MLB Postseason ALDS/NLDS Chicago White Sox (2-0) @ Cleveland Guardians (0-2), New York Yankees (0-2) @ Tampa Bay Rays (2-0), Atlanta Braves (1-1) @ Los Angeles Dodgers (1-1), San Diego Padres (0-2) @ Milwaukee Brewers (2-0)

ten random thoughts: a review of the 2026 season and a look ahead at the (long) off-season

 

A wild 2026 season has come to an end. The final tale of the tape: 25 series wins, 24 series losses, 9 series splits, swept 3 series and were swept once in a series. They won 12 season series, lost 13 season series and split 3 series. The Blue Jays had an unpecedented number of injuries and literally could have filled 2 full rotations and a full 26-man roster with who landed on the IL this season. There have been major successes (Louis Varland) and big disappointments). How did the first full year of the ABS system go? Are we really going to lose an entire year of baseball due to a labour dispute? We'll discuss all that and more in the final random thoughts post of the season. Here are 10 random thoughts from around the MLB.

1. I;m not going to go through every single injury, but quite literally an entire 26-man roster was on or is currently on the IL. It all started with righty Cody Ponce, who tumbled awkwardly making a play on a grounder between the mound and 1st base - season-ending ACL surgery. The most snake bit injured player? Addison Barger, who managed to sprain BOTH ankles, came back and in his first game back from the IL hurt his elbow with a max effort throw to gun down a runner at home. Starters Trey Yesavage and Shane Bieber both landed on the IL twice. Yesavage missed the first month of the season with a shoulder impingement. He made 18 starts then injured his knee warming up in the 3rd inning of that 18th start. He missed a month and came back in the final week of the season. Bieber missed the first 2 months with arm issues (he was coming off tommy john surgery last season so concerning to say the least). He landed back on the IL August 25th with right major teres inflammation. He ran out of time to return. Jose Berrios and Bowden Francus both missed the entire season recovering from tommy john surgery. Reliever Yimi Garcia never threw a pitch in the majors in 2026 either, eventually having surgery to relieve thoracic outlet surgery. Anthony Santander also ran out of time to come back from off-season shoulder surgery aftter experiencing back pain in a late season rehab assignment. Patrick Corbin injured his left major teres muscle July 23 and hadn't even begun a throwing program 6 weeks later. Jamesom Taillon, acquired at the deadline, made a couple of starts before his elbow started barking at him and he's already had 2 tommy john surgeries. Suffice to say. all these injuries to the pitching staff has forced bullpen days 1-2 times every 5 days, taxing thhe bullpen and putting pressure on Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, Max Scherzer and Jose Soriano to go deep in their starts. Alejandro Kirk missed two months with a broken thumb from a foul tip off his glove in the Blue Jays 7th game, his 5th of the season. Brandon Valenzuela outoplayed Tyler Heineman and won the backup catcher job when Kirk returned to the lineup at the end of June. Those are just the players that needed an IL stint. Vlad was dealing with back ailments much of the season. George Springer, who needed an IL stint for his broken toe, also missed games down the stretch with a barking shoulder. The team's medical team should be reviewed, as well as how players prepare for games

2. Three Blue Jays who impressed

• Louis Varland - The Blue Jays closer for most of the season, Varland literally saved the Blue Jays season after Jeff Hoffman got the yips and was unable to consistently save games. Varland had a 5-6 record and converted 33 saves, blowing just 2 opportunities and had a 1.27ERA in 71appearaces. He is 10th overall for most saves in a single season with 35 saves. The late Duane Ward has the single season save record, notching 45 saves in 1993.
• Spencer Miles - The rookie righty played a crucial role on bullpen days. He made a few spot starts and was stretched out to be a traditional starter, but his numbers were better as a bulk reliever. Miles was 6-2 with a solid 2.63ERA in 49 appearances (8 starts). The Blue Jays will need to make a decision on his role next year and if he'll be a starting pitcher or a long man out of  the bullpen. I still think he should be stretched out and be given spot starts every other week or so to keep him stretched out because, as this season showed, you can never have enough starting pitching with injuries and poor performance.
• Kazuma Okamoto - The international signing from Japan, Kazuma Okamoto has the record for most home runs by a Japanese rookie. His average wasn't great (.235) and he struck out a lot (175 times) but he drove in a solid 88 runs. Okamoto also held his own defensively, mainly at the hot corner, albeit wth a few errors as he adapts to the North American ball parks. He should get votes for rookie of the year. Okamoto hit .232 with 33HR and 92RBI over 156games and 568AB.

3. Three Blue Jays who disappointed:

• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. - Even without comparing him to the high standards of Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge and Juan Soto (who got similarly comparable contracts that will take them through their careers), Guerrero's offensive regression is alarming. He didn't hit his first home run at home until September 13 against Baltimore. He has 9 total home runs this season, equaling the total he had in the 60-game pandemic-shortened 2020 season. His career year in 2021 when he belted 48 HR, batted .311 and led the league in runs scored (123), on-base % (.401) and slugging % (.601) and finished runner-up in AL MVP voting should have an * next to it since many of his home games were played in minor league ballparks due to COVID restrictions in Ontario that weren't lifted until August. Certainly injuries were a factor for Vlad this year with an ailing back and sore hamstring among the owie's that affected him. Although the injuries weren't deemed serious enough to require an IL stint, perhaps the team should have forced him to take ten days just to fully heal. It is very likely he changed his mechanics and his swing were impacted by the ailments. That $500 million contract that went into effect this season is going to be an albatross for both him and the team if Vlad can't get back to the 2024 numbers when he batted .323 with 30HR and 103RBI.  Vlad hit .262 with 9HR and 57RBI over 144 games and 542AB. Also, Vlad needs to accept that if he isn't producing, he'll be moved down in the batting order. He should not be exempt to being moved down or benched if he has a bad game. Vlad certainly didn't help his case with the team or fans with some controversial comments he made and doubled down on in a Spanish interview stating the team more or less paid him for what he had done in the past and not to be a 40HR hitter. You have to think he needs to train hard this off-season to give himself a chance to be much better than he was this season.
• Eric Lauer - Last season Eric Lauer played an integral role as a spot starter/bulk pitcher on bullpen days, similar to what Spencer Miles has done this season. Lauer's relationship with the Blue Jays soured really when the Blue Jays started using him as a bulk reliever last year and wasn't helped in arbitration with the team winnng the arbitration case. Unfortunately, Lauer wasn't able to replicate the success he had last season and was DFA'd May 11, a day after giving up 6 runs over 5 innings. Lauer was 1-5 with a 6.69ERA over 8 apppearances (6 starts) for the Blue Jays this season. He was traded to the Dodgers for cash considerations and was 7-2 with a 4.00 ERA over 14 appearances (12 starts) as a Dodger. Lauer is currently on the 60-day IL with elbow issues.
• George Springer - Father time reminded George Springer that he ain't getting any younger. After a healthy 2025 season where George Springer turned back the clock, batting .309 with 32HR and 84RBI and a massive 3-run HR in game 7 of the ALCS, Springer was unable to replicate 2025. He was purely a DH this season with just 2 games in the field. Springer's season took a painful turn on April 11 when he fractured his big toe fouling a ball off his foot and required a 10-day IL stint. The fractured toe affected him for several weeks after he came off the IL. In recent weeks, Springer has been bothered by a sore shoulder and hobbling around with an undisclosed lower body injury. Springer finished 2026 batting .253 with 15HR and 53RBI over 119 games and 438 AB.

4. Did the Blue Jays make a huge mistake not re-signing Bo Bichette? Over 7 seasons with the Blue Jays, Bichette was arguably the teams' most consistent hitter, albeit with slightly lower power numbers than Vlad and defense that left a lot to be desired. Bichette had an awful start to the season as he adjusted to a new team, league and home ballpark, but he recovered nicely and finished 2026 batting .260 with 18HR and 78RBI. Also, Bichette gave Vlad some protection by batting in front of him and being a threat to get on base - this gave Vlad better pitches to hit. Bichette is expected to exercise his player option, but if he changes his mind, Ross Atkins should dial his number and get him back in Toronto as the team's 2B, getting starts at SS when Andres Gimenez needs a day off.

5. Missing the playoffs and being under .500 after coming inches from winning the world series requires changes to the coaching staff and it starts at the top with manager John Schneider and pitching coach Pete Walker (I've been calling for Walker to be replaced for a few years now since he has been less effective on mound visits and hasn't been able to help pitchers as effectively). The Blue Jays need a culture shift and a manager who makes better decisions with the bullpen usage and when to pull starting pitchers. Dylan Cease is a good example of poor decision-making. Cease is tiring and now isn't his dominant self when the Blue Jays need him the most. The new manager can't be afraid to move Vlad out of his preferred spot 2nd/3rd in the lineup when he is struggling. Gimmicky celebrations like the home run jacket need to go. Repurpose the home run jacket into the "player of the game" jacket and also get rid of the gatorade showers after wins - a player is going to get hurt trying to avoid it or lifting the bucket wrong. For now, the hitting coach should remain as David Popkins because you can't keep firing hitting coaches every year. Lots of decisions to be made for sure.

