Canada Sport News

Blue Jays struggle to generate offense following significant roster change
  • Game coverage - recap
    •

    Blue Jays struggle to generate offense following significant roster change

    OAKLAND, Calif. — The Toronto Blue Jays began deviating from their plans in the middle of May, elevating Davis Schneider to the leadoff spot in place of George Springer while also dropping Bo Bichette. Last week, they cut a little deeper by optioning Erik Swanson to triple-A Buffalo and a few days later crossed a long-held no-go by twice starting Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at third base, so that Daniel Vogelbach could get some run. 

    On Friday came the deepest and most jarring change yet when Cavan Biggio, the homegrown utilityman who graduated to the majors in 2019 with much of the current core, was designated for assignment. Up in his place is Spencer Horwitz, who’s raked at triple-A Buffalo all season long but finally forced the front office’s hand with an 11-game, 87-inning crash course at second base, a position he’d only played seven times in four pro seasons prior.

    So, you wanted changes? You wanted the team to do something? Well, the changes are here. Let’s get weird.

    MLB on Sportsnet


    Watch the Toronto Blue Jays, Blue Jays Central pre-game, marquee MLB matchups, Jays in 30, original documentaries, the wild card, divisional series, championship series and entire World Series on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.

    Broadcast schedule

    “You know, you look up and you are where you are and you evaluate, OK, what have we been doing? Has it been working? Has it not? Is it time to try something else? That’s kind of where we were,” manager John Schneider said of the through line through the changes. “With Swanny, I wish everyone could have heard the conversation with him and how professional he was and him knowing he needed to get right in order to help us. Vladdy understanding that third base is doable for him and it’s a way to help the team. Everyone’s on the same page with that and everyone here just wants to win.”

    The latest manoeuvring didn’t produce a victory Friday night, as JJ Bleday homered on Chad Green’s first pitch of the ninth inning, giving the Oakland Athletics a 2-1, walk-off win. 

    Chris Bassitt, pitching in Oakland against his former team for the third time since being traded away, allowed just one run on a wild pitch in the sixth inning over eight brilliant innings.

    But the offence was kept at bay again, the Blue Jays managing just a Bichette RBI single in the seventh, cashing in a Guerrero double.

    More from Sportsnet
    Blue Jays’ first-inning woes continue, cement second-longest scoreless streak


    Blue Jays’ Alek Manoah to undergo UCL surgery, will miss remainder of season

    The Toronto Blue Jays have been facing a major challenge in generating offense following a significant roster change. After losing key players in the offseason, including star outfielder George Springer and veteran infielder Marcus Semien, the team has been struggling to find their rhythm at the plate.

    The absence of Springer and Semien, who were both known for their power hitting and ability to drive in runs, has left a noticeable void in the Blue Jays’ lineup. Without their presence, the team has had difficulty putting runs on the board and sustaining rallies.

    In addition to the loss of key players, injuries have also played a role in the Blue Jays’ offensive struggles. Several key players, including Bo Bichette and Teoscar Hernandez, have missed time due to injuries, further depleting the team’s offensive firepower.

    As a result, the Blue Jays have seen a significant drop in their offensive production compared to previous seasons. The team’s batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage have all taken a hit, leading to a decrease in runs scored and a higher rate of strikeouts.

    To address these issues, the Blue Jays will need to rely on their remaining offensive weapons to step up and fill the void left by Springer and Semien. Players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Randal Grichuk, and Cavan Biggio will need to elevate their performance at the plate and provide consistent production to help spark the team’s offense.

    Additionally, the Blue Jays may need to explore potential trades or roster moves to bolster their lineup and add depth to their offensive arsenal. Acquiring a proven hitter or promoting prospects from their minor league system could help inject new life into the team’s offense and provide a much-needed boost.

    Overall, the Blue Jays’ struggles to generate offense following significant roster changes highlight the importance of having a strong and balanced lineup. With key players missing and injuries taking their toll, the team will need to find creative solutions to overcome these challenges and get back on track offensively.