Game #23 - Toronto Blue Jays (9-13) @ Los Angeles Angels (11-13)

 

Game #22 - Toronto Blue Jays (8-13) @ Los Angeles Angels (11-12)

 

Game #21- Toronto Blue Jays (8-13) @ Arizona Diamondbacks (13-9) - game recap

 

Nathan Lukes drove in 3 runs and scored a run in a 10-4 victory over the Diamondacks

After another loss due to Jeff Hoffman giving up a grand slam, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 4-game skid and avoid being swept for the 2nd time (first in a season series). Ace Kevin Gausman got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday's loss. Could the Blue Jays snap the 4-game skid and avoid being swept for the 2nd time (first in a season series)? Here is today's game recap

Game Highlights:

• The Blue jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Nathan Lukes and Ernie Clement
• Two batters later, Eloy Jimenez singled scoring Guerrero Jr
• Two batters later Kazuma Okamoto doubled scoring Jesus Sanchez and Jimenez
• Three batters later, Lukes doubled home Andres Gimenez, Okamoto and Myles Straw 
• Ryne Nelson pitching line 0.1IP 8H 8R (all earned) 1BB 1K 30 pitches (19 for strikes)
• The Diamondbacks got one back in the bottom of the 2nd as James McCann singled scoring Adrian Del Castillo
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 3rd as Okamoto whacked a solo blast to left-center
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 4th on a sac fly by Gimenez that scored Guerrero Jr.
• The Diamondbacks got one back in the button of the 6th as Del Castillo doubled scoring Lourdes Gurriel Jr 
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 6IP 7H 2R (both earned) 1BB 4K 86 pitches (54 for strikes)
• The Diamondbacks got a pair back in the bottom of the 7th as Jorge Barrosa smacked a 2-run blast to left and into the Diamondbacks bullpen; also scoring Ketel Marte
• Final score: Blue Jays 10 Diamondbacks 4

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman fired 6 solid innings giving up a pair of runs on 7 his while walking 1 and striking 4. For once, Gausman didn't have to be cy young today. He retired 5 in a row at one point and made the pitches he had to to escape the jams he got into. It must have been nice to be able to work with a sizable lead knowing a mistake pitch wouldn't be catastrophic.
• The bullpen gave up a pair of runs on 3 hits (both runs were charged to Mason Fluharty who was taken deep by Jorge Barrosa) while walking none and striking out 1 over the last 3 innings. Tommy Nance retired every batter he faced.
• Offensively, the bats exploded in the 1st inning like a shaken pop bottle, scoring 8 times, including a bases clearing double from Nathan Lukes, who has received a lot of criticism for early season struggles from fans. Lukes got 2 hits in the inning and Dbacks starters Ryne Nelson until the 9th batter of the inning and Lukes knocked him out of the game with the double a batter later. Vlad and Kazuma Okamoto, who later went deep, knocked in 2 runs each in that 1st inning. The trick will be replicating that result tomorrow in LA.
• Every Blue Jays starter reached base at least once, all but Myles Straw had a hit and all but Brandon Valenzuela either scored a run or drove in a run.
• The Dbacks, and in particular catcher James McCann, were a perfect 2-2 in overturning ABS challenges. The Blue Jays were 0-2 with a ball confirmed on a challenge by catcher Brandon Valenzuela and a strike confirmed on a challenge by Myles Straw
• The Blue Jays were 5-13 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays head to LA to take on the Angels in the last stop of the road trip. The Blue Jays took the season series last year with both teams scoring 26 runs. Dylan Cease starts against Angels lefty Reid Detmers

Game #21 - Toronto Blue Jays (7-13) @ Arizona Diamondbacks (13-8)

 

Game #20- Toronto Blue Jays (7-13) @ Arizona Diamondbacks (13-8) - game recap

M-ax Scherzer threw 6 solid innings in a 6-2 loss to the Diamondbacks

After a hybrid bullpen day with Eric Lauer as the bulk inning guy went south, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 3-game skid and avoid losing their 6th straight series and 3rd straight season series. Max Scherzer got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Jesus Sanchez was in LF, Myles Straw was in RF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Could the Blue Jays snap the 3-game skid and avoid losing their 6th straight series and 3rd straight season series? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Jesus Sanchez singled scoring Nathan Lukes
• The Diamondbacks tied it in the bottom half of the inning as Geraldo Perdomo singled scoring Corbin Carroll
• The Diamondbacks took the lead in the bottom of the 5th as Alek Thomas doubled scoring Jose Fernandez
• The Blue jaysFinal score:  tied it in the top of the 6th as Kazuma Okamoto singled scoring Eloy Jimenez
• Zac Gallen pitching line: 5.2IP 9H 2R (both earned) 0BB 3K 88 pitches (63 for strikes
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 6IP 5H 2R (both earned) 1BB 1K 74 pitches (50 for strikes)
• The Diamondbacks retook the lead in the bottom of the 8th on a grand slam to the opposite field in left-center by Carroll that also scored Ildemaro Vargas, Thomas and Ketel Marte 
• Final score: Diamondbacks 6 Blue Jays 2

