Rays @ Jays Game Thread - Bluebird Banter
The Toronto Blue Jays recently experienced a significant loss to the Tampa Bay Rays, marking their seventh defeat in eight encounters with the Rays this season. This outcome has led to discussions about the team’s performance and potential roster changes as the trade deadline approaches.
The game on Tuesday night saw the Blue Jays fall 12-2 to Tampa Bay, pushing their season record to 46-55. The atmosphere at the stadium was notably subdued, with boos heard as the Rays extended their lead. This performance included the Blue Jays‘ first extra-base hit since Saturday and three errors, marking the second consecutive night with such a defensive showing.
Gausman’s situation amidst trade deadline
Kevin Gausman, a key pitcher for the Blue Jays, is a subject of trade speculation as the August 3 deadline nears. Despite his professionalism and positive impact on the city, his future with the team is uncertain. Gausman possesses the ability to block trades to several teams, including the Reds, Brewers, Tigers, Mets, A’s, White Sox, Pirates, and Mariners. However, he is reportedly unlikely to veto a trade if it means joining a competitive team with playoff aspirations.
His start on Tuesday might have been his final home game with the Blue Jays, though he is scheduled to start Sunday in Boston before the trade deadline. In his first start since the all-star break, Gausman retired the initial two batters he faced. However, the game quickly shifted, with a 38-pitch first inning that included a mound visit from pitching coach Pete Walker. During this inning, Gausman allowed four hits and one walk, resulting in three runs for the Rays.
His outing was cut short, ending one out into the fourth inning. Gausman concluded his night having thrown 90 pitches, allowing nine hits and five runs, with four of them earned. Regardless of what the immediate future holds, Gausman has been a dependable and reliable player, leaving a lasting impression both on and off the field during his fifth season with the Blue Jays.
Offensive struggles and roster adjustments
The Blue Jays‘ offensive struggles have been a recurring theme this season. Entering Tuesday’s game, the team held the distinction of being the only club among the 30 teams not to have reached the 400-run total. This offensive futility was evident in the first inning of the recent game, which served as a microcosm of the team’s challenges. Despite loading the bases, the Blue Jays were unable to convert, with Daulton Varsho popping out and Kazuma Okamoto striking out.
In an attempt to spark the offence, manager John Schneider made several lineup changes. These included Nathan Lukes leading off and Ernie Clement batting third. An unscheduled change occurred when Jonatan Clase was a late scratch due to left foot discomfort, leading to Myles Straw starting in left field and batting ninth. Lukes recorded his third infield hit in two games to start the bottom of the first inning, and Clement followed with a single. George Springer then singled to load the bases.
The team’s roster has also seen recent adjustments. Lazaro Estrada was sent back to Buffalo, and Jonatan Clase was placed on the IL with plantar fasciitis. Conversely, Yohendrick Pinango and CJ Van Eyk have returned to the roster. The Blue Jays had scored a combined two runs in their previous three games before Tuesday night’s contest.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. also faced a challenging night, going 0-for-4, which marked his third consecutive game without a hit. His average dipped to .256, and his OPS slid to .688. He struck out on a called third strike in his first at-bat, a call confirmed by the ABS system after a challenge. He later stranded a runner at third base in the fifth inning.
The third game of the four-game series against the Rays presents another opportunity for the Blue Jays to secure a home victory. Since the all-star break, the team has a record of 1-4, and their overall home record for the season stands at 25-29. Wednesday night’s game is being promoted as a Stranger Things Specialty Ticket event.
Source: bluebirdbanter.com
