The Toronto Blue Jays are gearing up for a crucial match against the Boston Red Sox, hoping to avoid a sweep and maintain their slight lead in the AL East. With a record tied with the New York Yankees at 90-68, the Blue Jays need to win to preserve their first-place standing due to a favorable tiebreaker. The stakes are high, as securing the division would provide a first-round bye in the playoffs.
In a twist of circumstances, the Blue Jays have decided to start Louis Varland for the upcoming game. Varland, primarily a bullpen pitcher, hasn’t thrown more than two innings in a match this season, indicating that the Blue Jays are leaning towards a bullpen strategy for the game. Complicating matters, Chris Bassitt remains on the injured list, and Shane Bieber’s start is pushed to Friday for additional rest.
Manager John Schneider acknowledges the fluid situation, hinting at varied strategies to manage the pitching lineup, especially with starters like Jose Berrios and Tommy Nance unavailable. Potential relief options include Eric Lauer, who could pitch for a couple of innings, alongside other rested bullpen members like Jeff Hoffman and Seranthony Dominguez.
Beyond pitching, the team’s offensive struggles have been evident, with issues in scoring runs being more pressing than lineup decisions. Addressing this challenge will be key for the Blue Jays as they face the resilient Red Sox.
In lighter news concerning team dynamics, outfielder Myles Straw showed camaraderie by welcoming Seojun Moon, a promising young prospect from Korea, to the team. The Blue Jays’ acquisition of Moon, alongside Straw’s arrival, was facilitated through a trade that some initially criticized. As Moon possesses a bright future, this trade could potentially become a highlight for the team.
On the strategic side, Schneider expressed some ambivalence about the benefits of a first-round bye. Despite its advantages, he noted that teams entering as wild cards often ride a wave of momentum. While the rest could benefit the players physically, keeping the team’s competitive edge sharp is also essential.
The immediate focus, however, remains on maintaining their lead in the AL East and staying competitive in this critical phase of the season. With past experiences proving the volatility of short playoff series, the Blue Jays would benefit significantly from securing the secure path a division win would provide.