My Take:

• Max Scherzer fired 6 strong innings, giving up a pair of runs on 5 hits while walking 1 and striking out 1. He retired 8 in a row at one point and the drizzled veteran made pitches when he had to. The Blue jays should considering keeping him in the rotation even when everyone is healthy because he adds so much valuable knowledge in the dugout and tonight he showed he can still contribute meaningfully. Next start, Scherzer should reach the 3500 strikeout milestone. 
• The bullpen gave up 4 runs on 3 hits and a walk (all against Jeff Hoffman, who is apparently being moved out of the closer role, at least temporarily) and striking out 2. The Blue Jays should give Tyler Rogers, who has been fantastic so far this season, as crack at cloring games.
• The offense continues to sputter along. Nathan Lukes had a good night in the leadoff spot with 3 hits and he scored the Blue Jays first run.
• The Blue Jays had their chances, as evidenced by every starter except Andres Gimenez and Tyler Heineman with at least 1 hit.
• There were no ABS challenges for the second straight day, but the Blue Jays successfully overturned 2 calls in the field. When you are struggling as a team, you need to challenge every call you can.
• The Blue Jays were 2-9 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 4-game skid and avoid being swept for the 2nd time (1st in a season series). Ace Kevin Gausman starts against Diamondbaacks righty Ryne Nelson

Game #20 - Toronto Blue Jays (7-12) @ Arizona Diamondbacks (12-8)

 

Game #19- Toronto Blue Jays (7-12) @ Arizona Diamondbacks (12-8) - game recap

 

Myles Straw scored twice, including a solo HR in a losing effort as the Diamondbacks came from behind to double up the Blue Jays 6-3

After dropping a 5th straight series and 2nd straight season series, the Blue Jays were looking to start the weekend with a win and snap a 2-game skid. They began a weekend series against the Diamondbacks tonight. The Blue Jays took the season series last year, outscoring the Diamondbacks 18-14. Brayden Fisher got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after the half day off as DH yesterday (Lenyn Sosa served as DH tonight). Kazuma Okamoto was back at the hot corner and Ernie Clement got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays snap the 2-game skid? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Brandon Fisher pitching line: 1IP 1H 0R 0BB 0K 11 pitches (9 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 4th on a sac bunt by Lenyn Sosa that scored Myles Straw 
• The Diamondbacks tied it in the bottom half of the inning as Nolan Arenado whacked a solo blast to left and into the diamondbacks bullpen
• The Diamondbacks added a run in the bottom of the 5th as Corbin Carroll singled scoring Jorge Berrosa
• Two batters later, Jose Fernandez singled scoring Ketel Marte
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 6th as Straw belted a solo jack to left and into the Diamondbacks bullpen
• The Diamondbacks added a run in the bottom of the 7th on a throwing error by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on a ball hit by Fernandez that scored Marte
• A batter later, Arenado singled scoring Carroll
• Michael Soroka pitching line: 7IP 5H 2R (both earned) 0BB 5K 94 pitches (67 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 8th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr singled scoring Tyler Heineman\
• The Diamondbacks added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Tim Tawa doubled scoring James Mccann
• Paul Sewald pitched a perfect 9th for his 7th save of the season
• Final score: Diamondbacks 6 Blue Jays 3

My Take:

• Brayden Fisher, the most effective pitcher on the night, did his job, pitching an efficient scoreless inning, allowing just the one hit. I'm not a big fan of using openers, mainly because it wastes a bullpen arm and generally the bullpen has a heavier use night on bullpen days, especially if the pitcher designated as the bulk reliever has an off-night. 
• Eric Lauer, the bulk reliever today, gave up 3 runs on 5 hits while walking 1 and striking out 4. Spencer Miles gave up 2 unearned runs after a bad throw from Vlad that Miles couldn't handle cleanly. The bullpen can't keep giving up runs, especially when the offense can't generate runs consistently
• On the ouch files, Daulton Varsho left the game prior to the bottom of the 3rd with left knee soreness. Vlad caught a ball awkwardly in the 8th, jamming a finger. The Blue Jays can ill-afford to lose either player long-term. Varsho's injury could necessitate George Springer getting reps in the outfield. Ernie Clement and Kazuma Okamoto can both play 1st base if Vlad needs to miss a day or two.
• Offensively Straw scored twice, including a 4th inning solo blast to draw the Blue Jays within a run. Nice strategy by Lenyn Sosa to drive in the 1st run via a sac bunt. All runs count whether the ball is hit 400 feet or a foot. A speedy player could force a bad throw.
• There were no ABS challenges today.
• The Blue Jays were 1-7 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 3-game skid and avoid their 6th series loss and 4th season series loss of the season. Max Scherzer starts against Diamondbacks righty Zac Gallen