6. This season was the first season where teams could challenges balls and strikes. The ABS system has been beta tested - as most rul changes are - in the minors for a couple of seasons now. Each team gets 2 challenges as game, gaining an extra one in extra innings if the team is out of challenges when the game goes into extra innings. Challenges must be initiated immediately after a pitch, by tapping the helmet/ball cap, and only the pitcher, catcher or batter can initiate a challenge. The Blue Jays as a team have faired well in challening balls and strikes. When they were at bat, they were 2nd in the league with a 55% success rate, sucessfully overturning 83 of 152 pitches challenges. When in the field, they were 19th in the league, successfully overturning 104 of 187 pitches challenges - a 56% success rate. Alejandro Kirk has been the best of the three catchers, successfully overturning 60 of 97 pitches challenged for a 62% success rate. Rookie Brandon Valenzuela successfully overturned 31 of 66 pitches challenged for a 47% success rate. At the plate, Charles McAdoo and Brett Bateman both successfully overturned every pitch they challenged. Davis Schneider also did well, successfully overturning 14/17 pitches for an 82% success rate. Vlad overturned 9/20 pitches challenged or a 45% success rate. The ABS system seems to be doing its job, exposing the bad umpires and also catchers who relied on guillible umpires by dramatically moving their gloves back in the strike zone. The one thing I don't like about the ABS system is that it is umpire's discretion whether to grant a challenge. So, if you have a bad umpire that's already had several calls overturned, they can deny a challenge that might impact whether a team wins or loses. They should add an automatic review if the game is close and it is the bottom of the 9th.

7. Let's look at the league awards

• AL MVP - Aaron Judge will be dethroned as AL MVP. The man to replace him will be Pete Alonso, who is 1st in RBI (113) and HR (43) ]over 161 games and 602AB. He made a bad Orioles team better.
• NL MVP - The NL also looks like it will have a new MVP after Shohei Ohtani regressed due to dealing with injury concerns. The new MVP should be Pete Armstrong-Crow, aka PCA, who is tied for 1st in the NL in HR (45), 3rd in RBI (107) and 1st in batting average (.280) over 162 games and 626AB
• AL Cy Young - The Cy Young race became a 1-man show with Cam Schlittler expected to win in a landslide after his competition Dylan Cease ran out of gas and faded down the stretch. Schlittler was 4th in wins (14), first in ERA (1.95) and tied for 2nd in strikeours (239) over 33 starts 
• NL Cy Young - the NL Cy Young looks like it has a clear winner too with Brewers righty Jacob Misiorowski tied for 2nd in wins (16), 1st in ERA (1.80) and 1st in strikeouts (252) over 30 starts.
• AL Rookie of the year - Kazuma Okamoto, who has hit the most home runs by a Japanese rookie (33) and is also 1st in RBI among AL rookies (92) over 156 games and 568AB. Sure, you would like to see him have a better average (,255)  but he came up with some big clutch hits this season and, for the most part) has been solid at the hot corner)
• NL rookie of the year - This award race is no contest with Reds 1B Sal Stewart leading NL rookes by a mile in HR (32) and RBI (111) and he's hitting a solid .263 over 162 gamees and 623AB.
• AL Manager of the year Will Venable of the White Sox, who took a team that lost well over 100 games last season to a playoff spot and neatly 1st in the AL Central.
• NL manager of the year - Brian Snitker of the Braves, who took a team that finished 10 games below .500 (76-86) and 4th in the NL East to an NL East title and 92 wins.

8. MLB playoff predictions:

• World Series: Brewers over Yankees
• ALCS: Yankees over White Sox
• NLCS: Brewers over Dodgers

9. The big question heading into the off-season is will there be baseball in 2027? The current CBA expires Deccember 1 and it is expected there will be a lengthy lockout as the owners attempt to implement a hard salary cap. Since 1972, there have been 9 work stoppages. The two most impactful strikes were in 1981 when 781 games were wiped out between June 12-August 9 and led to free agency and 1994-95 player strike that lasted 232 days and affected 2 seasons. The 1994 world series was canceled and replacement players were used to start the 1995 season with that season being reduced to 144 games. That strike resulted in the current world the game lives in with no hard cap, but a luxury cap when spending hits various threasholds, and the ability to defer contracts. The luxury cap has had little to no impact on big spenders like the Dodgers, Yankees and Mets from signing the best players in free agency to contracts by basically throwing money at them. There are currently 9 teams (the Blue Jays are in large part thanks to Vlad's $500 million deal) paying a luxury tax in the MLB. On the flip side, the biggest cheapstake teams like the A's, Rockies and Angels have little incentive to throw a ton of money at a star player in free agency.The NHL lost an entire season plus the playoffs 2004-05 over a salary cap battle. The players caved and the MLB is the only league of the big 4 with no hard cap. The NFL probably has the most complex salary cap system with players contracts having guaranteed $$ clauses. Personally, I hope the owners get their way and there is a hard cap when baseball returns because no team should be able to buy every star player simply because they have owners that don't care and will spend an unlimited amount to win. Also, the cheapeast spending teams need to forced to buy a star player or two to be competitive. Further, the loophole of deferred contracts must be closed to deter teams like the Dodgers from circumventing a cap by paying a player a small amount in the first years of the deal. The MLB should take lessons from the NHL and not allow teams to place players on the IL to allow themselves to acquire an expensive player at the trade deadline to build a superteam. I don't think the players or owners will have the resolve to wipe out an entire season - too much revenue at stake. At the same time, we are almost certainly going to see games lost becaise the owners are determined to implement a salary cap to save themselves from themselves. The use of replacement players could be a factor 

10. Blue Jay of the year: Louis Varland. Without Varland successfully taking over closer role, the Blue Jays season would have been over much sooner - perhaps at the all-star break or shortly thereafter. He was 5-6 with a 1.29ERA and 34 saves in 70 appearnces. Varland started the season as the setup man to Jeff Hoffman, who was demoted out of the closer's role April 24 after blowing 3 saves and sporting an ugly 7.59ERA at the time. Varland instantly resolved the 9th inning issue and allowed other relievers like Tyler Rogers, Mason Fluharty and Brayden Fisher to assume roles in the 6th, 7th and 8th innings, which was more their strength. Varland's work also allowed the Blue Jays to remain in the wild card race up until the last week of the season when they ran out of time. Thanks for reading my game recaps and random thoughts posts and I'll catch you when baseball returns (hopefully sometime in 2027).

- Game #162 - Cincinnati Reds (75-87) @ Toronto Blue Jays (79-83) - game recap

 

Max Scherzer fired 7 strong innings in a 5-1 victory over the Reds to end the 2026 season

After a loss due to a general lacklustre effort from a team playing out the string, the Blue Jays were looking to finish off 2026 with a win and notch their 25th series win and 12th season series win of the season. Max Scherzer got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Davis Schneider was in LF, Myles Straw was in CF and Brett Bateman was in RF. Vlad was scratched from the last game of the year. Could the Blue Jays end the year with a win and notch their 25th series win and 12th 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 2nd as Brandon Valenzuela hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Davis Schneider
• The Reds got one back in the top of the 3rd as Carlos Jorge singled scoring Oswaldo Cabrera
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 3rd on a sac fly by Charles McAdoo tbat scored Sean Keys
• A batter later,  Brett Bateman scored on a ground out by Davis Schneider
• Brandon Williamson pitching line: 3IP 4H 4R (all earned) 3BB 3K 76 pitches (41 for strikes)
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 7IP 6H 1R (earned) 1BB 7K 114 pitches (77 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 8th as McAdoo hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Reds 1

