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The Toronto Blue Jays showed up with the bats this week, yet still only went .500 on the week. They lost two for three against the Chicago White Sox and then turned it around by winning two of three against the Boston Red Sox, gaining ground on them in the standings.
This week was a prime example of the strengths and weaknesses of this ball club, an incredible offence with work needed at pitching, specifically in the bullpen. So, let’s take a look at some of the major highlights of the past week.
Offence explodes versus Red Sox
The Blue Jays scored 40 runs against the Red Sox in three games, including an 18-run game on Sunday afternoon. That game saw the Blue Jays hit eight home runs at Fenway Park, the most any visitor has hit in the iconic ballpark in one game.
It seemed like everybody in the lineup was hot this series. It’s yet another crazy reminder the Blue Jays are doing all of this without George Springer in the lineup. This might be the best offensive team in baseball right now, and hopefully, they don’t slow down for a while.
The Kids catch fire
Sunday was only the second time ever that all three of Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Bo Bichette, and Cavan Biggio hit a home run in the same game.
The first time was on Saturday.
These three represent the next decade of Blue Jays baseball. They came up through the system together and are now becoming excellent major league players together. Toronto has something special with these three players, and management has done a great job at surrounding them with great hitters to create one scary lineup.
Pitching needs help
The Blue Jays were leading 5-1 heading into the bottom of the sixth on Friday night, and proceeded to blow their lead and lose 6-5.
The Bullpen is struggling, and the offence has made it clear to Atkins that they are ready to compete. The pressure is now on him to find bullpen help to get this team into a playoff spot. There is still plenty of time left in the regular season, and the Blue Jays are still very much in the playoff hunt.
It would be very disappointing to have an offensive season like the Blue Jays are having, with a potential AL MVP, and end up missing the playoff due to the bullpen. We will see what the Blue Jays do to address that before the trade deadline.
Looking Ahead
The Blue Jays are set to finish up their four-game series against the Red Sox on Monday night before hosting the New York Yankees for a three-game set starting on Tuesday. They then head to Baltimore to play the Orioles for the first time this season. That’s series begins on Friday, and with seven games in seven nights, all against divisional opponents, this is shaping up to be a massive week for the Blue Jays.