Game #19 - Toronto Blue Jays (7-11) @ Arizona Diamondbacks (11-8)

 

Game #18 - Toronto Blue Jays (7-11) Brewers (10-8) - game recap

After dropping the game yesterday due to the inept offense and an unfortunate fielding error by catcher Brandon Valenzuela, the Blue Jays were looking to escape Milwaukee with their 2nd series win of the season. Patrick Corbin got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Davis Schneider was in LF (batting leadoff) and Jesus Sanchez was in RF. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Kazuma Okamoto at 1B. Could the Blue Jays notch their 2nd series win of the season? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd on a sac fly by Tyler Heineman that scored Andres Gimenez 
• The Brewers tied it up in the bottom of the 4th on a sac fly by Luis Rengifo that scored Brice Turang
• Patrick Corbin pitching line: 5.1IP 4H 1R (earned) 1BB 6K 79 pitches (53 for strikes)
• Brandon Sproat pitching line: 6.2IP 4H 1R (earned) 1BB 6K 75 pitches (50 for strikes)
• The Brewers took the lead in the bottom of the 7th on a sac bunt by Joey Ortiz that scored Garrett Mitchell
• Angel Zerpa threw a scoreless 9th for his 2nd save of the season
• Final score: Brewers 2 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Both starting pitchers were equally effective today with Patrick Corbin and Brandon Sproat both surrendering a run on a sac fly. Both starters gave up 4 hits and walked a batter while striking out 6. Sproat was a bit more efficient going an extra inning and throwing four less pitches and a better strike to ball ratio. For Corbin, this will likely be his last start in a Blue Jays uniform with Trey Yesavage expected to return to the blue jays rotation next week. Jose Berrios shouldn't be too far behind either as he starts a rehab assignment.  Eric Lauer will likely be moved to the bullpen as a long man once Yesavage and Berrios return from injury. 
• The bullpen gave up a run on 3 hits while walking 2 and striking out 2 over the last 2.1 innings. Tommy Nance took the loss.  It's time for the Blue Jays to start working on infield defense because you can't be giving up runs on sac bunts. Alejandro Kirk can't return fast enough from his broken thumb
• The offense needs to find ways to manufacture runs. You can't expect the pitchers to have their best stuff going every game. Take the top of the 3rd for example, the Blue Jays got runners on the corners with none out and could only manage to bring in the one run on a sac fly. Vlad hit into a double play in the 6th inning and Davis Schneider was stranded at 3rd because Jesus Sanchez lined out to end the inning. In the 1st, 2nd, 5th and 8th innings, the Blue Jays were retired in order. This begs the question of who the team is missing more: Bo Bichette, who afforded some protection in the lineup because he was so consistent in hitting, or Don Mattingly, who played a large role in the offenses success from s coaching perspective last year. 
• There were 7 ABS calls that were overturned and one ABS call confirmed. Among the catchers requesting the challenges, Brewers catcher William Contreras was 2-1 and Tyler Heineman was a perfect 2-2. Jesus Sanchez was successful in both his challenges and Vlad got one ABS call overturned. You will see more challenges on days where umpires with bad reputations of high inaccuracy of calling balls and strikes is behind the plate. It will be interesting to see which umpire has the most overturned calls at the end of the season. 
• Up next, the Blue Jays continue the road trip in Arizona where they will look to snap a 2-game skid. The Blue Jays won the season series last year, outscoring the Diamondbacks 18-14. Eric Lauer starts against Diamondbacks righty Michael Soroka.

