed a couple of days with a sore quad), Kazuma Okamoto (took a foul ball off the knee cap) annd George Springer (missed a couple of days with left shoulder sooreness). In the coming weeks, once the Blue Jays are (likely) mathematically eliminated, you will see some players like Vlad (he is currently on the 7day concussion IL after getting kneed in the head, Springer (battling a sore left shoulder and others who have been playing through injuries, shut down for the year. Quite frankly, the medical staff needs an overhaul because the way they have been managing injuries isn't great.

2. Blue Jays traded away and how they are doing:

• Daulton Varsho - Set to become a free agent after 5 years in Toronto, Varsho essentially switched dugouts in Houston. He's not off to a great start in Houston, batting .140 with 1HR and 3RBI. His defense has been on the decline and he tends to be a streaky hitter at the best of times.
• Kevin Gausman - Fan favorite Kevin Gausman went to the windy city and the Chicago Cubs to give their pitching staff a boost, Also a pending free agent, it could just be a farewell instead of a goodbye with Gausman likely to give strong consideration to coming back to Toronto. Gausman did not have to face his former team in his first start as a Cub, instead facing the Royals on the road where he threw 7 strong innings to lead his new team to a win. Despite a regression this season. Gausman can still pitch a solid game and will give the Cubs a chance to win in the playoffs. He is 1-1 with a 6.17ERA over two starts after he was knocked around in his second start as a Cub
• Jeff Hoffman - For Jeff Hoffman, this is a welcome change of scenery. Blue Jays fans have not forgiven him for blowing the save in game 7 of the world series. The hope was Hoffman would rebound in 2026, but the 9th inning struggles continued and he was eventually removed from the closer's role after blowing 5 saves. He won't have to face the Blue Jays until next year. Hoffman is 0-1 with a 3.60ERA in 5 appearances as a Twin
• Adam Macko - This might have been the most surprising move since Macko was solid when he first came up. Sure he stumbled a bit more recently, but blame it on being overworked and maybe the league adjusting to him. Macko has not made an appearance for Texas yet. He was 2-0 with a 4.01ERA over 22 appearances for the Blue Jays this season. 

3. Blue Jays Acquired and how they are doing.

• Jose Soriano - Soriano is the big add at the deadline and will be a part of the rotation for the next few seasons. Soriano had a decent game against the Phillies, allowing a run on 4 hits while walking 3 and striking out 3 over 4.2 innings. He certainly has a lot of upside and was AL pitcher of the month in April
• Josh Smith - The utility infielder will see playing time at a few positions and start mainly against righties as a left-handed bat. Smith is batting .190 with 1 HR and an RBI over 21AB as a Blue Jay. In the field, he has 5 putouts and 15 assists so far.
• Jameson Taillon - The Blue Jays might only see a brief look at Taillon, who will be out at least a couple of weeks with right forearm tendenitis. Taillon, who was recently DFA'd by the Cubs  Taillom had a 3.38ERA over 2 starts before he got hurt.

4. Quirky stat from the trade deadline: The Blue Jays have 3 of the 4 AL pitchers of the month for 2026 (Soriano won the award in April, Spencer Arrighetti was AL pitcher of the month in May and Dylan Cease was AL pitcher of the month for July. The June winner was Rays righty Drew Rasmussen)

5. Here's the wild card scenario, the Blue Jays are tied the 3rd WC spot with the Rangers and Orioles. Just behind the Blue Jays are the Twins (won the season series and hold the tiebreaker), Guardians, and Tigers. The Mariners sit a half game back of the Blue Jays. At the moment, it look like it's going to take 80-85 wins to snag the last wild card spot. In a way, the Blue Jays control their destiy a bit since they have series remaining against all but the Twins

6. Some key series that will decide the Blue Jays playoff fate:

• August 28-30 vs. Seattle Mariners  - the Mariners took the series in Seattle on the 4th of July long weekend and will no doubt be motivated to deal a blow to the Blue Jays playoff chances after the Blue Jays eliminated them from the ALCS last year.
• September 1-3 @ Cleveland Guardians - The Blue Jays took the series in Toronto at the end of April. With the AL Central title also very much in play, the Guardians will be motivated to win.
• September 11-13 vs. Baltimore Orioles and September 21-23 @ Baltimore Orioles - The Blue Jays have a 4-3 edge in the season series. The Orioles are always a tough foe for the Blue Jays
• September- 14-16 vs. Detroit Tigers - The Blue Jays took the series in Detroit back in mid-May - at least they won't be facing reigning and 2-time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal

7. The Red Sox run should not have counted last Monday. It feels like that rule was made up on the fly. The Red Sox lost track of how many outs there were period and runs on 3rd outs only count if the base runner crosses the plate before the 3rd out was made and Anthony Siegler was jogging off the field not toward home plate.

8. The Dodgers better enjoy their super roster now because once the salary cap/floor is implement and the deferred contract loophole is closed, that roster will be gutted and the Dodgers will no longer be able to buy all the best players in free agency or trade for the best available players at the trade deadline.

9. Finally, here's a fun story for all you video game junkies. I hope he slept and ate in those six days.

10. Blue Jay of the last month: Andres Gimenez. He's had some big hits since the all-star break, including one in the 10th inning Sunday to bring the Blue Jays witthin a run on Sunday. Since the all-star break, Gimeneez is batting .265 with 1HR and 8RBI over 83 AB

Game #126 - New York Yankees (69-55) @ Toronto Blue Jays (61-65) - game recap

 

Dylan Cease fired 6.1 strong innings in a 4-2 extra innings loss to the Yankees

After another comeback win over the Yankees thanks to a 2RBI effort from Charles McAdoo, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games and complete their 2nd sweep of the season. Ricky Tiedemann was optioned to AAA-ball and Brendon Little was activated from the paternity list. Ace Dylan Cease got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Daz Cameron was in LF, Myles Straw was in CF and Brett Bateman was in RF. Ernie Clement was back in the lineup at 2B and George Springer was back in the lineup as DH after a day off yesterday. Could the Blue Jays make it 3 straight wins and comeplete their 2nd sweep of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Yankees opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd on a sac fly by Luis Garcia Jr. that scored Jose Caballero
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom of the 5th as Daz Cameron doubled scoring Kazuma Okamoto
• The Yankees retook the lead in the top of the 7th as Caballero singled scoring George Lombard Jr.. A second run was taken away when the review showed Charles McAdoo had tagged out Caballero before Jazz Chisholm Jr. crossed home plate for the 3rd out of the inning
• Dylan Cease pitching line: 6.1IP 2H 2R (both earned) 3BB 10K 104 pitches (60 for strikes)
• Ryan Weathers pitching line: 7.1IP 6H 1R (earned) 1BB 4K 95 pitches (59 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom of the 9th on a sac fly by Ernie Clement that scored Josh Smith
• The Yankees took the lead in the top of the 10th as Ben Rice hammered a 2-run bomb to right-center; also scoring Ali Sanchez
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Andres Gimenez singled scoring Okamoto
• Tim Hill got the last 3 outs for his 2nd save of the season
• Final score: Yankees 3 Blue Jays 2 (10 innings)