My Take:-

• What a final start to the 2026 season (and possibly career) of pitching legend Max Scherzer. The definite hall of famer, pitching on three days rest, fired 7 strong innings, giving up a run on 6 hits while walking 1 and striking out 7 (finishing three shy of former teammate and buddy Justin Verlander on the all-time career strikeout list). He ran into a bit of trouble in the 3rd when he gave up a run on 3 hits, but recovered nicely and retired 7 in a row. What a reaction from his catcher Brandon Valenzuela when he struck out Juan Brito swinging to end the 6th inning. Scherzer really led the rookie catcher through this game and probably taught him a thing or two about pitch selection today. Scherzer was 4-9 with a 5.74ERA in 18 starts this season.
• The bullpen threw 2 scoreless innings, giving up 1 hit, walking none and striking out none. Mason Fluharty did a great job coming in for Max Scherzer and keeping that last base runner he allowed at 1st base. Even better job by Paul Sewald to keep Louis Varland, who also pitched a ton, right where he was in the bullpen. Now all the relievers get a long and much-needed respite after a difficult year where they had to cover a ton of innings with the rotation in flux due to injury.
• While it would have been nice for the fans to see another Springer Dinger, it was not meant to be. Although, he did muscle a base hit to the outfield to allow him to enjoy a proper sendoff. The only thing that would have been better would have been to have his best buddy Vladdy sub in as a pinch runner instead of Sean Keys. Springer finished the year batting .248 with 15HR and 54RBI over 125 games and 460AB. Over his 6-year career as a Blue Jay, he hit .260 with 134HR and 392RBI. The future stars of the Blue Jays did the damage today. Charles McAdoo drove in 2, including himself on a solo HR, backup catcher Valenzuela hit a 2-run HR and Brett Bateman (very likely the leadoff hitter next season) added 2 more hits, both off lefty Brandon Williamson. Bateman has been excellent batting at the top of the order and shown great ability to hit left-handed pitchers. The big question marks are Davis Schneider, who's fifteen minutes of fame appear over, and Ernie Clement, who was awful in the 2nd half especially. 
• The Blue Jays were 1-1 on ABS challenges and the Reds were 4-1 on ABS challenges.
• The Blue Jays were 1-3 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the off-season in what is expected to include a lockout when the CBA expires December 1 as the owners push to become the last of the big 4 to have a hard salary cap. There are lots of decisions to be made to improve on next year's roster and who will be on the coaching staff to guide the Blue Jays next season. To be sure, the year-end pressers by John Schneider, Ross Atkins and the plsyers could be very telling. Thank you all for reading all my game recaps and randome thoughts posts and I'll catch you all whenever baseball returns after the lockout (hopefully sometime in 2027).

Game #162 Cincinnati Reds (75-86) v. Toronto Blue Jays (78-83)

Game #161 - Cincinnati Reds (75-86) @ Toronto Blue Jays (78-83) - game recap

 

Kazuma Okamoto scored the Blue Jays only run in a 5-1 loss to the Reds

After a comeback win yesterday thanks to a 4-run 7th inning rally, the Blue Jays were going for 2 straight wins and their 25th series win and 12th season series win of the season. Trey Yesavage got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Sean Keys at 1B. Josh Smith was in LF and Brett Bateman was in CF. Andres Gimenez was at SS and Ernie Clement got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 25th series win and 12th season series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Reds opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as JJ Bleday hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• Trey Yesavage pitching line: 2IP 2H 1R (earned) 1BB 3K 30 pitches (19 for strikes)
• The Reds added a run in the top of the 3rd on a fielder's choice hit by Sal Stewart that scored Matt McLain. Andres Gimenez was charged with a fielding error on the play
• A batter later, Eugenio Suarez doubled scoring Carlos Jorge
• The Reds added a pair of runs in the top of the 5th as Hector Rodriguez tripled scoring Bleday and Tyler Stephenson
• Rhett Lowder pitching line: 5IP 3H 0R 2BB 2JK 79 pitches (50 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 7th on a ground out hit by Andres Gimenez that scored Kazuma Okamoto
• Final score: Reds 5 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Trey Yesavage fired 2 innings, giving up a run on 2 hits while walking 1 and striking out 3. He goes into the off-season looking to get back to full health after rushing back a wee bit from knee surgery. He'll be in the rotation whenever baseball returns after the expected lockout. Yesavage was 5-6 with a 3.69ERA over 20 starts in an abbreviated season after missing the first month with arm issues.
• The bullpen gave up 4 runs on 4 hits while walking 5 and striking out 9 over 7 innings. Brendan Little, who rebounded nicely after being demoted a couple of times this season, was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced.
• How the Blue Jays got their only run, on a fielder's choice on which the Reds conceded the run, epitimizes the season in a single play. Brett Bateman made an immediate impact upon returning to the lineup after hurting his hip on a diving catch on a wet field in Baltimore with 2 hits and a walk. Kazuma Okamoto, who is in the running for rookie of the year, scored the Blue Jays only run, Every other Blue Jay looks like they just want to start the off-season.
• Alejandro Kirk was 1-1 on ABS challenges and the Reds were 0-2 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 0-8 with runners in scoring position
• Up nex, the last game of the season where the Blue Jays will look to end the year on a winning note and notch their 25th series win and 12th season series win of the season. Max Scherzer starts against Reds lefty Brandon Williamson.

Game #161 Cincinnati Reds (74-86) v. Toronto Blue Jays (78-82)

 

- Game #160 - Cincinnati Reds (74-86) @ Toronto Blue Jays (78-82) - game recap

 

Kazuma Okamoto drove in 3 runs in a 6-5 comeback win over the Reds

After an off-day/travel day yesterday, the Blue Jays opened the final series of the 2026 regular season against the Cincinnati Reds. The Blue Jays won the season series lsst year, outscoring the Reds 29-23. CJ Van Eyk was optioned to the Spring training complex. Righty John Klein was optioned from AAA-ball. Jose Soriano got the start with Alejandro Kirk beihind the plate. Vlad was back in the lineup and at 1B after getting the 2nd game of Wednesday's double-header off. George Springer served as DH. Kazuma Okamoto was at the hot corner and Charles McAdoo was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays snap the 3-game skid and start the final weekend of the season on a winning note? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Alejandro Kirk doubled scoring Charles McAdoo
• Three batters later, Kazuma Okamoto singled scoring Kirk 
• The Reds got one back in the top of the 2nd as Eugenio Suarez hammered a solo bomb to the 2d deck in left
• The Reds took the lead in the top of the 3rd as Elly De La Cruz doubled scoring Oswaldo Cabrera and Carlos Jorge
• A batter later, Sal Stewart singled home De La Cruz
• Three batters, Stewart scored on a ground out hit by Hector Rodriguez
• Jose Soriano pitching line: 3IP 8H 5R (all earned) 0BB 2K 48 pitches (36 for strikes)
• Nick Lodolo pitching line: 5IP 7H 2R 2BB 3K 92 pitches (54 for strikes) 
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 7th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Andres Gimenez
• Two batters later, Okamoto doubled scoring Kirk and Guerrero Jr.
• A batter later, Nathan Lukes singled scoring George Springer
• Louis Varland threw a perfect 9th for his 35th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 Reds 5

My Take:

• Jose Soriano battled through 3 innings, giving up 5 runs on 8 hits while walking none and striking out 2, Soriano retired the first 4 hitters he faced, then the wheels fell off starting with Eugenio Suuarez drilling one into the second deck in left. He was fortunate to escape the 2nd with just 1 run allowed. His luck didn't hold in the next inning with the Reds scoring 4 more times on 5 hits. Soriano was 3-2 with a 5.30 ERA over 10 starts. Definitely something to build on.
• The bullpen threw 6 scoreless innings, giving up 4 hits, walking 1 and striking out 9. Mason Fluharty was credited with the win. Louis Varland, who has pretty much been Mr. automatic as a closer, notched his 35th save of the season with relative ease. Brendan Cellucci, who pitched 2 innings and struck out 3, looks like he could be a good option as a lefty in next year's bullpen.
• The bats rallied in the 7th to send the fans home happy. Kazuma Okamoto continues to make his case to be the Blue Jays 3rd rookie of the year. Big Oak drove in 3 runs today. Alejandro Kirk is also finishing the season strong, driving in 1 and striking out twice.
• Alejandro Kirk was 1-1 on ABS challenges and the Reds were successful on their only ABS challenge
• The Blue Jays were 2-6 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to make it 2 straight wins and notch their 25th series win of the season and 12th season series win of the season. Trey Yesavage starts against Reds righty Rhett Lowder

Game #160 Cincinnati Reds (74-85) v. Toronto Blue Jays (77-82)

 

Games #158 and 159 - Toronto Blue Jays (77-82) @ Baltimore Orioles (79-81) - game recap (records will reflect what they were after the second game of the double header)

 

Davis Schneider hit a 2-run HR in a losing effort as the Orioles swept the double eader by identical 4-2 scores

 After a rainout yesterday, the Blue Jays were looking to sweep the double header and keep their slim playoff hopes alive and avoid their 24th series loss of the season.  Max Scherzer started the first game and .CJ Van Eyk was on the bump to start the second game. Brandon Valenzuela was behind the plate in the 1st game and Alejandro Kirk was behind the plate in the second game. Ernie Clement was at 2B in the 1st game (Josh Smith was at 2B in the 2nd game) and at SS in the 2nd game (Andres Gimenez started at SS in the 1st game. Vlad was at 1B in the first game and Sean Keys got the start at 1B in the 2nd game Kazuma Okamoto was at the hot corner in the first game (Charles McAdoo was at the hot corner in the 2nd game) and DH'd the 2nd game (George Springer was DH in the first game of the double header.. Josh Smith was in LF the 1st game and Davis Schneider was in LF the 2nd game. Could the Blue Jays sweep the double header and keep their slim playoff hopes alive? Here is today's/tonight's game recap(s).

