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The Blue Jays could be facing an old friend in Aaron Sanchez when they start a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins later this week.

While the injury troubles and blister issues haunted him in Toronto (and after his departure) amidst the 2016 season where he led the AL with his 3.00 ERA, it is nice to see Sanchez gaining some traction with another MLB team. The Nats would DFA him in late May and he signed a Minor League deal with the Minnesota Twins and reported to their AAA team. It is yet to be known whether the Twins have plans to keep him in the rotation moving forward, especially with the trade deadline finishing up later today and some potential moves could see his spot on the roster quickly disappear. He authored a 3.06 ERA through nine appearances (seven starts) with 26 strikeouts but would be DFA’d and released in mid-August. Stroman went on to play with the New York Mets and recently signed a three-year deal with the Chicago Cubs worth $71 million (including numerous player opt-outs) this past offseason. Sanchez and Stroman remained with the Jays until the Atkins era was brought into town and the team underwent a rebuild after the postseason runs in 2015 and 2016.

ESPN MLB Insider Buster Olney joins First Up to discuss the MLB trade deadline, what the Blue Jays plan to do, where Juan Soto will end up, if Shohei Ohtani ...

The Jays haven't made a deadline deal yet. There are all sorts of rumours that they were in on Castillo and in on Montas. And that they have talked about ...

When you have the number one prospect in baseball, that is who every team will ask about. The Jays haven’t made a deadline deal yet. - The Cardinals traded for Jose Quintana from the Pirates for Johan Oviedo and Malcom Nunez. - The Red Sox got old friend Reese McGuire from the White Sox for Jake Diekman. And Red Sox also got Tommy Pham for cash. - The Astros got Trey Mancini from the Orioles and Jayden Murray from the Rays. The Rays got outfielder Jose Siri from the Astros. The Orioles got Seth Johnson from the Rays and Chayce McDermott from the Astros. - Atlanta did a bunch of deals, getting Jake Odorizzi from the Astros for Will Smith. And Ehire Adrianza from the Nationals for Trey Harris. And Robbie Grossman from the Tigers for pitcher Kris Anglin.

The Toronto Blue Jays start a two-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday. The pregame narrative: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Brandon Lowe have been ...

Lowe over 1.5 total bases (+135): Lowe has been swinging a hot stick ahead of Tuesday’s game. Over that 12-game stretch, he topped 1.5 total bases in half the contests. The righty has gone under 4.5 strikeouts in six of his last eight outings. righties is more than 100 points higher compared to his mark against lefties). Rasmussen under 4.5 strikeouts (-136): You have to pay a decent amount of juice on this bet but it’s still one we’re looking to make. The Blue Jays slugger has recorded a hit in 12 consecutive games and has managed an impressive .426 average and .491 on-base percentage during this stretch. But the sample is small and Vladdy has only struck out in one of those head-to-head matchups. He’s lasted longer than five innings in just one of his last six starts and in four of 17 appearances this year. It’s worth noting that 24.1 of those innings have occurred since Rasmussen was activated off the injured list. Read more: Blue Jays vs. Blue Jays vs. Blue Jays vs.

Get a preview of the Toronto Blue Jays vs. Tampa Bay Rays baseball game.

The teams play Tuesday for the ninth time this season. Tampa Bay is 54-48 overall and 32-20 in home games. Toronto has gone 23-24 in road games and 57-45 overall. The Blue Jays have hit 132 total home runs to rank third in the AL. Tampa Bay Rays (54-48, third in the AL East) Toronto Blue Jays (57-45, second in the AL East) vs.

After a beach-themed party Sunday night in Florida and an off-day in the Sunshine State on Monday, the Toronto Blue Jays get back to business on Tuesday ...

As usual, the Rays have been a problem for the Blue Jays this year, winning two of three in Tampa in May and three of five over Canada Day weekend in Toronto. The Blue Jays then went 1-6 on a road trip to Oakland and Seattle, essentially spelling the end for Toronto manager and former Rays coach Charlie Montoyo. Tampa RHP Drew Rasmussen (6-3, 3.17 ERA) The slump has dropped the Rays into a tie for second with the Seattle Mariners in the wild-card race, three games behind the Blue Jays. While the Tigers are one of the worst teams in the American League, the Blue Jays had to scratch and claw for all of their wins. Coming off a 4-2 homestand, the Blue Jays now play nine in a row on the road.

