Frank Zicarelli

To say Monday's meeting against the Baltimore Orioles served as some kind of a measuring stick for the Blue Jays would be stretching it a bit too far.

Eventually, a moment will arrive when some hard decisions must be made, whether it involves the roster or management, perhaps both. Article content

Blue Jays starter Yusei Kikuchi brought the heat while Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had a heated moment following a called third strike that nearly got him tossed had manager John Schneider not interjected.

Advertisement 1 Share this Story : Jordan Romano serves up walk-off homer as Blue Jays suffer devastating loss to Orioles Jordan Romano serves up walk-off homer as Blue Jays suffer devastating loss to Orioles Author of the article: Article content Blue Jays starter Yusei Kikuchi brought the heat while Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had a heated moment following a called third strike that nearly got him tossed had manager John Schneider not interjected. Advertisement 2 Article content Jordan Romano serves up walk-off homer as Blue Jays suffer devastating loss to Orioles Back to video Baseball's regular season has yet to heat up, a time normally reserved for pennant runs and playoff posturing. Article content Heck, the Jays find themselves in the AL East basement. Still, their stay in Baltimore — which featured the second game of a three-game series being called because of rain — did have a different feel, the kind of feel that makes one pine for the playoffs. Daulton Varsho stole the show in Monday's series opener when he prevented a homer, hit a homer and then knocked in the winning run in the 10th inning. As good as Monday's game was, Wednesday's series finale was even been better on multiple levels because it featured everything baseball has to offer, including the misery of losing and the exhilaration of victory. Advertisement 3 Article content Tough losses have characterized the Jays, but none was as tough in watching Adley Rutschman taking Jordan Romano deep for a walk-off homer that gave Baltimore its 3-2 win on what was Rutschman's third long ball of the series. The Jays had more than their share of chances, but their maligned and measly offence once again abandoned them. Five hits would be recorded, including two by Bo Bichette, who drove in both runs. Toronto's pitching was very good — elite, in fact — until Romano, whose ninth inning began with a weird bounce that placed the leadoff runner at first on an infield hit. On Monday, Rutschman went yard on solo blasts. A solo shot Wednesday would only have tied the game. The game had so many twists and turns, tension and drama, capped off by the walk-off blast. Advertisement 4 Article content Kikuchi showed his athletic side in making a bareheaded catch before stepping on the bag at first base for the out. It continued with a stellar Zach Popp, who came in relief — surprisingly, it must be added — when Schneider pulled Kikuchi with one out in the fifth inning. It would follow with Yimi Garcia keeping the O's scoreless despite the bases being loaded. Tim Mayza followed suit before Romano gave it all away. SIX-CESS Bichette's bat became a predictable topic of conversation when he struggled, seemingly looking lost at the plate and even getting tossed for the first time in his career on a called third strike when the Jays recently were in Washington. His track record is pretty indisputable. In other words, it only was a matter of time before Bichette began to find his groove. Advertisement 5 Article content When he led off the second inning with a hit, Bichette extended his streak to six games. Having recorded a season-high three hits in Monday's series opener, Bichette banged out his second hit in successive at-bats against O's starter Kyle Bradish. This one cashed in two runs when Bichette went the opposite field on a two-out double, his sixth of the season, in the top of the third inning to give the Jays a 2-1 lead. In his previous 17 games heading into Wednesday, Bichette had driven in three combined runs. BY GEORGE, HE'S BACK At no point has Toronto's order featured Davis Schneider at leadoff with George Springer being available. Springer was one of a handful of players feeling under the weather Monday, paving the way for Schneider to leadoff. Advertisement 6 Article content Springer returned to the lineup Wednesday and was back to his familiar role at leadoff at a time when he should be moved down in the order based on how little he has produced. After leading off the game with a groundout, Springer stepped up to the plate with one out in the third inning. His 10-pitch at-bat saw him foul off four two-strike pitches. Springer then caught a much-needed break when a soft liner hit the top of the bag at third base that resulted in a double, his first extra-base hit since April 29. Schneider stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded in the fifth inning with two outs. The count went full and, after fouling off a pitch, Schneider flew out to left field on a soft liner. Advertisement 7 Article content CHRIS CROSSED Had the rain not reigned supreme Tuesday in Baltimore, Chris Bassitt would have started for the Blue Jays in what should have been the second game of a three-game set. Instead, the game was postponed, to be made up as part of a traditional doubleheader on July 29. The Jays could have elected to start Bassitt on Wednesday, but decided to keep Kikuchi on turn. As a result, Bassitt is scheduled to take the bump Friday when Tampa visits Rogers Centre. It should be pointed out that Bassitt has not fared that well in Baltimore, yielding five home runs in three starts. The O's are also a lefty-centric lineup so, in theory, Kikuchi seemed like a logical choice. As that sage Mike Tyson once opined: “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” Advertisement 8 Article content One batter into Kikuchi's outing and he was taken deep by Jordan Westburg, who went the opposite field in recording his seventh long ball of the season. Gunnar Henderson, a switch hitter, was at the top of Baltimore's order when the series began with Jose Berrios on the mound for the Jays. Berrios gave up two home runs, solo shots off the bat of Rutschman, who hit second in Wednesday's order. Kikuchi struck out Rutschman and then struck out Ryan Mountcastle. Following a two-out walk to Henderson, Jays pitching coach Pete Walker made a mound visit. As for Bassitt, he'll pitch on an evening dubbed “Country Night.” Adding to Friday's occasion is the start coincides with “Hound on the Mound'' bobblehead giveaway night. Bassitt previously pitched on May 8, when he gave up three hits over 6.1 innings in earning the win in Philadelphia. When the Jays opened the season with a four-game stay in Tampa, Bassitt yielded five runs (four earned) in five innings when the Rays beat the Jays. Article content Share this article in your social network Share this Story : Jordan Romano serves up walk-off homer as Blue Jays suffer devastating loss to Orioles Comments Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Latest National Stories News Near Elliot Lake This Week in Flyers