Game Highlights (1st game):

• The Orioles opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Jeremiah Jackson singled scoring Christian Encarnacion- Strand
• Three batters later, Colton Cowser scored on a double steal attempt that ended the inning with Jackson being caught in a rundown.  Cowser's run counted because he crossed the plate before Jackson was tagged out for the 3rd out
• The Orioles added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 5th as Pete Alonso whacked a 2-run blast to left-center and into the Orioles bullpen; also scoring Dylan Beavers
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 5IP 7H 2R (both earned) 1BB 2K 90 pitches (60 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got a pair back in the top of the 6th as Brandon Valenzuela singled scoring Kazuma Okamoto and George Springer. Jackson was charged with a throwing error on the play
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 5IP 4H 4R (all earned) 3BB 7K 93 pitches (60 for strikes
• Andrew Kittridge threw a scoreless 9th for his 11th save of the season
• Final score: Orioles 4 Blue Jays 2

My Take (1st game):

• Max Scherzer battled through 5 innings, giving up 4 runs on 4 hits while walking 3 and striking out 7. Did the legendary Scherzer throw the last pitch of his career? I believe so since Scherzer has achieved virtually everything you can in baseball. He got his world series ring with Washington in 2019, he's reached the top ten in career strikeouts, and he could be 43 years old if the expected lockout erases the entire 2027 year. Not to mention, I don't think Scherzer will care to play in a world where the MLB is constrained by a salary cap. There's no question Scherzer will be inducted into the hall of fame when he's eligible five years after he retires. It's just to bad his last start led to the Blue Jays being officially eliminated from the playoffs. The only thing he hasn't experienced is playing in the Olympics but he won't get the opportunity in 2028. Apparently there's talk of Scherzer maybe playing Sunday with a chance to pass his old teammate Justin Verlander. Maybe show John Schneider Mark Buehrle's last start as a Blue Jay. The veteran lefty started on the final day of the 2015 season to try and reach 200 innings for the 15th consecutive season and he didn't even make it out of the 1st inning. The injury risk alone pitching on shorter rest makes it not worth it. Also, why tarnish his record? 
• The bullpen threw 3 scoreless innings, giving up a hit, walking 1 and striking out 3. Jose Rodriguez and Paul Sewald both retired every batter they faced.
• The offense managed 2 runs on an infield hit by Brandon Valenzuela with an extra run scoring due to a bad throw from O's 2B Jeremiah Jackson. As was the case way too often this season, the Blue Jays were unable to take advantage of the opportunities they did get. In the 1st and 2nd innings, the Blue Jays stranded 1-out doubles at 2nd base. They, in fact had double the number of hits (10-5) and half the runs the Orioles produced (4-2)
• The Orioles were 1-1 on ABS challenges and Brandon Valenzuela was unsuccessful on the Blue Jays only ABS challenge
• The Blue Jays were an abysmal 1-14 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the wild card race, it's over. The Blue Jays are now elimiinated from making the playoffs. The White Sox and Guardians both winning yesterday put the Blue Jays on the brink of elimination, basically needing to win out and for the White Sox  and Rangers to lose out.
• Up next, the second game of the double header and final road game of the season where the Blue Jays will be looking to snap the 2 game skid and avoid being swept in a series for the 4th time this season. CJ Van Eyk starts against Orioles righty Trey Gibson

Game Highlights (2nd game):

• The Orioles opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Christian Encarnacion- Strand singled scoring Pete Alonso and Coby Mayo
• A batter later, Colton Cowser doubled home Encarnacion- Strand
• The Orioles added a run in the bottom of the 4th as Encarnacion- Strand smacked a solo blast to left
• CJ Van Eyk pitching line: 5IP 4H 4R (all earned) 0B 2K 84 pitches (57 for strikes)
• Trey Gibson pitching line: 6.2IP 3H 0R 2BB 7K 92 pitches (65 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got a pair back in the top of the 9th as Dais Schneider whacked a 2-run blast to left; also scoring Sean Keys
• Final score: Orioles 4 Blue Jays 2

My Take (2nd game):

• CJ Van Eyk battled through 5 innings, giving up 4 runs on 5 hits while walking none and striking out 2. At this point, results don't mstter. The goal for the pitchers is just to get the last 81 outs of the season. It's unfortuate Van Eyk gave up three runs in the 1st inning but he's probably at least #10 on the Blue Jays choice to start a game. He'll likely pitch some on Sunday too with how overworked the bullpen was this season.
• The bullpen threw 3 scoreless innings, walking a batter and striking out 3, Chase Lee retired all 5 batters he faced, striking out 3. It'll be interestung to see if any roster moves are made Friday to give the Blue Jays a fresh arm or two for the last 3 games of 2026.
• Nice to see Davis Schneider have some success. He knocked in both runs with a 2-run HR to break up the shutout bid  by the O's pitching. He should get into the 3 remaining games
• The Orioles were 1-1 on ABS challenges and Alejandro Kirk was unsuccessful on the Blue Jays only ABS challenge
• The Blue Jays were 0-2 with runners in scoring position
• With the loss, the Blue Jays are guaranteed to finish the season under .500,
• By sweeping the double header, the Orioles lived to fight another day since the Guardians and White Sox both lost today
• Up next, after an off-day/travel day tomorrow, the Blue Jays open the final series of the season as home vs. the Reds. The Blue Jays won the season series last year, outscorinfg the Reds 29-23. Lefty Nick Lodolo will start for the Reds Friday, The Blue Jays haven't set the rotation for the series yet.

Game #157 Toronto Blue Jays (77-80) @ Baltimore Orioles (76-81)

 

Game #157 - Toronto Blue Jays (77-80) @ Baltimore Orioles (76-81) - game recap

 

Nathan Lukes drove in a run and scored a run in a losing effort as the Orioles came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 4-3 

After a massive win thanks to a 4-run 7th inning rally, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games as they opened the final road series of the season in Baltimore. The Blue Jays have won 6 of the first 10 games in the season series, with the Orioles outscoring the Blue Jays 53-52. Joe Mantiply was DFA'd and Trey Yesavage was reinstated off the 15-day IL. Spencer Arrighetti was assigned to the spring training complex and Chad Dallas was recalled from AAA-ball. Trey Yesavage got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer was back in the lineup as DH after the complete day off Sunday. Vlad got the complete day off to rest a sore back with Sean Keys at 1B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights: 

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Nathan Lukes singled scoring Brett Bateman
• A batter later, George Springer singled scoring Alejandro Kirk 
• A batter after that, Lukes scored on a sac fly by Sean Keys
• The Orioles got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Pete Alonso whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right
• Trey Yesavage pitching line: 2IP 1H 1R (earned) 0BB 3K 40 pitches (26 for strikes)
• The Orioles got one back in the bottom of the 6th as Gunnar Henderson belted a solo jack to right
• Shane Baz pitching line: 6.2IP 5H 3R (all earned) 3BB 2K 92 pitches (59 for strikes)
• The Orioles took the lead in the bottom of the 8th as Alonso smashed a 2-run blast to left; also scoring Christian Franklin
• Rico Garcia threw a perfect 9th for his 10th save of the season
• Final score: Orioles 4 Blue Jays 3

My Take:-

• Trey Yesavage got through the first 2 innings, albeit not without a scar with him slipping on the wet mound. Yesavage gave up a run on a hit, walked none and struck out 3. Assuming he's feeling good the next few days, he should get one more start Saturday with about the same pitch limit.
• The bullpen gave up 3 runs on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 7 over the last 6 innings. Brendan Cellucci continues to impress, recording 4 outs and striking out 3 batters. Tyler Rogers was tagged with the loss.
• Thr offense strung together 3 runs in the 1st inning and did nothing after that. When you have a pitcher on the ropes, you have to finish the job and get him out of the game. O's starter Shane Baz was at 50 pitches through 2 innings and was able to pitch into the 7th inning. The Blue Jays got half their hits in the 1st inning for crying out loud
• The Blue Jays were 1-2 on ABS challenges and O's catcher Carlos Narvaez was unsuccessful on the Orioles only ABS challenge
• The Blue Jays were 2-7 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the wild card race, The Blue Jays lost a half game to the Astros, Rangers, Guardians and White Sox, who were all idle tonight and are 3.5 (effectively 4.5 games back of the White Sox since they hold the tiebreaker) for the 3rd WC spot
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series and avoid their 25th series loss of the season. It will be a battle of fantasy football commissioners with Max Scherzer starting against Orioles righty Chris Bassitt.