My Take:

• Dylan Cease fired 6.1 strong innings, giving up a pair odf runs on 2 hits while walking 3 and striking out 10. He retired 11 in a row at one point and really didn't get into any real serious trouble all day. Cease is going to get serious consideration for the Cy Young. He'll face the same Yankees lineup in 5 days time.
• The bullpen gave up 3 runs (1 was charged to Cease after Brendon Little couldn't hold the score where it was) on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 2 over 3.2 innings. Ex-Dbacks closer Pail Sewald made his Blue Jays debut and recorded 5 outs, allowing a hit and striking out a batter. Brayden Fisher took the loss after being taken deep by Ben Rice.
• The offense needs to start producing more because asking the pitchers to be Cy Young every time out isn't sustainsabble. Daz Cameron made an immediate contribution with an RBI double and Ernie Clement briefly tied the score in the 9th with a sac fly.
• Lots of ABS challenges today with a notoriously bad umpire behind the plate.  The Blue Jays successfully overturned all 3 ABS challenges. The Yankees were 7-2 on ABS challenges.
• The Blue Jays were 2-9 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the wild card race, the Blue Jays are a game back of the Rangers and Orioles for the 3rd WC spot of the moment after dropping a half game with the loss. The Orioles beat the Rays and the Tigers lost to the White Sox. The Guardians/Padres were scoreless early in their game and the Rangers/A's were knotted at 2-2 in the 5th inning. The Orioles and Tigers play tomorrow and could gain a half game on the idle Blue Jays with wins tomorrow.
• Up next, after a travel day/off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays commence a road trip in the house of horrors that is Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay. The Rays have dominated the season series so far, winning 8 of the first 10 games in the season series, outscoring the Blue Jays 54-28. Jose Soriano will start for the Blue Jays on Tuesday, The Rays haven't set their rotation for the series yet.

Game #126 New York Yankees (68-55) @ Toronto Blue Jays (61-64)

Game #125 - New York Yankees (68-55) @ Toronto Blue Jays (61-64) - game recap

 

Charles McAdoo drove in a pair of runs in a 4-1 comeback win over the Yankees

After a huge comeback win over the Yankees, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 16th series win of the season. Rickey Tiedemann was recalled from AAA-ball and Chase Lee was optioned to AAA-ball. Lazaro Estrada was DFA'd. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was placed on the 7-day concussion IL. OF Daz Cameron was selected to the MLB roster. Brayden Fisher got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Josh Smith was at 2B and Charles McAdoo was at 1B. Alejandro Kirk served as DH. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins and notch their 16th series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Brayden Fisher pitching line: 1IP 0H 0R 1BB 0K 12 pitches (6 for strikes)
• The Yankees opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as George Lombard Jr. singled scoring Spencer Jones
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom of the 3rd as Alejandro Kirk sungled scoring Brett Batemam
• Cam Schlittler pitching line: 5.1IP 4H 1R (earned) 3BB 7K  97 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the 7th as Charles McAdoo singled scoring Ernie Clement
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 8th as McAdoo singled home Andres Gimenez
• Two batters later, Brandon Valenzuela scored on a ground out hit by Nathan Lukes
• Louis Varland threw a perfect 9th for his 28th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 4 Yankees 1

My Take:

• Brayden Fisher faced an all too familiar position: first man out of the bullpen aka the opener of a bullpen day. It seems the baseball gods want the Blue Jays to have a bullpen day. With a full rotation on the IL (Jose Berrios, Cody Ponce, Trey Yesavage, Bowden Francis and Spencer Arrighetti) the Blue Jays were forced to piece it together to get 27 outs. Fisher got the first three on an efficient 12 pitches, walking 1 batter.
• The rest of the bullpen held the Yankees to a run on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 7 over the last 8 innings. Rickey Tiedemann, after years of fighting his own body with injuries, finally made his MLB and rewarded the Blue Jays for their patience in his arrival. Tiedeman gave up a run on 2 hits, but recorded 5 outs, including his first two career strikeouts and his velocity was in the upper 90s. Mason Fluharty and Varland both retired every batter they faced. Thank goodness there is just one day left before a badly needed day off for the bullpen that is absolutely running on fumes after 17 straight days with games and 30 in 31. Spencer Miles, who has been great out of the bullpen, was credired with the win.
• The offense keeps finding ways to caa in runs when they need them. While they are still not exactly tearing the cover off the baseball consistentl, the Blue Jays are getting things done through classic small ball - sac bunts to be exact. Charles McAdoo is taking full advantage of his second stint with the Blue Jays, driving in a pair today. Alejandro Kirk knotted the game at one with a clutch RBI single. This team is getting back to what made them successful last year - comeback wins - never being out of a game.
• Tomorrow could be wi;d - pending the results of the rest of today's games. Detroit has already lost to the White Sox. At the moment, there is a 4-way tie for the 3rd and final WC spot. If the Twins and Rangers lose their games tonight, the Blue Jays will wake up only tied with the Twins for the 3rd WC spot. If the Twins and Rangers both win, the Blue Jays and Tigers would be a half game back of the Twins and Rangers for the 3rd WC spot. The Orioles are also within striking distance. 
• Austin Wells was unsuccessful on the game's only ABS challange
• The Blue Jays were 4-15 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 and complete their second sweep of the season. Ace Dylan Cease starts against Yankees lefty Ryan Weathers

Game #125 New York Yankees (68-54) @ Toronto Blue Jays (60-64)

Game #124 New York Yankees (68-53) @ Toronto Blue Jays (59-64) AppleTV+ Exclusive

 

Game #123 - Boston Red Sox (65-56) @ Toronto Blue Jays (59-64) - game recap

 

Blue Jays reliever Brayden Fisher retired every batter he faced in a 7-0 shutout loss to the Red Sox