Game #18 - Toronto Blue Jays (7-10) @ Milwaukee Brewers (9-8)

 

Game #17 - Toronto Blue Jays (7-9) @ Milwaukee Brewers (8-8)

 

Game #16 - Toronto Blue Jays (7-9) @ Milwaukee Brewers (8-8) - game recap

 

Myles Straw hit a 2-run double in the 10th inning to lead the Blue Jays to a 9-7 extra innings comeback win over the Brewers

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After an off-day/travel day, the Blue Jays opened a road trip beginning in Milwaukee.  The Brewers won the season series last year, outscoring the Blue Jays 15-11. The Blue Jays acquired infielder Lenyn Sosa from the White Sox for minor league outfielder Jordan Rich and a player to be named later or cash considerations. Shane Bieber was transferred to the 60-day IL. Infielder Tyler Fitzgerald was optioned to AAA-ball. Ace Kevin Gausman got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as Sunday's loss. Could the Blue Jays snap the 2-game losing streak and start the week and road trip with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Brewers took the lead in the bottom of the 4th as Jake Bauers hammered a 3-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Brice Turang and Gary Sanchez 
• The Blue jays got one back in the top of the 5th as Andres Gimenez slammed a solo jack to the second deck in right
• The Blue jays got one back in the top of the 6th as Daulton Varsho whacked a solo blast to right-center 
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 5IP 6H 3R (all earned) 3BB 5K 97 pitches (62 for strikes)
• Jacob Misiorowski pitching line: 5.1IP 5H 2R (both earned) 0BB 5K 76 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Brewers added a run in the bottom of the 7th as Sanchez belted a solo hash to the second deck in left
• The Blue jays got one back in the top of the 8th on a ground out hit by Vladimir Guerrero Jr that scored Lenyn Sosa
• The Blue Jays tied it in the top of the 9th as Kazuma Okamoto singled scoring Myles Straw
• A batter later, Davis Schneider scored on a ground out hit by Gimenez
• Two batters later, Ernie Clement singled scoring Okamoto
• The Brewers got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Turang singled scoring Sal Frelick
• Three batters later, Brandon Lockridge doubled home Turang
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the top of the 10th as Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring Clement
• Two batters later, Straw doubled scoring Guerrero Jr. and  Jesus Sanchez
• The Brewers got one back in the bottom half of the inning as William Contreras singled scoring Joey Ortiz
• Final score: Blue Jays 9 Brewers 7 (10 innings)

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman battled through 5 innings, giving up 3 runs on 6 hits while walking 3 and striking out 5. Not a super efficient game for him and the Blue Jays needed him to go deep into the game after the starters in the last week have been unable to do their job, due to playing through injury like max Scherzer did or recovering from a bad flu and not being 100& like Eric Lauer was or just bad play as Patrick Corbin did. Gausman has been the Blue Jays best pitcher, but he lost the battle of he aces on one bad pitch that was hammered to the deepest part of the ballpark for 3 runs. Too bad he can't hit too and help himself offensively.
• The bullpen gave up 4 runs on 6 hits while walking 3 and striking out 7 over the last 5 innings. Jeff Hoffman blew his 3rd save of the season as he continued his uneven start to the season. Louis Varland did his darndest to let the Brewers extend the game and got fortunate to strike out Gary Sanchez, who represented the game winning run. None of the relievers retired every batter they faced, but Mason Fluharty and Tyler Rogers kept the Brewers off the scoreboard. Certainly Rogers should get consideration to take over the closers role if Hoffman continues to struggle in save situations.
• It was the bench guys that made the impact offensively today. Myles Straw scored the run that tied the game in the 9th and had a huge 2-run double in the 10th to give the Blue Jays critical insurance runs they needed. Davis Schneider hit a ground-rule double to set up Kazuma Okamoto's game-tying RBI and scored the run to put the Blue Jays on top for the first time all game. Nice to see the offense starting to wake up and come through in crucial times
• It was a bad night for ABS challenges with both teams going 0-fer. Maybe the ABS system is having a positive effect on the umpires accuracy calling balls and strikes. It might even lead to what we saw 15 years ago where catchers held their gloves steady where they caught the ball as opposed to the nonsense we see today with catchers dramatically moving their gloves back in the strike zone
• Once George Springer comes back, Nathan Lukes might be the odd man out given his performance all around. Davis Schneider is more useful given he can play 2B. Myles Straw has also been looking better than Lukes.
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 2nd series win and 1st season series win of the season. Dylan Cease starts against Brewers righty Chad Patrick 

Game #16 - Toronto Blue Jays (6-9) @ Milwaukee Brewers (8-7)

 

Game #15 - Minnesota Twins (9-7) @ Toronto Blue Jays (6-9) - game recap

 

Ernie Clement scored both runs for the Blue Jays in a losing effort as the Twins came from behind to rout the Blue Jays 8-2