Game #156 Toronto Blue Jays (77-79) @ Baltimore Orioles (75-81)

- Game #156 - Toronto Blue Jays (77-79) @ Texas Rangers (78-78) - game recap

 

-Nathan Lukes drove in 2 runs and scored twice in a 7-2 win over the Rangers

After another loss due to a subpar start from Jose Soriano, the Blue Jay were looking to snap the 2 game skid and avoid being swept for the 4th time and 1st time in a season series. It was bullpen day (again) with Spencer Miles getting the start and Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Josh Smith was in LF and Ernie Clement was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays snap the 2 game skid and avoid being swept for the 4th time and 1st time in a season series? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st on a sac fly by Nathan Lukes that scored Brett Bateman
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 3rd as Sean Keys doubled scoring Lukes
• Spencer Miles pitching line: 3IP 2H 0R 0BB 4K 46 pitches (30 for strikes)
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was removed from the game prior to the bottom of the 4th with left lower back tightness
• The Rangers tied it in the bottom of the 4th as Jake Burger whacked a 2-run blast to left-center; also scoring Ezequiel Duran
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the top of the 5th as Kazuma Okamoto singled scoring Bateman
• Jacob deGrom pitching line: 4.1IP 5H 3R (all earned) 4BB 2K 82 pitches (53 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 7th as Lukes singled scoring Bateman
• Three batters later, Charles McAdoo doubled scoring Myles Straw and Lukes
• A batter later, Andres Gimenez singled home McAdoo
• Final score: Blue Jays 7 Rangers 2

My Take:

• Spencer Miles did exactly what the Blue Jays needed him to do - make it through 3 innings. He gave up 2 hits, walked none and struck out 4. He has been the most invaluable pitcher and certainly stretching him out as a starter could be a viable option for him next season. Miles will be needed 2-3 more times in bullpen days with news that Dylan Cease will not make his scheduled start Wednesday in Baltimore with his shoulder not feeling right. Trey Yesavage will also be able to help some too, but the team won't push him either with just days left in the season.
• The rest of the bullpen gave up 2 runs on 5 hits while walking 4 and striking out 3 over the last 6 innings. The already exhausted bullpen is going to have to get a lot more outs with Cease now at least being pushed back and likely done for the year, especially if the Blue Jays are all but eliminated from the playoffs by Wednesday or Thursday. Paul Sewald retired every batter he faced
• Offensively, the Blue Jays strung together a 4-run rally in the 7th inning to put this game out of reach. Nathan Lukes (2 runs scored, 2RBI), Charles McAdoo (2 run double) and Kazuma Okamoto (knocked in the game-winning run) led the way. Depending on the health of Vlad, George Springer and Andres Gimenez - McAdoo, Davis Schneider and Straw might get some playing time in these important games this week. Obviously Vlad will want to play if at all possible.
• The Rangers were successful in their only ABS challenge and the Blue Jays were unsuccessful in their only ABS challenge.
• The Blue Jays were 4-13 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the wild card race, the Blue Jays stayed alive with the win. They remain 3 (technically 4 since the White Sox hold the tiebreaker over the Blue Jays) games back of the 3rd WC spot since the White Sox won their game. The White Sox remain a game back of the Guardians for the AL Central division title since the Guardians won their game. The Astros (lost today) are also 3 back of the White Sox (tiebreaker still to be determined between the Astros and Blue Jays) and one game back of the Rangers for the AL West title (Astros have the tiebbreaker over the Rangers). The Orioles (currently losing) are 4.5 games back of the final WC spot for the moment and will fall back to 5 games back if the score holds or be 4 games back if they comeback and beay Milwaukee.
• Up next, the Blue Jays travel to Baltimore for the final road series of the season. Implications for the series are huge. The Blue Jays have won 6 of the first 10 games in the season series with the Orioles outscoring the Blue Jays 53-52. One win by the Blue Jays secures the season series win and the tiebreaker over the Orioles. However, if the Orioles sweep the series (and they'll have plenty of incentive to do so to either keep their slim playoff hopes alive or deal a serious blow to the chances of a fierce division rival), they could overtake the Blue Jays in the wild card race. The Astros, Rangers, Guardians and White Sox are all idle tomorrow so a win would be a free half game gain in the wild card standings. Trey Yesavage is expected to come off the IL and start for the Blue Jays. Max Scherzer starts against Orioles righty and ex-Blue Jay starter Chris Bassitt (a battle of fantasy football commissioners too!)

Game #156 Toronto Blue Jays (76-79) @ Texas Rangers (78-77)

 

Game #155 - Toronto Blue Jays (76-79) @ Texas Rangers (78-77) - game recap

 

Davis Schneider hit a solo home run in a 6-2 loss to the Rangers

After a tough loss yesterday due to a bd start from ace Dylan Cease and an even worse effort from the offense, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series and avoid their 23rd series loss of the season. Jose Soriano got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Andres Gimenez was back in the lineup at SS after a couple of days off to rest a sore hamstring. Could the Blue Jays even the series and avoid their 23rd series loss of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Rangers opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Josh Jung whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right
• Cal Quantrill pitching line: 1.1IP 0H 0R 0BB 0K 12 pitches (7 for strikes) (left the game injured) 
• The Rangers added a run in the bottom of the 2nd on a throwing error by Andres Gimenez on a ball hit by Danny Jansen that scored Wyatt Langford
• A batter later, Nicky Lopez scored on a wild pitch by Jose Soriano
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 6th as Alejandro Kirk singled scoring Andres Gimenez
• Thc Rangers added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Langford doubled scoring Jung
• Three batters later, Brandon Nimmo was forced in after Jansen was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded
• A batter later, Langford scored on a sac fly by Evan Carter
• Jose Soriano pitching line: 5IP 4H 6R (5 earned) 1BB 8K 80 pitches (50 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 7th as Davis Schneider whacked a solo blast to left\
• Final score: Rangers 6 Blue Jays 2

My Take:

• Jose Soriano battled through 5 innings, giving up 6 runs on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 8. One of the runs against was on him completely, uncorking a wild pitch to make it 3-0. Soriano must have been frustrated to be taken deep with 2 outs in the 1st inning and then to see Ernie Clement throw the ball away for the game's second run in the 2nd inning (anyone missing Bo Bichette?). He did settle down after the throwing error to retire 8 in a row. Soriano will get one more start in the final weekend of the season.
• The bullpen gave up a hit and 3 walks in 3 (mostly) scoreless innings - although Paul Sewald was on the mound when the Rangers 5th and 6th runs came across the plate, but the runs were charged to Soriano. Brendan Cellucci did well to escape a jam due to walking a pair of batters in the 9th. The rookie has looked good in the three games he's pitched. I'd keep him low leverage to let him keep building confidence.
• The bats don't look like they are good enough to carry the Blue Jays to the playoffs. Alejandro Kirk had a third of the Blue Jays hits and drove in half the runs. Davis Scheider went deep for the Blue Jays other run. At least Vlad showed some hustle running from 1st to 3rd. Bottom 4 in the lineup were a combined 1-13.
• Alejandro Kirk successfully overturned both of the Blue Jays ABS challenges. The Rangers did not attempt an ABS challenge
• The Blue Jays were 1-4 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the wild card race, both the Guardians and White Sox won, so the Chisox remain a game back of the Guardians for the AL Central title. With the win, the Rangers took over top spot in the AL West, placing the Astros (lost today) in the wild card race and 2 games back of the White Sox for the 3rd WC spot.The Blue Jays are 3 games back (techically 4 due to the White Sox owning the tiebreaker for winning the season series. The Orioles (lost today) are 4 games back of the 3rd WC spot.
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 2-game skid and avoid being swept for the 4th time this season and first in a season series. It will be yet another bullpen day with Spencer Miles as the opener. The Rangers will counter with righty Jacob deGrom

Game #155 Toronto Blue Jays (76-78) @ Texas Rangers (77-77)

 

Game #154 - Toronto Blue Jays (76-78) @ Texas Rangers (77-77) - game recap

 