We go over how to watch Tuesday's game between the Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays and make some picks.

Look for a low-scoring Blue Jays win and a quality start from Gausman. It’s been a rollercoaster season for the Blue Jays to say the least. He has also been much better against right-handed pitching this season as he’s hitting .313 with five home runs against RHP versus .296 with no home runs against LHP. On the mound, Rasmussen has been great as he is 6-3 with a 3.17 ERA. Yandy Diaz has been one of their top hitters this season as he is hitting .288 with five home runs and 33 runs batted in. The Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays square off on Tuesday with first pitch set for 7:10 p.m. ET. The game takes place at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL and will only be available on local TV or through an MLB.tv subscription.

Two familiar foes in the Toronto Blue Jays and the Tampa Bay rays will meet for the first of a short two-game series that has major playoff implications on ...

This showdown on the diamond between two teams that aren’t necessarily fond of each other will be a treat to watch. Despite this, the Rays can only really take it one game at a time and that’s exactly what they’ll do for this divisional matchup against Toronto this evening. Now entering August, the desperation to win ballgames has only become greater, as continuing down on this lackluster path may cause Tampa Bay to fall short of their postseason dreams. One of the best teams in the league in putting up crooked numbers on the scoreboard, Toronto knows how to swing the bats. Entering today’s matchup, the Blue Jays are fresh off of winning three out of four games at home against the Detroit Tigers. Toronto is also 7-2 since the All-Star break which has bolstered them to a three-game lead over Tampa Bay for the second-place spot in the AL East standings. While Toronto has not been a top pitching squad this season, their numbers suggest that they have certainly improved and are capable for the occasional masterful performance from the rubber.

The Toronto Blue Jays solidified their bullpen hours before Tuesday's Major League Baseball trade deadline, acquiring relievers Anthony Bass and Zach Pop ...

Zach Pop discusses the #Marlins #BlueJays trade. @KeeganMatheson pic.twitter.com/JBAa5mcoaY— @CDeNicola13 He will finally pitch for Toronto in Toronto (2020 was the Buffalo year).

Bass’ fish Slider and the tank will stay behind in Miami. @KeeganMatheson pic.twitter.com/SFmRJ7Sdja— @CDeNicola13 Bass will get the chance to pitch in meaningful games in front of Blue Jays fans, which he didn't have the opportunity to do in his first stint with the club. Part of what Anthony Bass had to say about the #Marlins #BlueJays trade. "You're going to a team that has a chance of going to the post-season, which as players is what we always want to do," Bass told reporters in Miami before the Marlins hosted the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday.

The Toronto Blue Jays have added another arm to their pitching staff, acquiring right-hander Mitch White from the Dodgers along with infielder Alex De ...

Frasso was taken in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB out of Loyola Marymount and has a combined 0-0 with a 0.65 ERA (3 ER/41.2 IP) and 65 strikeouts in 13 minor league games. Since his promotion to High-A Vancouver, he has posted a 0.82 ERA (1 ER/11.0 IP) and 15 strikeouts. White has a 3.70 ERA in 15 appearances this season, including 10 starts, with 47 strikeouts in 56 innings. In 10 games between Single-A Dunedin and High-A Vancouver Frasso had a 0.74 ERA and 57 strikeouts through 36.2 innings. De Jesus has batted .272 with 20 doubles, three triples, 11 home runs, and 48 RBI with an .833 OPS for both Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and Advanced-A Great Lakes, this season. The 20-year-old signed with the Dodgers in 2018 has slashed .273/.376/.434 with 89 extra-base hits in 241 minor league games.

The Blue Jays are sending right-hander Max Castillo, who has split time between Toronto and triple-A Buffalo, and minor-league second baseman Samad Taylor to ...

Bass will get the chance to pitch in meaningful games in front of Blue Jays fans, which he didn't have the opportunity to do in his first stint with the club. Editor's Note: The COVID-19 situation, in sports and around the world, is constantly evolving. I've basically said hello to him and that's it," added Atkins. "It's pretty special to be able to go back home and see my family and play for the Blue Jays," he said in Miami. "He (Merrifield) is such a good player. "He was acquired right at the deadline, so this is a very fresh acquisition and so because of that I'm not going to comment more on that process for him, and let him work through that with his family.

Toronto added the utility man to provide an option off the bench and on the bases.