After a rough loss due to a tough 3rd inning that snowballed on Eric Lauer, the Blue Jays were looking to end the home stand and week with a win and notch their 2nd series win of the season. George Springer was placed on the 10 day IL with a fractured big toe.  Elon Jimenez was recalled from AAA- ball and took Springer's place at DH. Max Scherzer got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Kazuma Okamoto was back in the lineup and at the hot corner with Ernie Clement sliding back to 2B. Could the Blue Jays hit the road on a winning note and notch their 2nd series win of the season?  Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Daulton Varsho singled scoring Ernie Clement
• The Twins took the lead in the top of the 2nd as Tristan Gray belted a 3-3-run jack to the second deck in right; also scoring Josh Bell and Matt Wallner
• The Twins added a run in the top of the 3rd as Kody Clemens smashed a solo blast to the second deck in right-center 
• Four batters later, Wallner singled scoring Trevor Larnach 
• A batter later, Luke Keaschall scored on a sac fly by Victor Caratini
• Two batters later, Brooks Lee doubled scoring Bell and Wallner 
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 2.1IP 5H 8R (all earned) 2BB 3K 68 pitches (41 for strikes)
• Taj Bradley pitching line: 5IP 5H 1R (earned) 4BB 7K 106 pitches (62 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 7th on a sac fly by Jesus Sanchez that scored Clement-
• Final score: Twins 8 Blue Jays 2

My Take:

• A day after Eric Lauer had an inning snowball on him, Max Scherzer couldn't get out of the 3rd inning and gave up 8 runs on 6 hits, 2 walks and 2 hit batters over 2 innings. Scherzer looked great in the 1st inning, retiring the side in order and  making it look easy. From there, it was all down hill. It's hard to see a role for Scherzer once everyone is healthy. The Blue Jays certainly can't have Scherzer only lasting a couple of innings and making the bullpen pick up the slack every 5 days.
• The bullpen was sharp today, holding the Twins to 2 hits while walking none and striking out 9 over the last 6 innings once Joe Mantiply escaped the 3rd inning. Tommy Nance, Mason Fluharty, Louis Varland and Jeff Hoffman threw a perfect inning each and got a combined 8 strikeouts.
• The Twins were 1-2 on ABS challenges. The Blue Jays did not challenge any pitches today.
• Offensively, Daulton Varsho drove in a run right away in the 1st inning and Jesus Sanchez knocked in Ernie Clement, who deserves another day in the leadoff spot after a strong 3-5 effort and scoring both Blue Jays runs today
• Where was the effort from Vlad after he hit one off the end of the bat in the 9th inning. You have to run that one out. Yes, the Blue Jays were going to lose, but be a pro and try on every play. Vlad's supposed to be a team leader and should be leading by example.
• The Blue Jays were a pathetic 2-14 with runners in scoring position.
• Up next, after an off-day/travel day tomorrow, the Blue Jays  open a 9-game road trip that begins in Milwaukee. The Brewers won the season series last year, outscoring the Blue Jays 15-11. Ace Kevin Gausman starts against Brewers righty Jacob Misiorowski

Game #15 - Minnesota Twins (8-7) v. Toronto Blue Jays (6-8)

 

Game #14 - Minnesota Twins (8-7) @ Toronto Blue Jays (6-8) - game recap

 

Daulton Varsho hit a 2-run HR in a losing effort as the Twins came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 7-4

After a strong comeback win over the Twins yesterday thanks to a solid team effort offensively, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the winning streak to 3 games and notch their 2nd series win of the season. Eric Lauer got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Jesus Sanchez was in LF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner and Davis Schneider was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games and notch their 2nd series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.? 

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Daulton Varsho whacked a 2-run blast to right-center and into the Twins bullpen; also scoring George Springer
•  The Twins got one back in the top of the 3rd as Brooks Lee smacked a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• Five batters later, Byron Buxton was forced in on a bases loaded walk to Ryan Jeffers
• A batter later, Josh Bell singled scoring Austin Martin and Luke Keaschall
• Two batters later, Trevor Larnach hammered a three run bomb off the second deck in right; also scoring Jeffers and Bell 
• Eric Lauer pitching line: 5.1IP 5H 7R (all earned) 5BB 3K 95 pitches (53 for strikes)\
• George Springer left the game after his second AB after fouling a ball off his big toe and fracturing it.
• Joe Ryan pitching line: 7IP2H 2R (both earned) 1BB 5K 91 pitches (65 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got a pair back in the bottom of the 9th as Jesus Sanchez drilled a 2-run jack to right-center; also scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Final score: Twins 7 Blue Jays 4

My Take:

• Eric Lauer battled through 5.1 innings, giving up 7 runs on 5 hits while walking 5 and striking out 3. One inning, the 3rd, snowballed on him to the tune of 7 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks. Lauer actually retired 6 of the 7 batters he faced. Maybe he should have done what Shohei Ohtani did on Wednesday and tied his shoelaces a few times in the 3rd inning to slow things down a bit. That was important that Lauer pitch into the 6th inning with Scherzer due to start tomorrow and liable to blow out his arm the way the Blue Jays injury luck has gone this season (he is dealing with forearm tightnessm often a precursor to UCL tears).
• Spencer Miles was outstanding today, finishing the game to save the bullpen for tomorrow. Miles held the Twins to a hit and a walk while striking out 2 over 3.2 innings. The Bllue Jays could have some interesting decisions to make once they start getting some injured bodies back since there is only room for 5 pitchers in the rotation. The Blue Jays could opt for a 6-man rotation once or twice, but that's not sustainable since pitchers are creatures of habit and an extra day of rest doesn't necessarily mean they will have their best stuff going.
• And the injury bug continues to hit the Blue Jays hard. This time, George Springer went down with a fractured big toe after fouling a ball off it in his second AB. While Springer completed the at-bat, he was clearly in pain running to 1st base on the ground out. Best case scenario would see Springer back in 2-4 weeks if it's not a displaced fracture. Likely Eloy Jimenez gets the callup and you could see a platoon of players filling the void both at DH and at the leadoff spot.
• Offensively, Daulton Varsho went deep in the 1st inning and Jesus Sanchez went deep in the 9th inning. With Springer now probably out at least a couple of weeks, the Blue Jays are going to be searching for runs even more.
• The Blue Jays were a perfect 3-3 on ABS challenges and the Twins were successful on their one ABS challenge. I'm a little surprised teams aren't challenging more often, considering there are some bad/gullible umpires who routinely fall for catchers dramatically moving their gloves back in the strike zone. I guess with only 2 challenges, one would want to be pretty sure that the call is incorrect
• The Blue Jays were 0-3 with runners in scoring position\
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to end the home stand with a win and notch their 2nd series win of the season. Max Scherzer starts against Twins righty Taj Bradley.

Game #14 - Minnesota Twins (7-7) v. Toronto Blue Jays (6-7)

 

Game #13 - Minnesota Twins (7-7) @ Toronto Blue Jays (6-7) - game recap

 

Davis Schneider scored twice and drove in 2 runs in a 10-4 comeback win over the Twins

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After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays opened a series against the Twins. The Blue Jays took the season series last year outscoring the Twins 38-33. Patrick Corbin got the start with Patrick Valenzuela behind the plate. Davis Schneider was in LF and Jesus Sanchez was in RF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and start the weekend with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Twins took the lead in the top of the 1st as Ryan Jeffers whacked a 3-run blast to left-center; also scoring Austin Martin and Luke Keaschall
• The Twins added a run in the top of the 4th as Brooks Lee belted a solo jack to left
• The Blue jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Jesus Sanchez doubled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr 
• Two batters later, Davis Schneider doubled home Sanchez
• Two batters later, Andres Gimenez singled scoring Schneider
• A batter later, Brandon Valenzuela smashed a 2-run blast to right and into the Twins bullpen; also scoring Gimenez
• Patrick Corbin pitching line: 4IP 6H 4R (all earned) 1BB 3K 85 pitches (52 for strikes)
• Simeon Woods Richardson pitching line: 4IP 6H 5R (all earned) 1BB 2K 68 pitches (47 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 5th as Daulton Varsho drilled a solo blast to right-center
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Ernie Clement doubled scoring Schneider
• Three batters later, George Springer doubled scoring Clement
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottiom of the 7th as Schneider singled scoring Guerrero Jr.
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 8th as Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring Valenzuela
• Final score: Blue Jays 10 Twins 4

My Take:

• Paatrick Corbin battled through 4 innings, giving up 4 runs on 6 hits while walking 1 and striking out 3. The Blue Jays might have rushed him to play in the majors with the current health of the starting rotation with 8 starters either too hurt to play, playing hurt or very ill. If Corbin plays well, he might get a spot in the bullpen, but he won't be in the rotation when Jose Berrios, Trey Yesavage and Shane Bieber return from the IL.
• The bullpen slammed the door shut with 5 shutout innings, giving up 1 hit, walking 1 and striking out nine. Lefty Joe Mantiply, who struck out the side in his inning of work, was credited with the win. Brayden Fisher, who had 2 perfect innings and struck out 4 also deserves an honorable mention.
• The offense started rolling in the 5th inning and plated at leas one run in each of the last 4 innings. Davis Schneider (2RBI, 2 runs scored), Vlad (an RBI, 2 runs scored) and Brandon Valenzuela (2 runs scored, including a 2-run HR, the first of his big-league career) led the way. 
• Every Blue Jays starter except Kazuma Okamoto had a hit and either scored a run or drove in a run. It was a team effort tonight.
• The Twins were 1-2 on ABS challenges and the Blue Jays were 2-2 with ABS challenges.
• The Blue Jays were 5-14 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games and to notch their 2nd series win of the season. Eric Lauer starts against Twins righty Joe Ryan