Myles Straw drove in the only Blue Jays run in a 7-1 loss to the Texas Rangers

After an off-day/travel day yesterday, the Blue Jays began the final road trip of the season in Arlington Texas agaiinst the Rangers, who swept the series in Toronto at the end of June, outscoring the Blue Jays 21-15. Michael Lorenzen was DFA's and righty Jose Rodriguez was selected to the MLB roster. Ace Dylan Cease got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as Wednesday's win over the Tigers. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins and start the final road trip of the regular season with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Rangers opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd on a throwing error by Ernie Clement on a ball hit by Evan Carter that scored Jake Burger and Wyatt Langford
• A batter later, Nicky Lopez scored on a sac fly by Ezequiel Duran
• A batter after that, Corey Seager doubled scoring Carter
• Dylan Cease pitching line: 2.2IP 3H 4R (1 earned) 6BB 3K 74 pitches (36 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 5th as Myles Straw doubled scoring Josh Smith
• Kumar Rocker pitching line: 4.1IP 3H 1R (earned) 2BB 2K 76 pitches (48 for strikes)
• The Rangers added a run in the bottom half of the inning on a sac fly by Burger that scored Brandon Nimmo
• The Rangers added a run in the bottom of the 6th on a bases loaded walk to Langford that forced in Duran
• The Rangers added a run in the bottom of the 8th as Burger doubled scoring Langford
• Final score: Rangers 7 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Dylan Cease is quickly running out of gas. He was knocked around for 4 runs (1 earned) on 3 hits while walking 6 and striking out 3. Like the last game, Cease got super fortunate to escape the 1st inning unscathed when his 3rd pitch was accidentslly swung at by Ezequiel Duran for a pop out. He then got a double play ball to get out of the inning. Ten of the first twelve pitches he threw were balls - and not close either. Cease wasn't as fortunate in the 2nd inning, allowing 4 runs (only one earned thanks to a horrible throwing error by Ernie Clement; is anyone missing Bo Bichette?) on 2 hits, 2 walks, the throwing error and a sac fly. It took Cease 74 pitches to record 8 outs. If the Blue Jays are eliminated by his next start Wednesday in Baltimore, I would shut him down to start healing up his body. If they are still alive, push him back to Friday against Cincinnatti. It's no wonder that Cease is showing signs of fatigue, given he threw over 100 pitches in 16 of 29 starts this season. The clear overuse was necessitated by the Blue Jays basically having 3 starters that could reliably and consistently pitch deep in games due to injury and poor performance.
• The bullpen gave up a further 3 runs on 5 hits, while walking 4 and striking out 6 over the last 6.1 innings. The best relievers on the night were rookies Brendan Cellucci (he still hasn't allowed a base runner) and Jose Rodriguez, who retired 5 of the 6 batters he faced, including 2 strikeouts in his big league debut.
• Myles Straw was the best player offensively by far, 2 base hits and drove in the only run of the game on a sac fly. The Blue Jays need to keep the home run jacket hung up and get serious in the next 8 games, which they pretty much have to win out, if they want to sneak into the playoffs. 
• The Blue Jays were 1-1 on ABS challenges and Rangers catcher Elias Diaz successfully overturned both Rangers ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 1-6 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the wild card race, the Blue Jays are 2 games back of the White Sox (lost today) and one game back of the Rangers, who are 1 game back of the White Sox for the 3rd WC spot (the Rangers and White Siox both hold the tiebreaker over the Blue Jays after securing season series wins). The Orioles (lost today) are 3 games back of the 3rd WC spot. The Blue Jays best hope might be the White Sox and Rangers securing division titles.
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series and avoid their 24th series loss of the season. Jose Soriano starts against Rangers righty Cal Quantrill

Game #154 Toronto Blue Jays (76-77) @ Texas Rangers (76-77)

Game #153 - Detroit Tigers (72-80) @ Toronto Blue Jays (76-77) - game recap

After a blowout loss due to a brutal day for the exhausted bullpen and the offense not producing enough, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 2 game skid, and avoid their 13th season series loss and being swept for the 4th time this season. Max Scherzer got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate.  Myles Straw was in lf, Ernie Clement was at SS and Josh Smith got the start at 2B.  Could the Blue Jays snap the 2 game skid, and avoid their 13th season series loss and being swept for the 4th time this season? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Tigers took the lead in the top of the 1st as Riley Greene singled scoring Colt Keith
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom of the 4th on a sac fly by Ernie Clement that scored Kazuma 
• Two batters later, Myles Straw singled scoring Josh Smith
• Keider Montero pitching line: 4IP 6H 2R (both earned) 2BB 4K 89 pitches (55 for strikes)
• The Blue jays added a run in the top of the 5th as George Springer singled scoring Brett Bateman
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 5IP 3H 1R (earned) 3BB 3K 73 pitches (44 for strikes)
• The Blue jays added a run in the bottom of the 6th on a throwing error by Tigers SS John Peck on a ball hit by Brandon Valenzuela that scored Clement
• Three batters later, Lukes singled home Valenzuela
• Louis Varland got the last 3 outs for his 34th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Tigers 1

My Take:

• Max Scherzer battled through 5 innings, giving up a run on 3 hits while walking 3 and striking out 3. His main issue today was bearing down to get the last outs. In the 1st inning, he retired the first 2 batters of the game, then coding a run on 2 hits. The next inning, Scherzer walked a batter after recording the first two outs of the inning, but struck out John Peck to end the threat. Scherzer ended the day strong, retiring the last 4 batters he faced. At this point, should the Blue Jays squeak into the playoffs, Scherzer will almost certainly be in the playoffs by default of being able to throw 80-100 pitches. Things will get trickier should the Blue Jays advance to the divisional round, where you need 4 starters. 
• The bullpen threw 4 scoreless innings, giving up 4 hits, walking 1 and striking out 3. John Schneider has faced plenty of criticism over his bullpen use, but he went straight to closer Louis Varland the moment the first two hitters reached in the 9th inning. I think he knew how important it was to win today, especially after the Guardians took the series against the White Sox. Also, with the offense day tomorrow, Schneider likely wanted Varland to throw at some point in the series to keep him sharp. 
• The offense did a lot better capitalizing with runners in scoring position.  It was a team effort with everyone in the lineup except Vlad either scoring a run or driving in s run. Some nice hustle by Brandon Valenzuela forced a bad throw that led to one of the runs
• Brandon Valenzuela was 2-1 on ABS challenges and the Tigers were 1-1 on ABS challenges 
• The Blue Jays were 3-12 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the wild card race, a significant shift occurred today with the Guardians beating the White Sox. With the win, the Guardians overtook the White Sox and lead them by a half game in the AL Central. The Blue Jays sit 1.5 games (really 2 games back since the white Sox hold the tiebreaker over the Blue Jays after winning the season series) of the Chisox for the 3rd WC spot. The Rangers (play later tonight vs. The Red Sox) are also 1.5 games back of the 3rd WC spot for the moment, but will end the night either a game back or 2 games back of the 3rd WC spot depending on if they win or lose. The Orioles (leading their game tonight) are 3 games back of the 3rd WC spot, but will be 2.5 games back if they hold on or 3.5 games back if they lose. The Rangers hold the tiebreaker over the Blue jays. Who gets the all important tiebreaker between the Orioles and Blue Jays will be determined when the two squads meet in Baltimore starting next Monday. The Blue Jays need just one more win to secure the season series win and tiebreaker.
• Up next, after an off-day/travel day tomorrow, the Blue Jays open the final road trip of the regular season in Arlington against the Rangers, who swept the Blue Jays in Toronto back at the end of June, outscoring the Blue Jays 21-15. Ace Dylan Cease will start Friday for the Blue Jays. The Rangers haven't set their rotation for the series yet. 

Game #153 Detroit Tigers (72-79) v. Toronto Blue Jays (75-77)

Game #152 - Detroit Tigers (72-79) @ Toronto Blue Jays (75-77) - game recap

Brendan Cellucci retired every batter he faced and struck out three of them in his big-league debut in a 10-1 loss to the Tigers