After pulling out another win thanks to a 5-run 8th inning rally and Louis Varland bailing out knuckleballer Matt Waldron, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 4 games, complete their 2nd sweep of the season and improve their record on my birthday to 22-23 and extend the winning streak on my birthday to 2 games. Brendon Little was put on the paternity list and Lazaro Estrada was recalled from AAA-ball. Max Scherzer got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Kazuma Okamoto was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday. Charles McAdoo was in LF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 4 games, complete their 2nd sweep of the season and improve their record on my birthday to 22-23 and extend the winning streak on my birthday to 2 games? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Red Sox opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Willson Contreras doubled scoring Wilyer Abreu
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 5IP 3H 1R (earned) 2BB 4K 92 pitches (61 for strikes)
• The Red Sox added 4 runs in the top of the 8th on a grand slam to left-center by Caleb Durbin that also scored Ceddanne Rafaela, Abreu and Masataka Yoshida
• The Red Sox added a run in the top of the 9th on a sac fly by Yoshida that scored Nick Sogard
• A batter later, Durbin singled scoring Rafaela
• Payton Tolle pitching line: 8IP 2H 0R 2BB 4K 91 pitches (61 for strikes)
• Final score: Red Sox 7 Blue Jays 0

My Take:

• Max Scherzer battled through 5 innings, giving up a run on 3 hits while walking 2 and striking out 4. Not the most efficient game, needing close to 100 pitches to get 15 outs when the bullpen is running on fumes. The veteran righty was able to pitch his way out of most of the jame he got into, keeping the Blue Jays within striking distance.
• Then there was the bullpen. Interestingly, John Schneider had Tyler Rogers warming up when the deficit was still one run and opted to go with the other sidewinder Chase Lee, who proceeded to give up a grand slam. Maybe Rogers was only available if the Blue Jays had a lead? Lazaro Estrada coughed up another couple of runs in the 9th inning. Certainly there are a couple of candidates to be demoted or DFA'd when Brendon Little returns from the paternity list and Paul Seward is activated tomorrow after being claimed off waivers yesterday.
• The offense was non-existent with some terrible AB's today. Charles McAdoo watched a middle-middle putch go by him for a strike and they did not work the count at all. Payton Tolle was averaging less than 10 pitches an inning most of the day.
• The Blue Jays squandered a great chance to gain a half game in the wild card standings with most of the teams in the race idle today. Instead, the Blue Jays fell back a half game.
• Brandon Valenzuela was 1-1 on ABS challenges. The Red Sox didn't atempt an ABS challenge today.
• The Blue Jays were 0-2 with runners in scoring position.
• Up next, the Blue Jays take on the Yankees as the home stand continues. The Yankees have won 4 of the first 7 games in the season series, outscoring the Blue Jays 29-26. Shane Bieber starts against Yankees righty Gerritt Cole

Game #123 Boston Red Sox (64-56) @ Toronto Blue Jays (59-63)

 

Game #122 - Boston Red Sox (64-56) @ Toronto Blue Jays (59-63) - game recap

 

Kazuma Okamoto scored twice and drove in a run as the Blue Jays hung on for a 6-4 win over the Red Sox

After prevailing over the Red Sox on the strength of a 2 RBI effort from Brett Bateman and a late clutch base hit off the bat of Myles Straw, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games and notch their 15th series win of the season. Righty Paul Sewald was claimed off waivers from the Diamondbacks. Righty Jake Bloss was added to the MLB roster and moved to the 60 day IL.  Jose Soriano got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Kazuma Okamoto was back in the lineup as DH Street missing a couple of days with a sore knee. Jesus Sanchez was in LF, Myles Straw was in CF and Brett Bateman was in RF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games and notch their 15th series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Ernie Clement singled scoring Kazuma Okamoto
• The Red Sox tied it in the top of the 5th as Willson Contreras whacked a solo blast to left-center
• Ranger Suarez pitching line: 5IP 6H 1R (earned) 1BB 2K 81 pitches (54 for strikes)
• Jose Soriano pitching line: 6IP  4H 1R (earned) 2BB 4K 90 pitches (63 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the 8th as Okamoto singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Two batters later, Brandon Valenzuela was forced in on a bases loaded walk to Clement
• A batter later, Okamoto scored on a sac fly by George Springer
• A batter after that, Myles Straw doubled scoring Clement
• The Red Sox got one back in the top of the 9th as Caleb Durbin singled scoring Contreras 
• A batter later, Jarren Duran doubled scoring Wilyer Abreu
• A batter after that, Durbin scored on a sac fly by Andruw Monasterio
• Louis Varland got the last 2 outs for his 26th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 Red Sox 4

My Take:

• Jose Soriano fired 6 solid innings,, giving up a run on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 4. One mistake pitch to Willson Contreras that went over the wall in left-center. Soriano faced the minimum through 3 innings and was bailed out by his catcher Alejandro Kirk, who gunned down Ceddane Rafaela at 3B on a wild pitch by Soriano. No question he'll be a huge part of the rotation in the coming years.
• The bullpen gave up 3 runs on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 1 over the last 3 innings. Mason Fluharty and Louis Varland, who had to bail out knuckleballer Matt Waldron after he struggled in the 9th inning with a 5-run lead.
• The offense exploded for a 5-run rally in the 8th inning. Kazuma Okamoto contributed with 2 runs scored and an RBI in his return to the lineup. George Springer came in as a pinch hitter and drove in a run with a sac fly.
• In terms of the wild card race, the Blue Jays passed the Orioles and are 2.5 games back of the Texas Rangers for the 3rd wild card spot with the Tigers, Twins and Guardians in the way. All teams are idle tomorrow so the Blue Jays will gain a half game if they win tomorrow
• Red Sox catcher Adley Rutschmann was 2-1 on ABS challenges. The Blue Jays did not attempt an ABS challenge today.
• The Blue Jays were 4-11 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to make it 4 straight wins and complete their 2nd sweep of the season. Max Scherzer starts against Red Sox lefty Payton Tolle 
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Game #122 Boston Red Sox (64-55) @ Toronto Blue Jays (58-63)

 

Game #121 - Boston Red Sox (64-55) @ Toronto Blue Jays (58-63) - game recap

 

Spencer Miles threw a scoreless 9th for his first career save in a  5-3 win over the Red Sox

After hanging on for the win thanks to a strong effort from the bullpen and a clutch base hit from the red hot Andres Gimenez, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the winning streak to 2 games. Jameson Taillon was placed on the 15-day IL with right elbow tendonitis after pulling himself from the game yesterday and Chase Lee was recalled from AAA-ball. Dylan Cease got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Myles Straw was in LF. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Tbe Red Sox opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd on a sac fly by Ceddanne Rafaela that scored Andruw Monasterio
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom half of the inning as Brett Bateman doubled scoring Nathan Lukes
• The Red Sox retook the lead in the top of the 4th as Willyer Abreu smacked a solo blast to right-center and into the Red Sox bullpen
• The Red Sox added a run in the top of the 5th as Rafaela hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning on a sac fly by Charles MacAdoo that scored Gimenez
• A batter later, Brett Bateman singled scoring Myles Straw
• Dylan Cease pitching line: 5IP 5H 3R (all earned) 4BB 7K 104 pitches (63 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the leadi in the bottom of the 6th on a fielder's choice hit by Ernie Clement that scored George Springer
• Pedro Sandoval pitching line: 6IP 8H 4R (2 earned 3BB 4K 84 pitches (50 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 8th as Straw doubled scoring Josh Smith
• Spencer Miles threw a scoreless 9th for his 1st save of the season.
• Final score: Blues Jays 5 Red Sox 3

