From Toronto Blue Jays On SI · · 1m 40s
Blue Jays keep Vlad third for must-win Tigers game
After a late collapse against Detroit, Toronto rolls out a familiar lineup with its wild-card hopes tightening.
In brief
After a late collapse against Detroit, Toronto rolls out a familiar lineup with its wild-card hopes tightening. Toronto’s playoff push depends on turning traffic into runs, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has to stop ending rallies from the No. 3 spot. Originally reported by Toronto Blue Jays On SI.
A win got away
Toronto controlled most of Monday’s opener against Detroit, then watched it unravel late in a painful loss to a weaker American League opponent.
“it ended in a heartbreaker”
The race is messy
The Blue Jays are still chasing the final wild-card spot, but their inability to stay above .500 is turning every slip into a bigger problem.
“nobody really wants to play baseball next month”
Early chances vanished
Toronto put steady pressure on Troy Melton and forced him out after 2.2 innings, but two bases-loaded threats produced nothing.
“they never cashed in”
Detroit hung around
The Jays could have led 5-0 by the third. Instead, Detroit stayed close long enough for its offense to flip the game late.
“when a team can hang around”
The bullpen was thin
Missed scoring chances mattered more because Tyler Rogers and Mason Fluharty were unavailable after pitching on back-to-back days.
“key high-leverage relievers unavailable”
Time to answer
The loss left Toronto needing an immediate response Tuesday night, with little room for another flat finish.
“this team needs to bounce back Tuesday night”
Lineup stays steady
The top of the order remains mostly intact: Brett Bateman, George Springer, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Alejandro Kirk, then Nathan Lukes.
“the top of the order has looked pretty dang strong”
Vlad stays third
Guerrero remains in the No. 3 spot despite a brutal Monday, when he repeatedly came up with runners on and failed to deliver.
“continues to kill rallies as the third man”
Everything turns on Vlad
Toronto’s path gets shaky if Guerrero does not find his swing fast. Even a playoff berth would feel fragile without his bat producing in big spots.
“Things have to turn around, and in a hurry.”
What matters most
Toronto’s playoff push depends on turning traffic into runs, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has to stop ending rallies from the No. 3 spot.
