When the Toronto Blue Jays returned home for the first time since September 2019, there was excitement around the team. They feature a powerful lineup starring reigning All-Star Game MVP Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Their double-play combination of Marcus Semien and Bo Bichette is, perhaps, the best in baseball. The starting pitching, led by a Robbie Ray revival and buoyed by the debut of Alek Manoah, has been solid.
Who knows where this #BlueJays season goes. Playoffs certainly within reach. Or things may not go according to plan. Either way: great for #BlueJays fans in Toronto & ?? to be able to witness games in person again. Real buzz at Rogers Centre last nighthttps://t.co/Of2OIEuLwP
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) August 7, 2021
However, their record at that point in the season was 51-48. They were trailing the AL East division by 9.5 games and were 4.5 back in the wild-card chase. I was only a few days removed from writing an article suggesting they stand pat at the trade deadline. Boy was I wrong and I couldn’t be happier! The Jays have completed a 9-2 homestand, are seven games out of first, and just three back of the wild card.
George Springs Into Action
It’s only fitting that the player leading the charge is George Springer, the team’s big free-agent signing this offseason. His huge, three-run homer capped off a furious comeback against the Boston Red Sox that ended in a 9-8 Blue Jays win. His blast sent the 15,000 rabid fans at Rogers Centre into a frenzy and provided Springer with a signature moment with his new team.
WELCOME TO THE SUMMER OF GEORGE! #SPRINGERDINGER pic.twitter.com/LqyXagoPsW
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 8, 2021
Even though he missed much of the first three months of the season, Springer has made a decisive impact so far. Since the All-Star break, he’s hitting. 360 with 9 home runs and 22 RBI. He’s also scored 25 runs, hit nine doubles, and recorded an OPS of 1.218 over 23 games. Springer’s most impressive stat though has to be his team’s record in games he’s played in 26-16 (winning percentage: .615). The Jays have gone 34-34 in games he hasn’t suited up for.
So nice, he did it twice!
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 9, 2021
King George makes #BlueJays HISTORY ? pic.twitter.com/w2IKtAnest
Walk It Off
Springer wasn’t the only Blue Jays player to end a game with a walk-off homer this weekend. Semien launched the first pitch he saw from Boston closer Matt Barnes into the right-field seats. His bomb clinched the first half of Saturday’s doubleheader. Although it was his first career walk-off hit, it was one of many scintillating moments for Semien in blue this season.
? MARCUS SEMIEN WITH A WALK OFF BOMB ?#BlueJaysOnSN | #WeAreBlueJays pic.twitter.com/g4CZaNIovK
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 7, 2021
He’s on track to have the best season by a Blue Jays’ second baseman ever. His big fly on Saturday was his 26th for the campaign. He leads the American League with 30 doubles. He’s got 11 stolen bases while being caught just once. He trails only Guerrero Jr. and Shohei Ohtani in total bases, with 233. He’s been an excellent defender (dWar 1.6) and a clubhouse leader. He’s got his chance to test the market as a free agent after the season. Here’s hoping the ability to play in front of the fans in Toronto keeps them in the mix to retain his services.
Right This Way, Jose
Blue Jays fans were delighted to see their hometown team for the first time in nearly a year. Many of the players were also playing in front of those fans for the first time too. Included among those are newly acquired starting pitcher Jose Berrios.
What could Alek Manoah learn from Blue Jays teammate Jose Berrios, who’s put together an enviable resume with a similar tool set? @NickAshbourne looks at a couple of lessons from the veteran’s career that could be helpful to the up-and-comer ⤵️https://t.co/ib0RJpMakv
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 9, 2021
He’s the player the team traded for rather than take my advice and do nothing. He made his Jays debut last Sunday and didn’t disappoint. Berrios tossed a six-inning, five-hit, no runs gem and earned the win over Kansas City. He also started the second half of the doubleheader Saturday night. Although he suffered the loss, his stat line was virtually identical and he’s only given up one run over 12 innings as a Jay.
Exclusive Club
Blue Jays fans have likely noticed a new ritual that has blossomed in the team’s dugout recently. After a player hits a home run, he dons a stylish, dark blue suit jacket. On the back are the words “Gente de Barrio” a Spanish phrase that translates to “people of the neighborhood”. Also featured on the back are the different countries of all of the members of the team.
? @yunitogurriel CANNOT BELIEVE how good the Home Run Jacket looks on Springer ? pic.twitter.com/tDg5hgntPY
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 4, 2021
This isn’t the first team tradition involving gimmicks and home runs. The Red Sox players take a ride in the laundry cart following homers. The swag chain has become a thing in San Diego. I’ve been enjoying watching players put on the jacket and I’m sure I’m not the only one.
How awesome is this? Dress for the job you want ? pic.twitter.com/sidZJgHEjQ
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 8, 2021
One Big Win & One Fun Fact
Sunday’s dramatic win had a playoff intensity to it. It had to be their most impressive victory of the season. All year, they had found ways to lose games like that. Finally, the Jays found a way to win. The starters had given the team a great chance all homestand, with a 1.34 ERA entering Sunday. Hyun-Jin Ryu just didn’t have his best stuff, surrendering a career-high-tying 10 hits and seven earned runs.
Patrick Murphy allowed all three inherited runners to score and Kirby Snead allowed another run in the sixth. Toronto continued to chip away at the lead, all leading up to Springer’s big shot. For a team to have a truly special season, they have to win a few games they have no business winning. The Jays have a couple of those wins. They probably need a few more because they still have their work cut out for them.
the @BlueJays bottom of the eighth as told by @yunitogurriel pic.twitter.com/mTLaBjPZIP
— Cut4 (@Cut4) August 8, 2021
The Blue Jays now have walk-off wins at TD Ballpark, Sahlen Field, and Rogers Centre. They’re the first team to have walk-off wins in three different stadiums since the Baltimore Orioles in 1898. That’s a defunct team and not one associated with the current AL East cellar-dweller.
The Blue Jays now have walk-off wins at the Rogers Centre, TD Ballpark and Sahlen Field this season.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 7, 2021
They are the 1st team to have walk-off wins at 3 different ballparks since the 1898 Baltimore Orioles, a defunct team not associated with the current Orioles.
h/t @EliasSports pic.twitter.com/P3N81VDLEw