My Take:

• Dylan Cease battled through 5 innings, giving up 3 runs on 5 hits while walking 4 and striking out 7.  Not the most efficient outing for Cease who needed 100 pitches to get 15 outs. The Blue Jays bullpen could have used an extra inning or two from him. Red Sox took him deep twice on a pair of solo home runs. He should get votes for the Cy Young award
• The bullpen threw 4 scoreless innings, giving up 2 hits, walking three and striking out 1. It looks like it'll be closer by committee when Louis Varland needs a day off. Tonight, Spencer Miles took care of business with a scoreless 9th for his first career save. Brendon Litlle was the only reliever to retire every batter he faccd
• Offensively, Brett Bateman drove in a pair of runs and Myles Straw had a huge clutch hit in the 8th inning to give Spencer Miles a 2-run cushion in the 9th inning
• The Red Sox were 2-1 on ABS challenges. Alejandro Kirk was unsuccessful in the Blue Jays only ABS challenge
• The Blue Jays were 3-7 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games and notch their 15th series win of the season. Jose Soriano starts against Red Sox lefty Ranger Suarez

Game #121 Boston Red Sox (64-54) @ Toronto Blue Jays (57-63)

 

Game #120 - Boston Red Sox (64-54) @ Toronto Blue Jays (57-63) - game recap

 

Andres Gimenez drove in a run as the Bklue Jays hung on to edge the Red Sox 2-1

After dropping a hard fought game yesterday in Philadelphia due to the exhausted bullpen being unable to hold the lead in the 12th inning, the Blue Jays returned home to open a week long homestand that began against Boston tonight.  The Blue Jays have won 6 of the 9 games played in the season series thus far, outscoring the Red Sox 35-22. Lazaro Estrada and Davis Schneider were optioned to AAA-ball. Simeon Woods-Richardson and Charles McAdoo were recalled from AAA-ball. Rudy Martin Jr cleared waivers and catcher Willie MacIver was DFA'd. Jameson Taillon got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. George Springer was back in the lineup as DH after missing a couple of days with a sore left shoulder. Vlad was back in the field after a half day off yesterday. Kazuma Okamoto, who was in the original lineup, was removed with a left knee contusion from fouling a ball off his knee yesterday (Charles McAdoo got the start at the hot corner). Jesus Sanchez was in LF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Ernie Clement got the full day off with Josh Smith at 2B. Could the Blue Jays start the home stand and week with a win and notch their 8th season series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Jameson Taillon pitching line: 4IP 1H 0R 3BB 3K 61 pitches (34 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 5th as Charles McAdoo whacked a solo blast to the oppoite field in right and into the Red Sox bullpen
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Andres Gimenez singled scoring George Springer
• The Red Sox got one back in the top of the 8th on a bizarre play where Anthony Siegler scored on a sac fly double play ball hit by Ceddanne Rafaela that ended the inning, but the run was allowed to score because the Blue Jays did not appeal that one of the runners left the base early 
• Louis Varland pitched a scoreless 9th for his 25th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 2 Red Sox 1

My Take:

• The way this season has gone on the injury front this year, it's almost no surprise that Jameson Taillon left tonight's start with right forearm tightness, which can be a precursor to the dreaded UCL. It's too bad because Taillon was dealing with 4 shutout innings, allowing 1 hit and walking 3 and striking out 3. No doubt he'll get an MRI to determine the damage.
• It will be the bullpen getting the brunt of the workload if Taillon misses even one start. Friday would be a potential bullpwn day witg SWR and Spencer Miles pitching in some capacity. Tonight, the bullpen gave up a run on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 4 over the last 5 innings. Just 6 more days till the next off day
• Offensively, Charles McAdoo took full advantage of the unexpected start and took Sonny Gray deep the opposite way. The red-hot Andres Gimenez added an important insurance run in the 6th inning. McAdoo was the only player to reach base multiple times. The team can't keep asking the pitchers  to bail them out every night.
• The Red Sox successfully overturned all 4 ABS challenges and Brandon Valenzuela was 0-2 on ABS challrnges
• The Blue Jays were 2-9 with runners in scoring positon
• Up next, the Blue Jays go for 2 straight wins. Dylan Cease starts against Red Sox lefty Patrick Sandoval

Game #120 Boston Red Sox (64-53) @ Toronto Blue Jays (56-63)

 

Game #119 - Toronto Blue Jays (56-63) @ Philadelphia Phillies (63-56) - game recap

 

-Andres Gimenez drove in a pair of runs in a 7-6 extra innings, come-from-behind loss to the Phillies

After another extra innings triumph on the strength of a 2-run HR off the bat of Nathan Lukes, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games, complete their 2nd sweep and notch their 8th season series win of the season. Shane Bieber got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Kazuma Okamoto at 1B. Davis Schneider was in LF and Myles Straw was in RF. Josh Smith was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games, complete their 2nd sweep and notch their 8th season series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Phillies opened the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd as Kyle Schwarber whacked a 3-run HR to the opposite field in left-center; also scoring Alec Bohm and Justin Crawford
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 4th as Alejandro Kirk singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 5th as Brett Bateman singled scoring Myles Straw
• The Phillies added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Schwarber hammered a solo bomb to the second deck in right
• The Phillies added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Bohm singled scoring Bryson Stott
• Shane Bieber pitching line: 5.2IP 6H 5R (all earned) 3BB 4K 97 pitches (52 for strikes)
• Jesus Luzardo pitching line: 7IP 4H 2R (both earned) 1BB 12K 100 pitches (70 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one  back in the top of the 8th as Ernie Clement doubled scoring Alejandro Kirk
• A batter later, Andres Gimenez singled scoring Kazuma Okamoto and Clement
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 12th as Lukes scored on a double play ball hit by Jesus Sanchez 
• The Phillies tied it in the bottom half of the inning as Stott singled scoring Arraez
• Three batters later, Derek Hill singled home JT Realmuto
• Final score: Philies 7 Blue Jays 6 (12 innings)

My Take:

• Shane Bieber battled through 5.2 innings, giving up 5 runs on 6 hits while walking 3 and striking out 4. He retired 6 of the first 7 batters he faced before Kyle Schwarber took him deep for the first of two times on the day. Not his best start, but not his worst start either
• The bullpen gave up a pair of runs on4 hits while walking 8 and striking out 5 over the last 5.2 innings. Spencer Miles was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced.
• Offensively, Andres Gimenez came up with a clutch 2-run single to tie the game at 5, Brett Bateman knocked in a run for his first career RBI and Nathan Lukes gave the Blue Jays a brief lead in the 12th, scampering home on a double play ball a day after heroically going deep in extra innings.
• The Blue Jays were 6-2 on ABS challenges with Alejandro Kirk successfully overturning 4 balls into strikes for his pitchers. Bryce Harper was unsuccessful on the Phillies only ABS challenge of the day
• The Blue Jays were 5-15 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays return home to take on the Boston Red Sox. The Blue Jays have won 6 of the first 9 games of the season series, outscoring the Red Six 35-22. Jameson Taillon starts againstt Red Sox righty Sonny Gray.