Game #13 - Minnesota Twins (7-6) v. Toronto Blue Jays (5-7)

 

Game #12 Los Angeles Dodgers (9-2) v. Toronto Blue Jays (4-7)

Game #11 - LA Dodgers (9-2) @ Toronto Blue Jays (4-7) - game recap

 

Andres Gimenez drove in the Blue Jays only run in a 4-1 loss to the Dodgers

After a brutal blowout loss to the Dodgers after the bullpen imploded and the offense did next to nothing, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 5-game skid and avoid their 3rd series loss of the season. Lefty Patrick Corbin was activated from A-ball and lefty Josh Fleming was DFA'd. Addison Barger was placed on the 10-day IL with an ankle sprain and infielder Tyler Fitzgerald was recalled from AAA-ball. Alejandro Kirk had a screw placed in his thumb and is expected to miss 6 weeks. Cody Ponce could be done for the year after ACL surgery next week. Kevin Gausman got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Jesus Sanchez was in LF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Could the Blue Jays snap the 5-game skid and avoid their 3rd series loss of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Dodgers opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd as Shohei Ohtani singled scoring Hyeseong Kim
• Two batters later,  Alex Freeland scored on a fielder's choice hit by Will Smith
• The Dodgers added a run in the top of the 5th as Freeland singled home Kim
• John Schneider was ejected in the top of the 5th for arguing a balk call against Kevin Gausman
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 5.1IP 5H 3R (all earned) 2BB 5K 84 pitches (53 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 6th as George Springer doubled scoring Andres Gimenez
• Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitching line: 6IP 5H 1R (earned) 1BB 6K 97 pitches (66 for strikes)
• The Dodgers added a run in the top of the 9th as Kyle Tucker singled scoring Freeland
• Edwin Diaz pitched a scoreless 9th for his 4th save of the season
• Final score: Dodgers 4 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman threw 5.1 solid innings, giving up 3 runs on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 5. Other than the 3rd and 5th innings, Gausman held the Dodgers to a leadoff walk in the 1st to Shohei Ohtani. Very nice to see John Schneider defend him on a brutal balk call that eventually allowed the 3rd Dodger run to score. Gausman should be getting some Cy Young votes and early consideration to make the all-star team.
• The bullpen gave up a run on 3 hits while walking 1 and striking out 2. Louis Varland was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced. You simply cannot give up an insurance run to this team, which has shown why they won back-to-back world series.
• The Blue Jays offense continues to sputter. They are just 1-17 with the bases loaded. Myles Straw is the only one hitting over .300 and there are three players hitting below the Mendoza line, or .200 average: George Springer (.159), Daulton Varsho (.171), Nathan Lukes (.118) and Brandon Valenzuela (.143)
• The Blue Jays were 3-12 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 6 game losing streak and avoid being swept for the 2nd consecutive series. Dylan Cease starts against Dodgers righty Shohei Ohtani.

Game #11 Los Angeles Dodgers (8-2) v. Toronto Blue Jays (4-6)

 

Game #10 - LA Dodgers (8-2) @ Toronto Blue Jays (4-6) - game recap

 

Ernie Clement drove in a run in a 14-2 blowout loss to the Dodgers

After another tough loss to the White Sox thanks to an ailing Eric Lauer, who wasn't well enough to help the team, and the inept offence. Lefty Josh Fleming was added to the MLB roster. Righty Austin Voth was DFA'd. Max Scherzer got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Davis Schneider was in LF and Myles Straw was in RF. Could the Blue Jays start the week with a win and snap the four-game skid? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Dodgers opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Teoscar Hernandez whacked a 2-run blast to left; also scoring Kyle Tucker
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Ernie Clement singled scoring George Springer
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 2IP 2H 2R (both earned) 1BB 2K 36 pitches (24 for strikes)
• The Dodgers added a pair of runs in the top of the 3rd as Freddie Freeman belted a 2-run jack to right-center; also scoring Shohei Ohtani
• The Dodgers added a run in the top of the 4th on a sac fly by Tucker that scored Dalton Rushing 
• The Dodgers added a run in the top of the 5th on a double play ball hit by Alex Freeland that scored Max Muncy
• The Dodgers added a run in the top of the 6th as Ohtani hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• Four batters later, Alan Pages doubled scoring Tucker and Hernandez
• Justin Wrobleski pitching line: 5IP 2H 1R (earned) 4BB 2K 78 pitches (42 for strikes)
• The Dodgers added a run in the top of the 7th as Rushing whacked a solo blast to right-center
• Four batters later, Freeman doubled scoring Heyseong Kim
• A batter later Hernandez singled home Tucker and Freeman
• The Dodgers added a run in the top of the 8th as Rushing hammered a solo bomb to right-center
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 9th on a ground out hit by Andres Gimenez that scored Daulton Varsho
• Final score: Dodgers 14 Blue Jays 2

