The Toronto Blue Jays return home to the Rogers Centre on Friday to kick off a three-game set against the Detroit Tigers. After taking two-of-three from the Texas Rangers, the Blue Jays now sit 1.5 games ahead of the New York Yankees in the AL East. The days are growing short in late August, which leaves meaningful September baseball right around the corner. What a time to be alive! To kick off your Friday, enjoy a cup of the Morning Brew, and enjoy the weekend of baseball!
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Mixed messages on Tolleson – A bit of a strange situation developing between the Blue Jays and infielder Steve Tolleson, who was designated for assignment on July 1st. Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi reports that the move is being “considered by the player’s union”, but that no grievance has been filed at this point. Something seems off. The issue is regarding whether or not Tolleson was fully recovered from his groin injury at the time he was designated.
Alex Anthopoulos recently commented on Tolleson while discussing the injury to Devon Travis and addition of Cliff Pennington, saying that “Steve Tolleson just decided he didn’t want to play anymore.” Tolleson’s agent took issue with this, responding that “If the question is did Steve Tolleson decide not to play, then absolutely not. He’s working to get back on the field as fast as he possibly can. He’s put in a lot of blood, sweat and tears.” Stay tuned!
No more trades!? – According to this article from Gregor Chisholm from MLB.com, the Blue Jays will not be making any further additions ahead of the August 31st waiver trade deadline. “I’d say unlikely at this point,” Anthopoulos said Wednesday. “We have five days left, anything can happen, but right now I wouldn’t expect us to do anything.”
The club had been rumored to be in the market for an outfielder to compliment Ben Revere in left field, but with Dalton Pompey likely rejoining the club in September, there’s little sense in parting with an asset. Marcus Stroman could also quality as this deadline’s “addition” quite soon.
Started from the bottom – I was thrilled to see this article from TSN’s Scott MacArthur, which details the contributions that Toronto has received from the bottom of the order. From Devon Travis to Kevin Pillar and the recent surges of Ryan Goins and Ben Revere, the Blue Jays have not given opposing pitchers a place to catch their breath.
The Jays 7-to-9 hitters lead the American League in runs scored with 196 and rank first in OBP at .324. Lineups over the past several seasons have featured a dead zone at the bottom, and while the credit has deservedly gone to the big bats, there’s no such thing as too much love for these secondary contributors.
Next: Could Gibbons take a run at the AL Manager of the Year?