However, there is a 2023 club option that would be for $6.75 million the Blue Jays could pick up. He's not going to be an everyday player, but he can fill in whenever someone needs a rest day, or can be used off the bench as a pinch runner. Toronto adds an option to come off the bench for the Blue Jays. He provides versatility for the Blue Jays as someone who can play in the infield and outfield. But he should be able to provide speed off the bench as a pinch runner, and has the ability to fill in holes if a player goes down with an injury. It carries a salary of $7 million for this season. The big concern with Merrifield is his vaccination status.

Les Blue Jays de Toronto ont ajouté deux artilleurs à leur personnel de releveurs, mardi, lors de la date limite des transactions.

Au Minnesota, les Twins ont trouvé plusieurs solutions pour leurs nombreux problèmes au monticule, autant pour la rotation de partants que dans l’enclos des releveurs. En 2022, il a préservé une fiche de 4-3 en 12 départs, avec une moyenne de points mérités de 3,75. Souvent impliqués dans les rumeurs pour acquérir le lanceur des Angels de Los Angeles Noah Syndergaard, les Blue Jays ont finalement été coiffés au fil d’arrivée par les Phillies de Philadelphie dans ce dossier. En 60 manches de boulot, il n’a permis que cinq longues balles et retiré 46 frappeurs sur des prises. En 56 manches de travail, l’athlète de 27 ans a passé 47 adversaires dans la mitaine. En 20 manches de boulot, il a réussi 14 retraits sur des prises.

Just before the deadline arrived, Toronto added a longtime Kansas City star. Who got the best of the deal?

Castillo is a 23-year-old righty out of Venezuela who reached the majors for the first time with Toronto this season. He just needs to get the bat on the ball in order to let his speed and pop on contact play. He feels like a younger version of what the Blue Jays already have in Ross Stripling, another ex-Dodger, so his role might continue to be of the hybrid sort. But he is 6-foot-4 and throws a hard, low-spin sinker, so maybe he will deepen the Jays' pen. He is the kind of quick and speedy competitor the Royals have always liked. The acquisition was the biggest of the day for Toronto, which was busy in a low-key kind of way before the deadline. If we were grading the day as a whole, we're probably talking C-plus. Bass had been dynamite for the Marlins, posting a 1.41 ERA over 45 outings and allowing just one homer all season. The Jays' roster is better, but is it better when you think of it in terms of facing the Houston Astros or the New York Yankees in the playoffs? The Blue Jays need Merrifield to start producing up to his normal standard or this trade doesn't work. If not, he'll have some odd home-road splits during his near future with the Blue Jays. This trade is about a position player, but what the Blue Jays needed most was to add some postseason-worthy pitching.

While the Blue Jays' trade deadline efforts didn't result in any splashy moves fans might've been expecting, Toronto snuck in a couple of deals for bullpen ...

He’s not a high swing-and-miss guy (7.6 K/9), though his 94-mph fastball is paired well with a slider that opponents are batting just .230 against this season. His 3.70 ERA (111 ERA+) comes via 56 innings, with 10 starts and five relief appearances. The deal for White, a successful swingman with Los Angeles, comes after t he Blue Jays acquired pitchers Zach Pop and Anthony Bass from the Marlins in exchange for prospect Jordan Groshans.

Bass, 34, is a former Toronto Blue Jay who has spent the past two seasons in Miami, pitching well out of the team's bullpen.

Across the American League, some of the Blue Jays' rivals improved meaningfully while others started trading impact players away. Here's how things shifted ...

That’d be especially significant if the Blue Jays play the Mariners because A) that’s a long flight and B) Ray didn’t appear in Canada, but he can pitch in Seattle. They could likely have won the AL East without a single addition. But like Cashman, Houston GM James Click added substantially in anticipation of a deep playoff run. This new version of the Red Sox is… If you thought that the Guardians would be motivated to make meaningful moves in the hopes of closing the 1.0-game gap separating them from the AL Central-leading Twins, you'd have been wrong. The Mariners now look like a bigger threat to unseat the Blue Jays atop the wild card standings and force the Blue Jays to hit the road for the first round. In the meantime? Yeah, those comments won’t play well in the clubhouse. Of course that’s just one part of the picture. Here’s how things shifted ahead of the 2022 trade deadline and what it means for the Blue Jays as they push for the playoffs… “We’re so excited about this team and the acquisitions,” GM Ross Atkins said afterwards. TORONTO – The hype surrounds Juan Soto, as it should.