My Take:-

• Max Scherzer battled through 2 innings, giving up a pair of runs on 2 hits while walking 1 and striking out 2. His velocity was down and he gave up a 2-run HR to ex-Blue Jay Teoscar Hernandez, who knows the Rogers Centre well. Scherzer was forced to leave with forearm tightness, a classic precursor to UCL surgery. Apparently the team was so desperate for a starter that they let him pitch with the injury. A bit of deja vu, since Scherzer also didn't last long in his regular season debut last year. It's time to review the medical staff for letting players play hurt.
• The bullpen, running on fumes, gave up 12 runs on 15 hits while walking 4 and striking out 6 over the last 7 innings. To be fair, lower leverage relievers were used for the most part once the game was out of hand. The Blue Jays must have had a sense that Scherzer might not be able to go long since they recalled long reliever Josh Fleming, who gave the Blue Jays 3 innings. Tyler Heineman was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced.
• The offense, even at its peak, probably wouldn't have overcome this deficit, but scoring twice won't be enough to defeat a deep Dodgers roster, who showed why they are 2-time defending champs tonight
• The Blue Jays were 1-7 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 5-game losing streak and avoid their 3rd series loss of the season. Ace Kevin Gausman starts against Dodgers righty Yoshinobu Yamaoto, the MVP of last year's world series, who was basically unhittable in that series.

Game #10 Los Angeles Dodgers (7-2) v. Toronto Blue Jays (4-5)

 

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

 

After another loss thanks to Brendon Little blowing another lead, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 2-game skid and avoid being swept for the first time this season. Little and righty Lazaro Estrada were optioned to AAA-ball. Lefty Joe Mantiply and righty Austin Voth were recalled from AAA-ball. Righty Cody Ponce and outfielder Anthony Santander were transferred to the 60-day IL. Eric Lauer got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Nathan Lukes was in LF and Addison Barger was in RF. Could the Blue Jays snap the 3-game skid and avoid being swept for the first time this season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The White Sox opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Miguel Vargas tripled scoring Chase Miedroth 
• The White Sox added a run in the bottom of the 3rd as Lenyn Sosa doubled scoring Munetaka Murakami
• Eric Lauer pitching line: 2IP 3H 2R (both earned) 3BB 0K 49 pitches (26 for strikes)
• The White Sox added a run in the bottom of the 4th as Austin Hays singled scoring Luisangel Acuna
• Addison Barger left the game prior to the bottom of the 6th after injuring both ankles running the bases
• Davis Martin pitching line: 6IP 4H 0R 2BB 6K 85 pitches (57 for strikes)
• Chris Murphy pitched a scoreless 9th for his 1st save of the season
• Final score: White Sox 3 Blue Jays 0

My Take:

• Eric Lauer battled through 2 innings, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits while walking 3 and striking out none. A valiant effort despite being very ill to the point where he was struggling to keep smoothies down. The pressure is now on Max Scherzer to giving the Blue Jays some length as they begin an early season test against the defending World Series champs LA Dodgers. Could Lauer be asked to throw from the bullpen on Wednesday?
• The bullpen gave up a run on 5 hits while walking 1 and striking out 6 over the last 6 innings. Joe Mantiply retired every batter he faced. If he keeps pitching like that, he'll earn some opportunity in higher leverage situatiions.
• The offense contnues to sputter early on. George Springer (.158 average) is hitting himself out of the leadoff spot. Daulton Varsho, in a contract year, hitting .172. The Blue Jays batters aren't showing the patience at the plate they had last year or hitting the good pitches they were  in 2025. 
• And the injury bug continues to strike early and often. This time, Addison Barger hurt both ankles running the bases. Here's hoping the flight back doesn't cause any swelling.
• The Blue Jays were 0-6 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, an early season test in a rematch of last year's world series. The Dodger won the regular season series, outscoring the Blue Jays 18-7. Max Scherzer starts against Dodgers lefty Justin Wrobleski

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

Game Highlights:

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

   My Take:

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

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

 

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

 

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

Game Highlights:

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

My Take:

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

Game Highlights:

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

My Take:

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

Game Highlights:

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

My Take:

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

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

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

 

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

Game Highlights:

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

My Take:

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

Game Highlights:

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

My Take:

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

Game Highlights:

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

My Take:

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

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

 

volume SEVEN *

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Three Blue Jays to watch:

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

4. Three series to watch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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