After a loss yesterday due to the bullpen blowing a lead, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series and avoid their 23rd series loss of the season. It was bullpen day with Brayden Fisher getting the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday's loss.  Could the Blue Jays even the series and avoid their 23rd series loss of the season?  Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Brayden Fisher pitching line: 1.1IP 0H 0R 2BB 1K 25 pitches (14 for strikes)
• The Tigers opened the scoring in the top of the 4th as Max Clark doubled scoring Riley Greene
• A batter later, Spencer Torkelson smacked a 3-run blast to left-center; also scoring Clark and Eduardo Valencia
• The Tigers added a run in the top of the 5th as Greene singled scoring Kevin McGionigle
• Drew Anderson pitching line: 5IP 2H 0R 3BB 4K 88 pitches (58 for strikes)
• The Tigers added a run in the top of the 6th as John Peck singled scoring Torkelson. Peck was thrown out at 2nd base trying to stretch a single into a double
• The Tigers added a pair of runs in the top of the 8th on a throwing error by Alejandro Kirk that scored Valencia and Torkelson
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Kirk singled scoring Brett Bateman
• The Tigers added a run in the top of the 9th as Hao-Yu Lee hammered a solo bomb to the second deck in left
• Three batters later, Clark singled scoring Ben Malgeri
• Final score: Tigers 10 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• On yet another bullpen day, Brayden Fisher got the first 4 outs, but walked 2 batters and needed over 20 pitches to escape the 1st inning. With the bullpen already reeling from a heavy work load all season covering the three traditional starters, they hardly need more games where they are expected to cover all 27 outs. I still think, whenever baseball resumes after the expected lengthy lockout/strike, the Blue Jays need to keep an extra 2-3 pitchers stretched out in the bullpen and maybe skip a Dylan Cease start once in a while to keep those pitchers stretched out so you're not having 1-2 bullpen days in a five day period. This is just not sustainable. 
• The rest of the bullpen gave up 10 runs on 10 hits while walking 6 and striking out 7 over the last 7.2 innings. By far the best pitcher of the night was lefty Brendan Cellucci, in his big league debut, retired all 5 batters he faced,striking out 3 of them. Michael Lorenzen (DFA'd tomorrow?) took the loss
• Alejandro Kirk drove in the only Blue Jays run tonight. Once again, the Blue Jays squandered a bases loaaded opportunity in the 3rd inning (Kirk grounded out to end that rally). Davis Schneider should not have an automatic spot on the opening day lineup next season. Pitchers have figured him out and he has no answer.
• The Blue Jays were 2-1 on ABS challenges and the Tigers were successful on their only ABS  challenge
• The Blue Jays were 1-4 with runners in scoring position
• Today was Roberto Clemente day. He died in a plane crash attempting to deliver emergency aid to earth quake victims in Nicaragua.
• In termsa of the WC race, with the loss, The Blue Jays are now 2 games back of the Guardians for the 3rd WC spot. The Rangers (leading their game) are also 2 games back for the moment, but will overtake the Blue Jays and be 1.5 games back of the 3rd WC spot with a crucial series between the Blue Jays and Rangers in Arlington starting Friday. The Orioles (won today) are 3 games back of the 3rd WC spot. Finally the Tigers are 4.5 games back and pretty need to win out and get help from other teams to snag the 3rd WC spot.
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 2 game skid and avoid their 12th season series loss of the season and avoid being swept in a series for the 4th time this season. Max Scherzer starts against Tigers righty Keider Montero

Game #152 Detroit Tigers (71-79) v. Toronto Blue Jays (75-76)

 

Game #151 - Detroit Tigers (71-79) @ Toronto Blue Jays (75-76) - game recap

 

Kazuma Okamoto drilled a 3-run HR in a losing effort as the Tigers came from behind to edge the Blue Jays 6-5

After a huge series win over Baltimore yesterday after a nice effort from the offense, including (finally) Vlad's first home run at the Roger's Centre in 2026 and a 4-RBI effort from George Springer, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games as they welcomed the Tigers to town. The Blue jays took the series in Detroit back in mid-May, outscoring the Tigers 8-65. Rudy Martin Jr. was placed on the 10-day IL with a hamstring strain and Ricky Tiedemann was optioned to AAA-ball. Davis Schneider and lefty Brendan Cellucci were recalled from AAA-ball in their place. Jose Soriano got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Josh Smith was in LF, Brett Bateman was in CF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games? Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Alejandro Kirk singled scoring Brett Bateman 
• A batter later, George Springer scored on a wild pitch by Troy Melton
• Troy Melton pitching line: 2.2IP 5H 2R (both earned) 4BB 3K 76 pitches (45 for strikes)
• The Tigers got one back in the top of the 7th as Dillon Dingler singled scoring Gleyber Torres 
• Two batters later, Max Clark doubled scoring Dingler and Riley Greene
• A batter later, Spencer Torkelson doubled home Clark
• Jose Soriano pitching line: 6.1IP 5H 4R (all earned) 1BB 5K 90 pitches (57 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Kazuma Okamoto hammered a 3-run bomb to the second deck in left; also scoring Springer and Kirk
• The Tigers tied it in the top of the 8th as Brett Callahan singled scoring Kevin McGonigle
• The Tigers took the lead in the top of the 9th on a throwing error by Louis Varland on a ball hit by Hao-Yu Ldd that scored Zach McKinstry
• Kenley Jansen threw a scoreless 8th for his 20th save of the season
• Final score: Tigers 6 Blue Jays 5

My Take:

• Jose Soriano was excellent through 6 innings, carrying a no hitter into in the 7th inning and was perfect through 5 until walking a batter with one out in the 6th. Unfortunately, the Tigers got to him in the 7th, scoring 4 runs on 5 hits. Sometimes when a pitcher has to pitch from the stretch after spending the whole game in the windup, it can wreck the momentum the pitcher has. Unfortunate end to an otherwise excellent start from Soriano
• The bullpen gave up 2 runs on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 2 over the last 2.2 innings. Should the have pulled Soriano a batter or two early and maybe retained the lead or only been down a run instead of 2? Perhaps but the bullpen mighe not have been ready until John Schneider popped out of the dugout. Also, I can see why thet wanted to give Soriano a chance to finish the inning that ended up snowballing on him. Tonight's result also is an argument for tagging the blown save onto the pitcher resposible for the base runner that scored the tyung run, in ths case lefty Joe Mantiply. Instead Louis Varland, who should receive some Cy Young votes, was tagged for his second blown save of the season and the loss.
• What a massive home run from Kazuma Okamoto to give the Blue Jays the lead right back after the bullpen squandered the lead Alejandro Kirk (RBI single) and George Springer (scored on a wild pitch). However, if the Blue Jays  do miss the playoffs, tonight's game will be exhibit A as to why it happened. Too many base runners left stranded against a pitcher they had on the ropes. Second inning, they loaded the bases wth 2 outs and Vlad grounded out to end that rally. Next inning, runners on 2nd and 3rd with no outs and no one scored again. Not good enough.
• The Blue Jays were a perfect 3-3 on ABS challenges and the Tigers were 1-2 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 2-11 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the WC race, the Blue Jays remain a game behind the Guardians for the 3rd WC spot. If the Tigers were to sweep the series and the Guardians are swept by the White Sox, they would be just 2.5 games back of the 3rd WC spot and that could happen with a bullpen game scheduled for tomorrow and the weakest starter, Max Scherzer starting Wednesday. The idle Rangers gained a half game and are just 1.5 games back of the 3rd WC spot. The Orioles (won today) are 3 games hack of the 3rd WC spot 
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series and avoid their 23rd series loss of the season. It is bullpen day again with Spencer Miles, Spencer Arrighetti or Brayden Fisher likely serving as the opener. The Tigers will counter with righty Drew Anderson

Game #151 Detroit Tigers (70-79) v. Toronto Blue Jays (75-75)

 

Game #150 - Baltimore Orioles (72-78) @ Toronto Blue Jays (75-75) - game recap

 

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George Spriinger drove in 4 runs, including a solo HR, in an 8-1 rout over the Orioles

After a strong tesm effort to even the series, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 25th series win of the season. Ace Dylan Cease got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Charles McAdoo was in LF, Myles Straw was in CF and Brett Bateman was in RF. Ernie Clement got the start at 2B. Could the Bue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 25th series win of the season? Here is today's game recap, 

 Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Andres Gimenez doubled scoring Charles McAdoo
• The Orioles tied it in the top of the 5th as Pete Alonso singled scoring Dylan Beavers
• The Blue Jays retook the lrad in the bottom half of the inning as George Springer whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right-center
• A batter later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. whacked a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• A batter after that, Kazuma Okamoto hammered a solo bomb to the second deck in left
• Dylan Cease pitching line: 5IP 4H 1R (earned) 5BB 9K 94 pitches (60 for strikes)
• Trevor Rogers pitching line: 6IP 7H 4R (all earned) 1BB 5K 95 pitches (65 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 8th on a bases loaded walk to Brandon Valenzuela that forced in Nathan Lukes
• A batter later, Springer doubled scoring Valenzuela, Myles Straw and Bateman\
• Final score: Blue Jays 8 Orioles 1

My Take:

• Dylan Cease battled throgh 5 innings, giving up a run on 4 hits while walking 5 and striking out 9. He's clearly showing signs of fatigue at the end of a long season where threw a ton of pitches - tossing over a hundred pitches in several of his starts. He's  a good enough pitcher that he was able to escape a real mess in the first inning after he loaded the bases with none out by striking out the side. Cease retired 8 in a row at one point. At this point, if the Blue Jays are able to secure the 3rd wild card spot by early in the final week of the season, I would skip his final scheduled start of the season so he's full strength for game 1 of the wild card series
• The bullpen threw 4 scoreless innings, giving up 5 hits, walking 1 and striking out 6. Ricky Tiedemann will definitely have a role on the Blue Jays pitching staff. It will likely be in the bullpen after all the injury woes and the Blue Jays not wanting to tax his arm as a startng pitcher. Brayden Fisher retired every batter he faced.
• It finally happened! Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has a home run at home in 2026. After missing a HR by a couple of feet, Vlad worked the count to 3-2 and golfed the next pitch into the Blue Jays bullpen. George Springer also had a great day at the plate, starting the 5th inning off with his own long ball and driving in 3 crucial runs in the 8th with a bases clearing double to allow the Blue Jays to avoid having to use closer Louis Varland, who has also pitched a ton this season. Brett Bateman drew a bases loaded walk in the 8th and scored on Springer's double. The bats are starting to get it done.
• Brandon Valenzuela was a perfect 3-3 on ABS challenges and Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo was 1-1 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 2-8 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the WC race, the Blue Jays remain a game back of the Guardians, who also won today, for the 3rd WC spot. The Rangers (leading their game) are 2.5 games back of the 3rd WC spot for the moment but will gain a half game if they hold on and win or drop a half game with a loss. The Orioles are not 4 games back.
• Up next, the Blue Jays continue the homestand against the Tigers. The Blue Jays won the series in Detroit back in mid-May, outscoring the Tigers 8-5. Jose Soriano starts against Tigers righty Troy Melton

Game #150 Baltimore Orioles (72-77) v. Toronto Blue Jays (74-75)

 

Game #149 - Baltimore Orioles (72-77) @ Toronto Blue Jays (74-75) - game recap

 

Alejandro Kirk drove in 3 runs, including a 2-run HR in a 7-3 win over the Orioles

After a loss due to a bad start from Max Scherzer the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 2 game skid and avoid their 19th series loss of the season. On another bullpen day, Spencer Miles got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Rudy Martin Jr. was in LF. Josh Smith got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays snap the 2 game skid and avoid their 19th series loss of the season? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Blue jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring Brett Bateman 
• A batter later, Alejandro Kirk singled home Guerrero Jr
• Spencer Miles pitching line: 2IP 1H 0R 2BB 5K 44 pitches (30 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 3rd as Bateman belted a solo jack to right-center 
• Three batters later, Kirk smacked a 2-run blast to left-center; also scoring George Springer
• Kyle Bradish pitching line: 3IP 8H 5R (all earned) 2BB 2K 56 pitches (37 for strikes)
• The Orioles got one back in the top of the 4th on a throwing error by Kazuma Okamoto on a ball hit by Christian Encarnacion-Strand that scored Gunnar Henderson
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Andres Gimenez doubled scoring Josh Smith
• The Orioles got one back in the top the 7th as Pete Alonso drilled a 2-run bomb off the foul pole in left; also scoring Yohel Pozo
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 7th on a sac fly by Ernie Clement that scored Guerrero Jr.
• Final score: Blue Jays 7 Orioles 3

My Take:

• For the umpteenth time this season, it was a bullpen day for the Blue Jays with Spencer Miles serving as the opener. Miles pitched the first 2 innings, giving up a hit, walking 2 and striking out 5. Next season (or when baseball returns after the expected lengthy lockout/strike over a salary cap) Miles should be stretched out to be a starter. The Blue Jays need to have at least 6 or 7 pitchers with the capability to handle 80-100 pitches. Even if they get a spot start every 2-3 weeks where a regular is skipped, it'll allow the Blue Jays to have a fall back in case of injury or poor performance. It's not sustainable to have a bullpen day every 5 days or twice, as is the case now with Trey Yesavage and Shane Bieber both on the IL.
• The rest of the bullpen gave up 3 runs on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6 over the last 7 innings. Joe Mantiply, Tyler Rogers and Louis Varland retired every batter they faced. Spencer Arrightetti was credited with the win.
• The offense jumped all over Orioles starter Kyle Bradish with Alejandro Kirk knocking in 3 runs (including a 2-run HR, Vlad and Brett Bateman both scoring twice and driving in a run (Bateman also went deep off Bradish), and Ernie Clement and Andres Gimenez each knocking in a run.
• Every Blue Jays starter reached base at least once and all but Rudy Martin Jr. had a hit
• The Orioles were 2-1 on ABS challenges and Alejandro Kirk was 1-1 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 3-7 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the wild card race, the Blue Jays are back within a game of the Guardians of the 3rd WC spot after the Guardians lost today. The Rangers, who play later tonight in Arizona, are 2.5 games back of the Guardians for the 3rd WC spot, but will be 2 games back if they win or 3 games back if they lose. The Orioles are 3 games back of the 3rd WC spot and the Twins, who beat the Guardians, are  4.5 games back of the 3rd WC spot. The only other teams with an outside chance of a WC berth are the Tigers (won today) and the Mariners (play the A's later tonight) who are both 5.5 games back of the 3rd WC spot.
• Up next, the Blue Jays look to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 25th series win of the season. Ace Dylan Cease starts against Orioles lefty Trevor Rogers

Game #149 Baltimore Orioles (72-76) v. Toronto Blue Jays (73-75)

 

Game #148 - Balrimore Orioles (72-76) @ Toronto Blue Jays (73-75) - game recap

 

Brett Bateman hit a 2-run HR, the first HR of his career, in s 7-4 loss to the Orioles

After an off-day/travel-day yesterday, the Blue Jays opened a week-long home stand as they welcome the Orioles as they opened the first of six crucial games against the orange birds. The Blue Jays have won 4 of the first 7 games of the season series, but the Orioles have outscored the Blue Jays 42-33. Jesus Sanchez was DFA'd and Rudy Martin Jr. was added to the MLB roster. Max Scherzer got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer was back in the lineup as DH after a day off Wednesday. Josh Smith was in LF, Brett Bateman was in CF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Could the Blue Jays start the weekend and second to last homestand of the season with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Orioles opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Dylan Beavers led off the game with a solo blast to right
• The Orioles added a run in the top of the 2nd as Heston Kjerstad singled scoring Gunnar Henderson
• A batter later, Colton Cowser doubled scoring Samuel Basallo and Christian Encarnacion-Strand
• A batter after that, Beavers singled scoring Kjerstad and Cowser
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 4th as Kazuma Okamoto whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right-center
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 5IP 7H 6R (all earned) 1BB 3K 83 pitches (57 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 6th on a ground out by Andres Gimenez that scored Nathan Lukes
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 5IP 6H 2R (both earned) 3BB 5K 95 pitches (64 for strikes)
• The Orioles added a run in the top of the 7th as Coby Mayo belted a solo jack to left
• The Blue Jays got a pair back in the bottom of the 9th as Brett Bateman hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Ernie Clement
• Rico Garcia got the last out for his 8th save of the season
• Final score: Orioles 7 Blue Jays 4

My Take:

• Tonight's start for veteran righty Max Scherzer gave up a home run to the first batter of the game. In the 2nd inning, the Orioles tacked on 5 more runs on 6 consecutive hits. He settled down after that and retired 12 of the last 13 batters he faced. The Blue Jays need Scherzer to pitch like it's 2019 when he was a key part of the Nationals world series win.
• The bullpen gave up a run on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 9 over the last 4 innings. Brendon Little was the only reliever to retired every batter he faced
• Offensively, Kazuma Okamoto continues to make a strong case for rookie of the year, going deep for the 31st time this season. Brett Bateman hit the first long ball of his career in the 9th to put the Blue Jays within 3 runs, but that was as close as they would come. Vlad cannot get picked 1st base like that. Hr needs to pay attention to the 1st baseman behind him, who was sneaking over to cover the bag and receive the bullet from catcher Samuel Basallo. Ernie Clement better stop using other teammates bats - not only is it not making him a better hitter, but he's liable to break a bat. And for goodness sake, burn that home run jacket, the tean just looks goofy/unserious/unprofessional/cocky when they are celebrating a home run being down several runs
• The Blue Jays were 1-2 on ABS challenges and Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo was 2-2 on ABS challengee
• The Blue Jays were 1-10 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the WC race, the Blue Jays dropped a full game and are now 2 games back of the Guardians for the 3rd WC spot. The Rangers (leading their game) are 2.5 games back of the Guardians for the 3rd WC spot for the moment but will move into a tie with the Blue Jays and also be 2 games back of the 3rd WC spot. We're getting close to the WC race being a 3-team race, but the Twins (lost today) and Mariners (currently losing tonight's game) are 5.5 games back of the 3rd WC spot. The Mariners will fall to 6 games back of the 3rd WC spot, putting a pretty big dagger in their playoff hopes. It's entirely possible both teams in the 2025 ALCS (Blue Jays and Mariners. This would be the 2nd time in 3 years that happened with the Guardians and Yankees missing the playoffs in 2025 after playing each other in the 2024 ALCS
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 2 game skid and avoid their 19th series loss of the sesason. It will be a bullpen day with Spencer Arrighetti either starting or pitching in a bulk role. The Orioles will counter with righty Kyle Bradish