There's a clear throughline connecting the Toronto Blue Jays' four deadline acquisitions— versatile, floor-raising, and controllable.

And with Stripling a free agent this winter, and the swingman spot he vacated to join the rotation never properly backfilled, White provides the Blue Jays a couple layers of insurance. Merrifield’s positioned to be a part of future Blue Jays rosters, as well, after restructuring his contract with the Royals prior to the season. It really comes down to the ability to start that is so attractive — someone that can go five or six innings, throw 100 pitches, has the ability to get right-handers and left-handers out. He just does a little bit of everything, relying on a quick bat and quick feet — Merryfield’s still sporting 83rd percentile sprint speed at the age of 33 — to make athletic plays around the diamond. He spent some time at shortstop in the minors, and the Blue Jays wouldn’t be opposed to using him at third base in a pinch. He’s not a power threat at the plate, but he is routinely one of the game’s top contact hitters and has led the majors in steals three times, including last season when he swiped 40 bags. It couldn’t have been fun for Whit Merrifield to look up at the Kauffman Stadium scoreboard a month into the season and see the numbers staring back at him. Another big benefit for the Blue Jays roster-wise is that Pop’s still optionable and gives the club flexibility at the end of its bullpen. If he stays healthy and continues to produce the results he has, picking up that option would be a no-brainer for the Blue Jays this winter as they seek to build out their bullpen for another contention year in 2023. The former plays best to his arm-side, and the latter to his glove-side. The Marlins have already been shuttling him between triple-A and the majors throughout the season, and the Blue Jays will be able to do the same for two more years to come if they so choose. That usage adjustment — which has occurred progressively since Bass signed a two-year, $5-million free agent contract with the Marlins following his 2020 campaign with Toronto — has juiced Bass’s strikeout rate up to 26 per cent this season, while helping shave over three points off the 9 per cent walk rate he produced in 2020.

Kevin Gausman allowed one hit and struck out 10 over eight masterful innings and the Toronto Blue Jays opened a nine-game road trip with a 3-1 win over the ...

Rays: C Francisco Mejia (right shoulder impingement) and RHP Matt Wisler (neck strain) could return later this week. Center fielder Jose Siri, acquired from Houston on Monday, went 0 for 3 in his Rays debut. The right-hander threw 75 of 103 pitches for strikes. Blue Jays: OF George Springer (right elbow) was out of the lineup for the third time in the last four games. He made a nifty sliding catch to take a hit away from Bichette with two on and two outs in the third and just missed making a diving catch on Jansen's single. Gausman (8-8) walked Randy Arozarena leading off the first, hit Isaac Paredes with a pitch with one out then retired 14 in a row before Walls singled for the Rays' first hit to start the sixth.

TORONTO -- The Blue Jays pulled off a buzzer-beater ahead of Tuesday's Trade Deadline, acquiring second baseman and outfielder Whit Merrifield from the ...

Going the other way is Taylor, a versatile and speedy young player who broke out in 2021 and has hit .258 with a .763 OPS over 70 games in Triple-A this season. Something happens and I happen to get on a team that has a chance to go play in Canada in the postseason, maybe that changes." With two seasons of 40-plus steals under his belt, including 2021, Merrifield offers the Blue Jays a true threat on the bases. That could now be Merrifield, and on days he’s starting, he’ll fit the aggressive new mentality of this team under Schneider very well. Merrifield has primarily played second base over the past two seasons, and while that position is occupied by 2022 All-Star Santiago Espinal, there will always be opportunities when Espinal needs to slide to shortstop or third base for a day. Over 95 games this season, Merrifield has hit .240 with six home runs and a .643 OPS, numbers that are below what we’ve come to expect from him.

ST. PETERSBURG -- In his first 14 pitches Tuesday night, Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman issued a leadoff walk and hit a batter.

“Just because it's a Deadline and you kind of know what you got is what you got, I guess,’’ Schneider said. I think it's nothing but good when you surround a really good team with more really good players.’’ “I’m going to always give credit to the pitcher that throws a no-hitter [through five innings]. I’d like to think we could do a better job of making in-game adjustments. But Danny Jansen’s bloop to center field just eluded the diving Jose Siri, popping out of his glove and rolling away for a two-run single that gave the Blue Jays what would be a needed cushion. But it just shows you how hard it is to do at the Major League level and why there’s not many of them. After bolstering their bullpen by acquiring relievers Zach Pop and Anthony Bass, and then trading for All-Star Whit Merrifield before defeating their American League East rivals on the road, the Blue Jays enjoyed a pretty good day.