In the aftermath of a stunning walk-off loss to the host Baltimore Orioles, Bo Bichette tried to put a positive spin on a season that seems to be spinning out of control.

Advertisement 1 Share this Story : Blue Jays running out of time and options for kick-starting offensive offence Blue Jays running out of time and options for kick-starting offensive offence Author of the article: Article content In the aftermath of a stunning walk-off loss to the host Baltimore Orioles, Bo Bichette tried to put a positive spin on a season that seems to be spinning out of control. Advertisement 2 Article content Blue Jays running out of time and options for kick-starting offensive offence Back to video “We've played with more life,” Bichette told reporters. “Not just in this series, but back home against Minnesota, too. Article content “There's just a bit more energy, no matter what the score was or the point in the game.” When teams are scuffling, any encouraging sign must be embraced. The issue is that the Blue Jays, who had Thursday off, require much more than the occasional moment when they have a quality team such as the O's on the ropes only to have their hearts ripped apart on a two-run home run. There's a reason why Baltimore has not lost a single series in two years, a reason why the Jays have now gone seven straight without claiming a series win as they begin a weekend set against Tampa followed by a visit by the Chicago White Sox. Advertisement 3 Article content For the Blue Jays, it starts and ends with their offence. Entering Thursday's play, the team ranks 29th in runs scored (152), which is only better than the woeful Chisox. In terms of home runs, the team is tied for 26th with 35, which is just over half as many as league-leading Baltimore (64). The O's began Wednesday's game by taking Yusei Kikuchi deep and then ended the afternoon by going yard off Jordan Romano. Daulton Varsho represented the Jays' offence in Monday's series-opening win that required extra innings, while Bichette picked up the torch by driving in both runs in Wednesday's gut-punch setback. During the series — which was interrupted by rain when the middle game was postponed — Bichette had five hits, including two in the finale when Toronto produced a combined five knocks. Advertisement 4 Article content The topic of hitting has been an issue that can be traced back to last season when too many runners in scoring position were left on base, too few homers produced, too few runs scored, magnified when Toronto's bats went completely silent during the Jays wild-card sweep at the hands of the Minnesota Twins. Clearly and obviously, nothing tangible will change with this club unless something changes at the plate. Whether they can make that change remains the big unknown. Based on the evidence, not many are holding their breath. There was a time when Justin Turner and Varsho were carrying the Jays offence. During a game against Kansas City on April 29, Turner went deep twice. In the intervening games, Turner has three combined hits and none for extra bases. Advertisement 5 Article content He's not alone. The poster child for Toronto's ineffective offence remains veteran George Springer, who needed a fluke hit off the top of the bag at third base Wednesday to produce his first extra-base hit in weeks. He's not producing and yet his name appears in the leadoff hole each time manager John Schneider fills out his order. When he's pulling the ball down the left-field line, Danny Jansen has had his moments. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has recorded at least one hit in 14 of his past 15 games, a stretch that has seen him go yard just once, though. Daniel Vogelbach has been more miss than hit. Davis Schneider drew two walks Wednesday, but he went hitless in Baltimore. He didn't strike out in the series finale, but in his previous 13 games Schneider struck out 12 times. Advertisement 6 Article content The list goes on with no apparent remedy available. There's always the possibility of turning to the farm system and calling up the likes of a Spencer Horwitz, Orelvis Martinez or bringing back Addison Barger. When an offence is need of a shot in the arm, all options must be on the table. Eventually, trade options must also be explored. Time is beginning to run out on the Blue Jays, who will soon be in that position where they either decide to retool or rebuild. The way Yimi Garcia has pitched — and a strong case can be made that the reliever has been the team's best player — the Jays might be able to receive a strong package from a contending team in need of a high-leverage arm. The way Kikuchi has pitched, there should be a list of suitors for the lefty's services. Advertisement 7 Article content These are tough times for the Blue Jays with some equally tough decisions to be made on the horizon. A sustained streak of winning is possible, though it seems unlikely based on the evidence and lingering questions that hover over the offence. A 19-23 record does not inspire much confidence. After producing a season high in runs (10) and hits (16) in a stirring comeback win Saturday over the visiting Twins, the Jays have scored a combined six runs in their past three games. They took the series opener against the O's because Jose Berrios — who was under the weather — pitched well, the bullpen was lights out, while Varsho denied a home run, hit a home run and then drove in the winning run in the 10th inning. When a team can't rely on its offence to produce anything, the margin for error becomes too thin and too much to overcome. Advertisement 8 Article content Say what you want about the manager, but John Schneider pulled all the right strings Wednesday. Romano's ninth inning wasn't one to remember and neither was Genesis Cabrera's relief outing. There was nothing wrong with the way Kikuchi pitched, striking out nine as his pitch count reached 88 before receiving the hook with one out in the fifth inning. There was nothing wrong with Zach Pop and certainly nothing wrong with Garcia or Tim Mayza. What's wrong and what has been wrong involves the offence. What's the right move to change its fortunes remains the big unknown. While so much already has been exposed, even more will be revealed in the coming weeks. Tampa entered its game Thursday night in Boston with a 22-22 record. Advertisement 9 Article content The White Sox find themselves 16 games under .500, Detroit sits at 21-22, while Pittsburgh boasts a record of 19-25. The next 16 games can't necessarily be viewed as the make-it or break-it point of the season, but it could be close, Bichette's improved bat offers some comfort. “I'm getting my swing off,” he said. “But I've dug myself a pretty big hole. I've got a long way to go.” The same could be said for the rest of the lineup. Article content Share this article in your social network Share this Story : Blue Jays running out of time and options for kick-starting offensive offence Comments Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Latest National Stories News Near Elliot Lake This Week in Flyers

Hitless, hopeless, hapless and lifeless, there seems to be no end to the misery that has enveloped this Blue Jays team. Article content

On the morning after the Blue Jays came within four outs of being the victims of a perfect game for the second time in franchise history against a

In his first game as leadoff hitter with George Springer also in the lineup, Davis Schneider took Tampa starter Zach Eflin's second pitch of the game and recorded a double into the right-centre gap.

