Blue Jays implode in the ninth: Takeaways from Monday’s loss

When cooler heads prevailed between the Blue Jays and Yankees after a benches-clearing altercation in the second inning, it looked like Toronto had an open road to the series sweep with style.

New York’s starter, manager, and pitching coach were ejected, and radio hosts across Canada were already practicing the word “galvanized” for describing the win the next morning. Then cameras cut to Joaquin Benoit limping off the field.

Joaquin Benoit

An update on Benoit is expected at some point today, but the veteran right-handed reliever appeared to have some lower-body discomfort while leaving the field and, prior to reaching the dugout steps, needed a hand from a teammate. If this injury develops into something serious — which, at this point of the seasons, means any missed time at all — then the Blue Jays lost something much bigger than a baseball game.

Benoit has been one of baseball’s better relievers since coming over in a classic “change of scenery” deal for struggling reliever Drew Storen. In 25 appearances he’s allowed just one earned run, giving him a 0.38 ERA with Toronto and solidifying him in a late-inning role. The almighty and all-misunderstood code of baseball must be eternally upheld (don’t ask why, we don’t have time), but for a second-inning skirmish with a team that will be watching the playoffs from home, some things aren’t worth it.

Jason Grilli

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Entering the ninth, Jason Grilli was called upon to close the game with Roberto Osuna getting a night of rest. It went as poorly as it could have, with Grilli blowing the save, blowing the lead, and allowing four earned runs in the process.

Two home runs accounted for much of the damage, and that has been a bigger issue for Grilli in that past three seasons than it was earlier in his career. Grilli also had an ugly outing on September 6th against these same Yankees (0.2 IP, 4 ER, HR), but otherwise, he’s been clean. Do the Blue Jays let hesitation creep in after Grilli dropped this win, or will John Gibbons go right back to the well with confidence that these were outliers?

The Offence

It was easily ignored when the Blue Jays held the lead — all things are — but the Blue Jays’ offence was awfully quiet until the final inning of the game. Toronto managed just six hits on the night, and while they did produce eight walks, their missed opportunities with runners on base ultimately cost them as Grilli could have used a little more insurance.

The good news for Toronto is that strikeouts were not their downfall, as has been the case for most of this season.

On Deck

Tuesday night brings a battle of strong, young starters as Aaron Sanchez (13-2, 3.12 ERA) faces Kevin Gausman (8-11, 3.57). First pitch is scheduled for 7:07 p.m. ET in Baltimore.