The Blue Jays have acquired two relievers from the Marlins for prospect Jordan Groshans, per reports.

Though Toronto rosters five regular relievers with ERAs below 3.1, they still have the sixth-worst 'pen FIP in baseball and a high leverage ERA of 5.54. It was clear Toronto needed a few more reliable relievers, and Bass and Pop will bring that. The 25-year-old has also spent a chunk of time in Triple A this season, recording a 2.22 ERA in 24.1 innings for the Marlins' highest minor league affiliate. In 20 innings this season, Pop has a 3.60 ERA. While his strikeout numbers aren't elite (6.3 K/9), the Brampton native has been one of the best in baseball at limiting walks and homers this season.

The guys they brought in — relievers Anthony Bass and Zach Pop, starter Mitch White and the versatile Whit Merrifield — made for a sensible, ...

These guys are going to help us do that," he said, adding later: "I think we're all looking for a boost. "You definitely know, it was unfortunate that I wasn't able to do it," he said of getting that deep with the no-hitter intact. With a full roster, you know, it's a cool thing to have and it's some tough decisions but they're good tough decisions." "Usually, the hit that Jano got seems to be the hits they get late in the game here. I think it's important for all of us to learn as much as we can from him and excited to see what he can bring. We're excited to see what's next, to just go out there and continue to compete." But bringing in the guys that we did, I think they're going to help us win." A lot of guys in there watching the TV wondering now who we're going to get, who are (we) going to give up, that type of thing. For me personally, I'm excited to be around him and talk to him and play ball with him." "Anybody who can come here and help us is a plus. Each helps to fortify various roster gaps and protect against injury while also augmenting the talent base for next year and beyond. "Shohei Ohtani to the Toronto Blue Jays," one player called out playfully to his teammates.

Toronto Blue Jays (58-45, second in the AL East) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (54-49, third in the AL East)

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is 16-for-38 with a home run and six RBI over the last 10 games. Toronto has gone 24-24 on the road and 58-45 overall. Tampa Bay has a 32-21 record at home and a 54-49 record overall. The teams square off Wednesday for the 10th time this season. Tampa Bay Rays (54-49, third in the AL East) Toronto Blue Jays (58-45, second in the AL East) vs.

Toronto acquired Royals infielder/outfielder Whit Merrifield minutes before the 2022 trade deadline, the team confirms. The Jays sent prospects Max Castillo and ...

Merrifield did not travel with the Royals to Toronto earlier this season, as an unvaccinated individual, but did indicate a willingness to become fully vaccinated. With George Springer currently battling an elbow injury that has kept him out of the lineup in recent days, Merrifield's versatility and experience in center would provide some needed injury insurance. He made two All-Star Games, lead the league in stolen bases three times, and played every game from 2019 through 2021.

The Yankees added LF Andrew Benintendi, starter Frankie Montas, CF Harrison Bader and relievers Scott Effross and Lou Trivino. The Astros added 1B/OF Trey ...

With the Jays in 2020, he’d used his 95mph sinker 53% of the time and his 86mph slider for 39% of his pitches. Better starting depth at the back of the rotation? And if the front office loved Bass’ arm so much, why did they not make a bigger effort to resign him after the 2020 season? While his velocity is unchanged since then, he now features the slider 57% of the time and the sinker 28.5%, with a 95mph four-seam fastball for 11% of his pitches. So the Jays traded away a power arm for White who throws low- to mid-nineties. Just like we heard at the end of last season how they were in on Guardians All-Star 3B José Ramírez. In addition, Angels closer Raisel Iglesias was traded to the Braves, while Brewers Josh Hader went to the Padres for Taylor Rogers in a flip of closers. Since signing with Miami after pitching for the Jays in 2020, Bass has 35 holds, zero saves, seven blown saves (including three this year) and 11 losses. They missed out on all of the effective starting pitchers that were available on the market. “It’s not just that they’re left-handed, but how we are attacked and potentially the pitchers that are used is different,” the GM said. More leverage arms for the bullpen, perhaps a starter, maybe a third baseman – preferably one that hits left-handed – who provides above-average defence, all in the service of run prevention… Toronto’s GM identified “strike-throwing” as a big need for the major league bullpen.

The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired Whit Merrifield from the Kansas City Royals. The veteran utility man looks to be an important piece down the stretch.