Game #119 Toronto Blue Jays (56-62) v. Philadelphia Phillies (62-56)

 

Game #118 - Toronto Blue Jays (56-62) @ Philadelphia Phillies (62-56) - game recap

 

Nathan Lukes hit a go-ahead 2- run HR in the iith inning of a 7-5 extra innings comback win over the Phillies

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After hanging on for a huge win on the strength of two sac flies by Alejandro Kirk and a solo home run off the bat of Josh Smith, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 16th series win of the season. Max Scherzer got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Vlad was back in the lineup after missing a few games with a sore hamstring. George Springer was a late scratch due to a sore left shoulder so Jesus Sanchez served as DH and Myles Straw was in LF. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins and notch their 16th series win of the season? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. whacked a solo blast to left
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 3rd as Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Myles Straw
• Aaron Nola pitching line: 5IP 6H 2R (both earned) 2BB 6K 97 pitches (57 for strikes)
• The Phillies got one back in the bottom of the 6th as Trea Turner whacked a solo blast to left-center
• A batter later, Bryce Harper belted a solo jack to right-center
• Three batters later, Luis Arraez scored on a sac fly by Brandon Marsh 
• A batter later, Justin Crawford tripled scoring Bryson Stott
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 5.1IP 5H 2R (both earned) 0BB 4K 84 pitches (58 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied it in the top of the 8th as Andres Gimenez doubled scoring Guerrero Jr. and George Springer
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 10th on a sac fly by Gimenez that scored Brett Bateman
• The Phillies tied it in the bottom half of the inning on a asac fly by Arraez that scored Turner
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the top of the 11th as Nathan Lukes smashed a 2-run blast to right-center; also scoring Brandon Valenzuela
• Lazaro Estrada threw a perfect 9th for his 1st save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 7 Phillies 5 (11 innings)

My Take:

• Max Scherzer fired 5.1 solid innings, giving up a pair of runs on 5 hits while walking none and striking out 5. He is now in the top 10 in career strikeouts after he struck out Kyle Schwarber in the 6th inning. He is showing he still has a bit left in the tank. If my math is correct, he is 1.1 innings from pitching 3000 career innings. Barring injury or a disastrous start, he'll reach that milestone next start against Boston on Thursday.
• The bullpen gave up 3 runs on 4 hits while walking 3 and striking out 3 over the last 5.2 innings. Spencer Miles, who has been a better reliever than starter this season, had a rare bad night coming out of the bullpen, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits before he could get out of the 6th inning. Louis Varland got the win. Lazaro Estrada was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced
• Offensively, Vlad (2 runs scored, 2RBI, including a solo HR), Andres Gimenez (3RBI) and Nathan Lukes (11th inning go-ahead 2-run HR) led the way. It was great to see Vlad finally come through at the plate. Love him or detest that contract of his, Guerrero Jr. will be a key cog in the lineup for the next decade.
• Lots of ABS challenges in this one. The Blue Jays were 5-1 on ABS challenges and the Phillies were 4-1 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 4-14 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games, complete their 2nd sweep of the season and notch their 8th season series sweep of the season. Shane Bieber starts against Phillies lefty Jesus Luzardo

Game #118 Toronto Blue Jays (55-62) v. Philadelphia Phillies (62-55)

 

Game #117 - Toronto Blue Jays (55-62) @ Philadelphia Phillies (62-55) - game recap

 

Josh Smith scored three times, including his first HR as a Blue Jay as the Blue Jays hung on to edge the Phillies 5-4

After dropping yesterday's make-up game in Chicago due to an awful day for the offense, that was a dreadful 1-19 with runners in scoring position, the Blue Jays continued the road trip in Philadelphia. The  Phillies took the series in Toronto 2 months ago, outscoring the Blue Jays 14-9. Luis Urias was placed on the 100-day IL with a right quad strain. Outfielder Rudy Martin Jr. was DFA'd and outfielder Brett Bateman was selected to the MLB roster (and got the start in CF). Jose Soriano got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Jesus Sanchez was in LF. Josh Smith was at the hot corner and Ernie Clement got the start at 2B. 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 top of the 1st as Andres Gimenez whacked a solo blast to right
• The Phillies tied it in the bottom half of the inning as JT Realmuto singled scoring Brandon Marsh. Jesus Sanchez was charged with a fieldig error on the play
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the top of the 3rd on a sac fly by Alejandro Kirk that scored Brett Bateman
• The Phillies tied it in the bottom half of the inning as Bryce Harper singled scoring Kyle Schwarber
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the top of the 4th as Nathan Lukes singled scoring Josh Smith
• Jose Soriano piching line: 4.2IP 4H 2R (1 earned) 3BB 3K 94 pitches (62 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added run in the top of the 6th on a sac fly by Kirk that scored Smith
• Zack Wheeler pitching line: 5.1IP 7H 4R (all earned) 5BB 6K 116 pitches (72 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 8th as Smith belted a solo jack to right-center
• The Phillies got one back in the bottom of the 9th on a fielder's choice hit by Trea Turner that scored Bryson Stott
• A batter later, Harper singled home Justin Crawford
• Tyler Rogers got the last 3 outs for his 4th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Phillies 4

My Take:

• Jose Soriano battled through 4.2 innings, giving up a pair of runs on 4 hits while walking 3 and striking out 3. Soriano retired the first 5 batters he faced before the Phillies started getting to him. He fell an out shy of qualifying for his first win in a Blue Jays uniform. He'll be a part of the rotation whenever baseball starts in 2027.
• The bullpen had mixed results. Matt Waldron and Mason Fluharty retired every batter they faced. Lazaro Estraded, credited with the win, walked a couple of batters but gave the Blue Jays 4 outs. Brendon Little also walked a couple of batters and had fans biting their nails.Then there was Tyler Rogers, who nearly blew a 3-run lead and it took a review to confirm the last out on a bang-bang play at 1st when Kazuma Okamoto made the decision to go after the ground ball when he should have been retreating to 1st base. Rogers isn't likely available tomorrow after throwing nestly 30 pitches. Somewhere, Jeff Hoffman is watching a replay of the 9th inning and having a chuckle now that he can't be blamed for blowing a save in Toronto anymore - at least not in a Blue Jays uniform.
• Offensively, Alejandro Kirk had a pair of sac flies, Josh Smith scored three times amd went deep for his first HR in a Blue Jays uniform, and, making his big league debut, Brett Bateman misse his first career HR by inches in the first pitch he saw in the majors.
• Alejandro Kirk was 1-2 on ABS challenges and the Phillies were an impressive 4-1 on ABS challenges.
• The Blue Jays were 2-10 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the winning streak to 2 games and notch their 16th series win of the season. Max Scherzer starts against Phillies righty Aaron Nola

Game #117 Toronto Blue Jays (54-62) v. Philadelphia Phillies (62-54)

 

Game #116 - Toronto Blue Jays (54-62) @ Chicago Cubs (67-49) - game recap

 

Dylan Cease threw 7 shutout innings in a 3-2 come-from-behind, extra innings loss to the Cubs

After a huge extra innings comback win thanks to a clutch 2-run HR off the bat of Ernie Clement, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 16th series win and 7th season series win of the season as they made a brief one day stop in Chicago to make up the June 22nd rainout at Wrigley Field. The two teams split the first 2 games of the series, with the Cubs outscoring the Blue Jays 22-10.  Dylan Cease got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad remained out with soreness in his hamestring and back. Davis Schneider got the start in LF. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner and Luis Urias got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 16th series win and 7th season series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring on a balk charged to Davd Peterson that scored Kazuma Okamoto
• Luis Urias was removed from the game with a hamstring injury prior to the bottom of the 4th 
• David Peterson piching line: 5IP 7H 1R (earned) 3BB 3K 89 pitches (53 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 7th as Alejandro Kirk singled scoring Andres Gimenez
• Dylan Cease pitching line: 7IP 2H 0R 1BB 10K 104 pitches (66 for strikes)
• The Cubs tied it in the bottom of the 9th as Alex Bregman whacked a 2-run blast to left; also scoring Pete Crow-Armstrong
• The Cubs walked it off on a throwing error by Brandon Valenzuela on a double steal that scored Crow-Armstrong
• Final: score: Cubs 3 Blue Jays 2 (11 innings)

My Take: 

• Dylan Cease fired 7 shutout innings, scattering a pair of hits, walking 1 and striking out 10. He retired 12 of the first 14 batters he faced and the last 6 batters of the day. Cease was throwing some nasty pitches and absolutely dotting the corners of the strike zone. He's bee the team's best starting pitcher be far. 
• The bullpen gave up 3 runs on 3 hits while walking 2 and striking out 2 over 3.1 innings. Louis Varland blew his first save of the season on a 2-run HR to the Cubs best hitter, Pete Crow-Armstrong. To be honest, this game should have been over sooner but Ernie Clement made a terrific leaping catch to end the 10th inning and Myles Straw bailed out Brendon Little, who took the loss by gunning down the ghost runner to start the 11th inning. Brayden Fisher retired every batter he faced
• The anemic offense scored a run on balk and Alejandro Kirk tacked on a run with an RBI single. There has to be a serious look into why every single player regressed so badly from last year. It\s alarming that we're in August and Vlad still doesn't have a home run in Toronto. The approach at the plate has to change and batters need to start being more patient.
• As if the team needs anymore adversity, Luis Urias hurt himself while running the bases.
• The Blue Jays were 2-1 on ABS challenges and the Cubs were 1-2 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were brutal and pathetic 1-19 wih runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays continue the road trip in Philadelphia. The Phillies took the series in Toronto 2 months ago, outscoring the Blue Jays 14-9. Jose Soriano makes his Blue Jays debut against Phillies righty Zack Wheeler

Game #116 Toronto Blue Jays (54-61) v. Chicago Cubs (66-49)

 

Game #115 - Toronto Blue Jays (54-61) @ Houston Astros (59-57) - game recap

 

Ernie Clement hit a go-ahead 2-run HR in the 10th inning in a 5-4 come-from-behind extra innings win over the Astros

After dropping yesterday\s game due to the bullpwn being unable to pick up for Trey Yesavage who hurt himself warming up for the 3rd inning, the Blue Jays were looking to notch their 15th series win of the season and earn the season series split. Trey Yesavage was placed on the 15-day IL with left knee inflammation. Righty Chad Dallas was optioned to AAA-ball. Chase Lee and Lazaro Estrada were recalled from AAA-ball Jameson Taillon got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Vlad got the complete day off with Kazuma Okamoto at 1B. Josh Smith was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays notch their 15th series win of the season and earn the season series split? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Astros opened the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd as Jose Altuve hammered a solo bomb to left
• Three batters later, Christian Walker doubled scoring Daulton Varsho.
• A batter later, Lamonte Wade Jr. singled home Walker
• Jameson Taillon pitching line: 4IP 6H 3R (all earned) 2BB 4K 80 pitches (49 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 6th as Kazuma Okamoto singled scoring Myles Straw
• A batter later, Jesus Sanchez belted a 2-run jack to the second deck in right; also scoring Okamoto
• Hunter Brown pitching line: 6IP 3H 3R (all earned) 2BB 8K 93 pitches (54 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 10th as Ernie Clement hammered a 2-run bomb to left; also scoring Luis Urias 
• The Astros got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Yordan Alvarez singled scoring Jeremy Pena
• Chase Lee got the last 3 outs for his 1st save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Astros 4 (10 innings)

My Take:

• Jameson Taillon battled through 4 innings, giving up 3 runs on 6 hits while walking 2 and striking out 4. Not the most efficient game with him needing an average of 20 pitches to get through 4 innings. It was really the 3rd inning where the Astros got to him, scoring 3 times on 4 hits. Other than that inning, he was able to pitch his way out of the jams he got into.
• The bullpen gave up a run on 4 hits while walking none and striking out 5 over the last 6 innings. Louis Varland was credited with the win and Chase Lee got the save. Varland and Mason Fluharty retired every batter they faced.
• Offensively, Jesus Sanchez and Ernie Clement each hit a 2-run HR and Kazuma Okamoto knocked in the other run. The bats are still pretty ice cold with seven total base runners but at least the team is starting to get the timely hits that led to a near franchise record 49 comeback wins last year.
• Yandy Diaz was successful on the Astros only ABS challenge and Brandon Valenzuela was 1-1 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 2-3 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 16th series win and 8th season series win of the season as they make a one-game stop in Chicago to make up the rained-out June 22nd game at Wrigley Field. The Cubs and Blue Jays split the first 2 games in the series with the Cubs outscoring the Blue Jays 22-10. Dylan Cease starts against Cubs lefty David Peterson