Advertisement 1 Share this Story : Blue Jays on the receiving end of another gut-punch loss, this time to the visiting Rays Blue Jays on the receiving end of another gut-punch loss, this time to the visiting Rays Author of the article: Article content In his first game as leadoff hitter with George Springer also in the lineup, Davis Schneider took Tampa starter Zach Eflin's second pitch of the game and recorded a double into the right-centre gap. Advertisement 2 Article content Blue Jays on the receiving end of another gut-punch loss, this time to the visiting Rays Back to video It seemed to indicate the Jays would be off and running. Article content Then came more hits that would lead to actual to runs as Toronto forged a 4-0 lead. It all seemed too good to be true. Reality then struck and it hit hard, exposing the Jays' lack of power and a bullpen that is only good when it is fully healthy. This loss wasn't as tough as the walk-off in Baltimore, but Saturday's date against the Rays did end nonetheless in a 5-4 loss as Tampa officially takes the three-game series with the finale set for Sunday afternoon. The key blow Saturday was a game-deciding two-run homer hit by Jonny DeLuca off Jays reliever Nate Pearson in the eighth inning. Jays starter Kevin Gausman wasn't that bad, but at the same he wasn't at his best, giving up more hits (8) than recording strikeouts (6) during his 102-pitch outing. Advertisement 3 Article content Yandy Diaz led off the game with a single, the first of three hits he would record off Gausman. In fact, it was Diaz who led off the sixth inning on a hit into right field that helped pave the way for the Rays to push across three innings as a 4-0 Toronto lead would dwindle. Once the Rays were retired, Gausman's day had also ended following six complete innings. Outside of a baserunning mistake by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who tried to stretch a single, the Jays were much sharper than they've been this season. One inning in particular, the top of the fifth, showed the team's flair for making defensive plays, including a pick-off at second when Gausman threw to the bag before Schneider applied the tag. The game ended when Schneider struck out looking with Garrett Cleavinger on the mound. Advertisement 4 Article content TIMELY HIT Springer hadn't driven in a run since May 3 when the Jays were in Washington. Against the Nationals, a sac fly would score a runner as Springer recorded his sixth RBI of the season. The Jays would lose 9-3 to the Nationals, who would take the series. In the second game of a three-game set against the Rays, Springer stepped up to the plate in the fourth inning after grounding out in his first at-bat. With Vlad Jr. in scoring position, Springer turned on the first pitch and sent it into the outfield for a two-out RBI single as the game's first run would cross home plate. JANSEN ROLLS Speaking of hits, Danny Jansen once again showed why he's among the best hitters on a team not known for its hitting. When he's able to turn on a pitch, Jansen also provides a much-needed power presence on a team woefully short on power bats. Advertisement 5 Article content A single in Jansen's first at-bat would be followed by a double in his second, raising the question as to why Jansen isn't batting at the top of the order. Saturday, he was in the No. 7 hole behind Justin Turner, who continues to scuffle, and Springer. While Jansen has batted cleanup for the Jays, a more permanent role in the middle or perhaps even at the top of the order must be made. The down side to Jansen is that he will swing through pitches, which doesn't make him unique. In his third at-bat, Jansen struck out swinging. Jansen stepped up in the eighth with two outs and runners at second and third after a Springer groundout advanced the runners, a prime opportunity for Jansen to step up and deliver. He grounded out to short. Advertisement 6 Article content GM MUSINGS Some items of interest from Ross Atkins' morning availability focused on the team's triple-A affiliate in Buffalo. When it comes to Spencer Horwitz, who has shown a knack for hitting, the Jays GM expressed some reservation knowing the team must balance playing time in the minors to embracing a bench role at the big-league level. “It comes down to his impact, playing once a week on our team versus his growth and development.” said Atkins of Horwitz. The possibility of a trade is always on the table, but at this time of the year the price is high. “If we were to acquire a player at this point, you obviously are paying a premium. We can do that,” added Atkins. YIMI ROCKS Yimi Garcia, who would likely fetch quite the haul if Atkins decides to part ways with the reliever, was at it again in relief of Gausman. Advertisement 7 Article content The righty started the seventh inning for the Jays. After getting the first hitter to ground out, Garcia issued a walk, his sixth of the season. He promptly retired the next two hitters. Garcia has given up one earned run this season, which came on a home run he surrendered when Seattle was in town early last month. Garcia pitched one inning against Tampa before Pearson, who ended being charged with the loss, was asked to start the eighth inning. Turns out, it wasn't such a good move. When Pearson gave up the two-run bomb, it reinforced the lack of depth in Toronto's pen. Erik Swanson has not been reliable, while Chad Green isn't ready to return from his minor-league rehab stint. The Jays find themselves in this position where they can't risk stretching Garcia, but it is equally clear they are rolling the dice when Pearson is on the mound. Pearson wasn't even able to record a single out before Trevor Richards needed to be summoned from the bullpen, inheriting runners at first and second. He got the first two outs before falling behind 3-0 in the count. A four-pitch walk would be issued as Tampa loaded the bases. Richards threw two strikes when facing Randy Arozarena, who struck out swinging to end the inning. [email protected] Article content Share this article in your social network Share this Story : Blue Jays on the receiving end of another gut-punch loss, this time to the visiting Rays Comments Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Latest National Stories News Near Elliot Lake This Week in Flyers