Toronto Blue Jays ride Hutchison’s brilliance to opening win

Drew Hutchison stole the show on Monday night as the Toronto Blue Jays shut out the Chicago White Sox 6-0 at the Rogers Centre.  Hutchison threw a complete game shutout, allowing just four hits while striking out nine.

This continues a surprising streak of deep starts by the Toronto Blue Jays rotation that is well-timed given the health of their lineup.  Jose Reyes did return after his DL stint on Monday, but waits to be joined by Jose Bautista, Devon Travis and Michael Saunders from the trainer’s room.

Toronto’s shutout win was their most complete game of the season in all three phases.  The defence worked, the offence clicked and Drew Hutchison left no doubt.  The Blue Jays will now look to lock up the series win on Tuesday when they send R.A. Dickey to the mound.

Game Notes:

Jose Reyes returned to the lineup and made himself immediately noticed, slapping a double to right field in his first plate appearance.  His presence at shortstop alone is critical, but the greatest value of his return is the balance it should begin to offer this lineup.  As much as we love

Munenori Kawasaki

, his presence in an MLB lineup just isn’t a sign of good things.

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While Reyes isn’t a stud defensively, his return along with Donaldson at third, Goins at second and Smoak at first produced a very solid infield behind Hutchison.

  • People continue to get their thrills by pointing out Chris Colabello‘s inflated BABIP.  Thankfully, those of us who choose to enjoy his hot streak rather than question it were rewarded with a line-drive single that cashed in the first two runs of the night.
  • The return of Jose Bautista to right field will allow for more Justin Smoak, and that’s a good thing.  Smoak went deep to right in the first to extend the Blue Jays lead to 4-0.
  • Josh Donaldson shook off his ugly Sunday performance with a deep drive of his own, sending his 10th home run of the season to centre field in the second.
  • MVJ:  Drew Hutchison

    Next: Complete series preview: Blue Jays host White Sox

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