Game #115 Toronto Blue Jays (53-61) v. Houston Astros (59-56)

Game #114 - Toronto Blue Jays (53-61) @ Houston Astros (59-56) - game recap

 

Myles Straw tripled home a run and later scored on a wild pitch in a 7-2 loss to the Astros

After eking out a win yesterday thanks to a strong effort from Shane Bieber, Brendon Litle and Trevor Rogers, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch theuir 15th series win of the season. With Jose Soriano reporting to the team, Lazaro Estrada was optioned to AAA-ball. Trey Yesavage got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Jesus Sanchez was in LF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 15th series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Trey Yesavage pitching line: 2IP 0H 0R 1BB 0K 27 pitches (16 for strikes)
• The Astros took the lead in the bottom of the 4th as Yainer Diaz singled scoring Jose Altuve
• A batter later, Cam Smith singled scoring Taylor Trammell
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 5th as Myles Straw triple scoring Andres Gimenez
• A batter later, Straw scored on a wild pitch by Hayden Wesneski
• The Astros retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Altuve singled scoring Yordan Alvarez
• A batter later, Trammell whacked a 3-run blast to right; also scoring Altuve and Christian Walker 
• Hayden Wesneski pitching line: 6IP 4H 2R (both earned) 2BB 4K 78 pitches (51 for strikes)
• The Astros added a run in the bottom of the 7th as Altuve singled home Walker
• Final score: Astros 7 Blue Jays 2

 My Take:

• Well, there's the solution to the 6-man rotation dilemma. Trey Yesavage had his knee buckle on him warming up for the 3rd inning. It's really too bad since he was pitching well with just a walk in the first 2 innings. No doubt he'll be getting an MRI to determine the extent of any damage.
• The bullpen gave up 7 runs on 9 hits while walking 5 and striking out 4 over 6 innings. Chad Dallas was a disaster and will likely be DFA'd tomorrow since he won't be available to pitch for a few days after throwing 74 pitches. The Blue Jays need to see if Little can be a little more consistent, and besides, they don't exactly have a ton of lefty options in the bullpen after trading Adam Macko. Brayden Fisher and Mason Fluharty retired every batter they faced today.
• Offensively, the offense immediately responded to the runs the Astros scored in the 4th inning with Myles Straw taking full advantage of increased playing time after Daulton Varsho switched dugouts, with a triple and then hustling home on a wild pitch. Vlad was 0-3 with a walk but appeared to tweak something running to 1st base. Davis Schneider should be optioned to AAA-ball in favor of Yohendrick Pinago, who has been better offensively
• Alejandro Kirk was 0-2 on ABS challenges and Astros catcher Yandy Diaz was unsuccessful on the Astros only ABS challenge.
• The Blue Jays were 0-3 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays go for their 15th series win of the season and the season series split. Jameson Taillon makes his Blue Jays debut against Astros righty Hunter Brown

Game #114 Toronto Blue Jays (53-60) v. Houston Astros (58-56)

 

Game #113 - Toronto Blue Jays (53-60) @ Houston Astros (58-56) - game recap

 

Brendon Little got 4 strikeouts in a 3-1 win over the Astros 

After dropping yesterday's game due to a  bad day at the office for closer Louis Varland, the Blue Jays were looking to start the week and road trip with a win. They took on the Astros, who took the series in Toronto 6 weeks ago, outscoring the Blue Jays 14-12. The Blue Jays were sellers at the trade deadline owing- to being in last in the AL East and with slim playoff hopes. Kevin Gausman was traded first to the Cubs for outfielder Brett Bateman and infielder Ty Southisene. Gausman finishes his Blue Jays career 53-51 and a 3.62ERA in a 148 regular season starts over 5 seasons. This season, Gausman is 5-10 with a 4.38ERA over 23 starts. In a separate deal with the Cubs, the Blue Jays acquired righty Jameson Taillon for cash considerations. Taillon was recently DFA'd by the Cubs and is 2-8 with a 5-92ERA over 15 starts this season. Adam Macko was traded to the Rangers for infielder Josh Smith and righty Josh Stephan. Macko is 2-0 with a 4.91ERA over 22 appearances this season. Smith is batting .213 with 1HR and 8RBI in 163AB this season. The Blue Jays also acquired righty Jose Soriano from the Angels for a trio of prospects. Soriano is 9-6 with a 3.29ERA over 22 starts this season. Daulton Varsho and righty Spencer Arrighetti switched dugouts. Varsho is batting .243 with 7HR and 26RBI in 333AB this season. Arrighetti 7-5 with a 4.60ERA over 17 starts this season. Finally, Jeff Hoffman was traded to the Twins for a trio of prospects and international cash. Hoffman was 6-7 with a 3-92ERA, 5 saves and 4 blown saves in 51 appearances this season. On to the ball game today. Soriano and Smith already reported to the team before first pitch. Lazaro Estrada was recalled from AAA-ball and righty John Klein was optioned to AAA-ball. Shane Bieber got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after the half day off as DH yesterday (George Springer served as DH tonight). Jesus Sanchez was in LF, Myles Straw was in CF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Kazuma Okamoto was back at the hot corner after covering 1B for Vlad yesterday. Ernie Clement got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays start the week and road trip with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Alejandro Kirk belted a solo jack to left-center
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 4th as Jesus Sanchez singled scoring Kazuma Okamoto. Astros LF Taylor Trammel was charged with a throwing error on the play
• A batter later, George Springer scored on a sac fly by Ernie Clement
• Cristian Javier pitching line: 6IP 7H 3R (all earned) 0BB 2K 85 pitches (58 for strikes)
• The Astros got one back in the bottom of the 6th as Jeremy Pena singled scoring Yainer Diaz
• Shane Bieber pitching line: 5.2IP 9H 1R (earned) 2BB 6K 87 pitches (54 for strikes)
• Tyler Rogers threw a perfect 9th for his 3rd save of the season.
• Final score: Blue Jays 3 Astros 1

My Take:

• Shane Bieber battled through 5.2 innings, giving up a run on 9 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6. Bieber battled through jams all night, but was able to pitch his way out of them except for the 6th inning. This start was up in the air right up to 3pm since there were likely teams that kicked the tires on acquiring him. It can't have been easy getting in a mindset to pitch after waiting all day to see if you were even playing until 2 hours before the first pitch
• The bullpen held the Astros to a hit and 3 walks while striking out 4 over the last 3.1 innings. Fans must have been jumping out of their seat and screaming at the TV when Brendon Little entered the game with a 2-run lead in the 7th inning. This was the highest leverage opportunity he has had in a while. Little came through, getting 4 outs - all strikeouts. Can he keep the momentim going - especially since the Blue Jays have only him and Mason Fluharty in the bullpen as southpaw options after trading Adam Macko to the Rangers. Tyler Rogers retired every batter he faced and will likely be the backup option as closer when Louis Varland is down,
• Offensively, the bats continue to be on the cold side with Alejndro Kirk (solo HR), Jesus Sanchez (RBI single) and Ernie Clement (sac fly) doing the damage tonight.
• The Blue Jays were 4-1 on ABS challenges today and Astros catcher Yandy Diaz successfully overturned both Astros ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 1-8 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 15th series win of the season. Trey Yesavage starts against Astros righty Hayden Wesneki

Game #113 Toronto Blue Jays (52-60) v. Houston Astros (58-55)

 

Game #112 - St. Louis Cardianals (55-57) @ Toronto Blue Jays (52-60) - game recap

 

Max Scherzer threw 6 solid innings in a 5-1 loss to the Cardinals 

After a huge win after a solid, likely final start in a Blue Jays uniform for Kevin Gausman, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the winning streak to 4 games and complete their 2nd series sweep and 1st season series sweep of the season. Max Scherzer got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate.. Vlad got the half day off as DH with George Springer in LF and Kazuma Okamoto at 1B. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner and Andres Gimenez was back at SS. Could the Blue Jays  extend the winning streak to 4 games and complete their 2nd series sweep and 1st season series sweep of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Cardinals opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd as Lars Nootbaar doubled scoring Nathan Church
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 6IP 4H 1R (earned) 1BB 5K 84 pitches (58 for strikes)
• Matthew Liberatore pitching line: 6IP 1H 0R 1BB 7K 85 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom of the 8th as Luis Urias doubled scoring Andres Gimenez
• The Cardinals retook the lead in the top of the 9th as Jose Fermin singled scoring Masyn Winn
• Three batters later, Bryan Torres scored on a throwing error by Urias on a ball hit by Nootbaar
• A batter later, Jordan Walker singled scoring Blaze Jordan and Nootbaar
• Final score: Cardinals 5 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Max Scherzer fired 6 solid innings, giving up a run on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5. Scherzer retired 9 of the first 11 batters he faced. The only downside is he was a strikeout short of tying Walter Johnson for 10th in career strikeouts. Some databases put him 2 strikeouts shoet of the mark at the start of the game, but officially, he was 6 strikeouts back on first pitch. Good timing for Scherzer to have a solid start with the Blue Jays likely sellers at the deadline.
• Louis Varland had a very bad day. The Blue Jays closer came into a tied ball game looking to keep the score where it was. He gave up 4 runs (only 1 earned due to a horrible throw by Luis Urias that should have been caught by Kazuma Okamoto at 1B) on 3 hits while walking 1 and striking out none over 2/3 of an inning. Mason Fluharty was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced
• Offensively, it was another anemic effort with 6 total base runners. George Springer tripled with 1 out in the 7th inning. Alejanndro Kirk struck out looking and Ernie Clement meekly popped out to catcher Ivan Herrera. Vlad came up with a chance to send Varland to the mound with a save opportunity but instead grounded out to shortstop to end the inning and rally. In the first 6 innings, they managed a measley 2 base runners against starter Matthew Liberatore.
• The Blue Jays were 3-2 on ABS challenges and the Cardinals were 1-1 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 1-7 with runners in scoring position
• I'll save my deadline thoughts for tomorrow's recap, but I do want to say that unless the MLB closes the loophole of deferred contracts and implements a hard cap, the Dodgers will just  continue to snap up all the free agents they want and grab the best players at the trade deadline. Quite frankly, unless the MLB does something in this almost certain lockout/strike, the Dodgers will challenge the Celtics record of most consecutive championships and even most championships in a decade. At this point, many teams simply cannot compete in this unfair playing field.
• Up next, the Blue Jays hit the road for a bit of an unusual road trip where they play three-game sets iin Houston starting tomorrow and Philadelphia starting Friday with a makeup game in Chicago for the rainout June 21. The Astros took the series in Toronto 6 weeks ago, outscoring the Blue Jays 14-12. At the moment, Shane Bieber is penciled in to start against Astros righty Javier Christian.

Game #112 St. Louis Cardinals (54-57) @ Toronto Blue Jays (52-59)

 

Game #111 - St. Louis Cardinals (54-57) @ Toronto Blue Jays (52-59) - game recap

 

Kevin Gausman threw 5.2 solid innings in a 5-1 win over the Cardinals

After a win last night, thanks to a late clutch hit off the bat of Luis Urias, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games and notch their 13th series win and 5th season series win of the season. Kevin Gausman made what is likely to be his last start in a Blue Jays uniform with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Davis Schneider was in LF and Myles Straw was in LF. Ernie Clement was at SS and Luis Urias got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games and notch their 13th series win and 5th season 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 Davis Schneider
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 4th on a sac fly by Luis Urias that scored Ernie Clement
• The Cardinals got one back in the top of the 6th as Masyn Winn doubled scoring Ivan Herrera
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 5.2IP 9H 1R (earned) 1BB 4K 94 pitches (65 for strikes)
• Quinn Mathews pitching line: 5IP 6H 2R (both earned) 3BB 3K 97 pitches (63 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 7th as Springer doubled scoring Andres Gimenez
• A batter later, Alejandro Kirk singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Springer
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Cardinals 1

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman fired 5.2IP giving up a run on 9 hits while walking 1 and striking out 4. Not his best start in a Blue Jays uniform but not his worst either. He certainly helped his trade value today, showing prospective teams he can pitch and minimize the damage when he doesn't have his best stuff working. 
• The bullpen pitched 3.1 scoreless innings, giving up 2 hits walking 2 and striking out 2. Tyler Rogers retired every batter he faced.
• Offensively, Alejandro Kirk (2 RBI), George Springer (2RBI, run scored) Luis Urias led the way.
• Every starter except Kazuma Okamono reached base at least once and all but Okamoto and Davis Schneider had a hit
• Alejandro Kirk was unsuccessful on the only ABS challenge of the day 
• The Blue Jays were 3-11 with runners in scoring posittion. 
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 4 games and complete their 2nd sweep and 1st season series sweep of the season. Max Scherzer starts against Cardinals righty Michael McGreevy