It’s like students on vacation. A day off couldn’t be more welcome.
The Toronto Blue Jays wrapped up a 17-game homestand on April 14 against the Chicago Cubs.
During that time, Toronto went 9-8, with a 5.5% winning percentage, against the Angels (2-1), Baltimore (1-3), Boston (3), Cleveland (2-2), and the Cubs (1-2).
A lot has happened in between. The Jays lost their top two hitters, Bo Bissett (knee) and closer Jordan Romano (back), to injury. Also on the disabled list are outfielder Kevin Kiermaier (elbow) and right-handed reliever Trevor Richards (neck).
In the starting rotation, Hyun-jin Ryu made a successful return and Alec Manoa was demoted. Catcher Danny Jansen kept getting hit by sand dunes, but survived.
There were also some minor injuries. Third baseman Matt Chapman was scratched from the lineup for a home game against the Cubs on Thursday with a finger injury. It was later revealed that he cut his finger on a dumbbell while lifting weights.
Manager John Schneider said after Thursday’s home game against the Cubs: “Looking back, we had a five-game winning streak, but it’s tough to lose your best hitter. We’ve had our ups and downs, but we’ve been consistent with our pitching and defense. At this point, 17 games in a row is really tough, but the guys handled it well,” he said, reflecting on the last 17 days.
After surviving a grueling 17-game road trip with a five-game winning percentage, Toronto now has a relatively easy schedule. They have off days before and after a two-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies and a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds.
It’s a welcome break for Toronto’s players. “It’s been a long 17 games,” said outfielder Dalton Bashaw.
For Toronto, the day off will be even more welcome as a chance for injured players to regroup. “It’s going to be a very welcome break for a lot of guys for a lot of different reasons,” Schneider said.
For now, Chapman, who injured his finger, is expected to be available on Tuesday. Romano, who rejoined the team after a rehab start, is also expected to return in the next game. Kiermeyer is expected to return this weekend against Cincinnati.스포츠토토
Bisset is also taking steps toward a return. Schneider said Monday’s (Aug. 15) practice, a day off, will be crucial, and he will monitor it before deciding on a timetable going forward.