The two prospects sent to Kansas City didn’t carry a lot of weight within the Blue Jays system. The newest Blue Jay is possibly in line to play a significant amount, as George Springer’s health continues to be a topic of conversation. While being a second-baseman for the majority of his career, Merrifield’s outfield peripherals look encouraging. Merrifield, a 33-year-old veteran, recently missed the Royals’ latest trip to Toronto due to his vaccination status. This has led to a career-worst offensive season thus far, earning a .240/.290/.352 slash line. If Springer finds himself on a brief IL stint in order to give his elbow a breather, it’s imaginable that Merrifield could earn a large share of starts in the outfield alongside Raimel Tapia.

ST. PETERSBURG -- In his first 14 pitches Tuesday night, Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman issued a leadoff walk and hit a batter. “I got in a little ...

“Just because it's a Deadline and you kind of know what you got is what you got, I guess,’’ Schneider said. I think it's nothing but good when you surround a really good team with more really good players.’’ “I’m going to always give credit to the pitcher that throws a no-hitter [through five innings]. I’d like to think we could do a better job of making in-game adjustments. But Danny Jansen’s bloop to center field just eluded the diving Jose Siri, popping out of his glove and rolling away for a two-run single that gave the Blue Jays what would be a needed cushion. But it just shows you how hard it is to do at the Major League level and why there’s not many of them. After bolstering their bullpen by acquiring relievers Zach Pop and Anthony Bass, and then trading for All-Star Whit Merrifield before defeating their American League East rivals on the road, the Blue Jays enjoyed a pretty good day.

Les Blue Jays de Toronto ont bouclé une transaction avec les Marlins de Miami pour Anthony Bass et Zach Pop.

Il n'a cependant jamais signé de contrat avec Toronto, étant repêché à nouveau trois ans plus tard par les Dodgers de Los Angeles avec lesquels il a entamé sa carrière. Il avait pris part à 50 parties l'an dernier. En entrevue avec les journalistes de Kansas City, il a toutefois indiqué la semaine dernière qu'il était ouvert à recevoir le vaccin Quant à Pop, un Canadien de 25 ans originaire de Brampton, en Ontario, il a aussi des liens avec les Blue Jays. Ces derniers l'ont repêché au 23e tour de l'encan de 2014 alors qu'il était à l'école secondaire. Au cours de la saison avec les Marlins de Miami, l'Américain a enregistré les meilleures statistiques de sa carrière. En 45 matchs, il a maintenu une moyenne de points mérités par match de 1,41 et retiré au moins un frappeur sur des prises par manche. Les Blue Jays de Toronto ont bouclé un échange avec les Marlins de Miami, mardi, afin de garnir leur enclos de releveurs d'un peu de profondeur en vue de la fin de la saison et des séries éliminatoires.

Kevin Gausman is a Blue Jay. The 31-year-old righty threw 8 innings of one-hit, shutout baseball tonight as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated Tampa Bay 3-1.

Gausman finished with six strikeouts coming by way of the splitter. Taylor Walls had the first base hit of the game for Tampa to lead off the bottom of the 6th, but it was immediately erased by a beautiful 4-6-3 double play that ended with a nice pick by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first base. In only his first year as a Blue Jay, Gausman has already had several memorable performances, and this one was one of his best.

The Toronto Blue Jays were active during Tuesday's MLB trade deadline day, although perhaps not in the way some fans would like.

Raimel Tapia has been getting most of the starts lately, but Merrifield would be a decent option there as well as either corner outfield spot. His ERA as a starter is 2.25, compared to 3.67 as a reliever. Ross Stripling has been steady since taking over for Hyun-Jin Ryu and Yusei Kikuchi actually pitched really well in his return to the staff last week. There’s also the matter of Merrifield’s vaccination status (or lack thereof) which could make crossing the border a non-starter. A position player was not thought of as being something that the team needed to add. It’s worth noting that Santiago Espinal is hitting .256 and Cavan Biggio’s average is .224 over that same span heading into last night’s game against Tampa. Merrifield, who has twice led the AL in hits, is having a down year but has been better of late. This is puzzling on a number of levels. His 9.1 K/9IP suggests he does have the ability to accumulate strikeouts. He’s young, and under team control for the next several years. The Brampton, Ontario native has a ground-ball rate of 62.1%, almost 20 percent better than the league average while producing a minuscule 2.4% walk rate. What his role will be is a little less clear.