As if there’s any need for more evidence of Blue Jays fever sweeping the city, ticket sellers are demanding – and getting – prices well above face value on the resale market for the soldout, three-game series against the New York Yankees this weekend.
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But the Langley, B.C., native wasn’t too fazed by being in the tighter confines of the visitors’ clubhouse. Which means you respect future considerations while juggling your one-year plan and your five-year plan. “At any point in time, (batters) 1 through 9, we have guys that understand the situation and what they’re trying to accomplish”. Cleveland’s as good a place as any to get back on track. “It’s nice to be here”.
As a Canadian-born player, Lawrie was always considered a fan favourite during his time in Toronto. Since his return, Ellsbury’s strikeout numbers have doubled and he is striking out at a career-high rate.
Brewers right-handed starter Taylor Jungmann (6-4) worked just 2 2/3 innings – his shortest outing of the season – as Milwaukee dropped its third in four games.
“It was a great time”, he said.
Along with most observers, Gibbons said he did not expect Stroman to pitch this year after what the club announced as “season-ending surgery” in March.
The Blue Jays wore their original front-panel cap for both home and away games from 1977 through 1988.
“We have one vision I think collectively”, said Toronto designated hitter Chris Colabello, who played a key role in Toronto’s win over Oakland with two doubles and a single in four at-bats. “When I (say) stay under control, I thought I did a better job of that”.
Speaking in typical, rapid-fire fashion, Brett Lawrie said Tuesday he was happy to be back in Toronto, but he wasn’t especially concerned about how Jays’ fans would greet him.
The fact there’s a chance that Stroman could make it back this season is something Gibbons never envisioned.
But he’s not banking on that, either.
At this late stage of the season, the Blue Jays believe as long as they take care of their own business their playoff dreams will become fruition.
“He’s better than he’s thrown”, Gibbons said. “I’ve got a lot of confidence in God, and what I got”.
As for their game against the A’s, it was a redemption of sorts for starter Drew Hutchison, who despite a record that has now improved to 11-2, has pitched inconsistently this season.
Colin Rea (1-0), in his major-league debut, pitched five-plus innings and allowed three runs on seven hits. This type of production has not only helped the Blue Jays play themselves to the top of the Wild Card position but also has Donaldson in position to fight for his first MVP award.
NOTES: Blue Jays DH/1B Edwin Encarnacion (sore left middle finger) did not start for the second game in a row Tuesday. The problem with that plan is nobody can predict how Saturday’s game will play out and how much usage of the bullpen will be required.
Jeff Gyorko hit a two-run homer and had four RBIs while San Diego was building an 11-0 lead by the third inning of an 11-6 rout of Cincinnati.
Toronto starting pitchers have held the opposition to three earned runs or fewer in 15 consecutive games. The Rangers led 2-0 on a two-run homer by Elvis Andrus, but Minnesota tied it on RBI doubles by Joe Mauer and Miguel Sano in the eighth.
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The New York left fielder was hit in the back of the head but not hurt when a fan threw back a ball that Toronto slugger Jose Bautista had launched for a home run.
