Victims of five losses in eight games in as many days, during a grueling journey through three different cities, the Toronto Blue Jays will now return to their home to begin one of the most important streaks of their season.
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“It seemed like [le voyage] lasted 15 days, launched manager John Schneider, whose remarks were taken up by Sportsnet on Wednesday. Three cities is difficult. These are three good teams fighting for a playoff spot. Long trips are tough.”
In the space of 11 days, starting Monday, the Jays will face three division rivals, the Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Center and the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox at home. But before starting this battle in the East of the American, they will have to recover from their long trip, they who are also enjoying a day off on Thursday, and face the Cleveland Guardians three times. .
However, they will have to do so without outfielder George Springer, as well as pitchers Ross Stripling and Tim Mayza, all of whom fell in action during the last trip, then placed on the injured list for 10 days.
“We’re looking forward to coming home and having a good streak there,” Schneider added.
Despite their performances since the beginning of August, the Jays are still masters of their destiny, they who still occupy the first place of the teams drafted, by virtue of a record of 60-50. They hold a slim half-game lead over the Seattle Mariners, as well as two priority games over the Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays.
The Orioles had a game scheduled for the evening, leaving room for possible changes in the standings.
A confident opponent
For their part, the Guardians (59-52) are enthroned at the top of the Central section, but they will have to be wary, they who could quickly be involved in the race for the drafted teams if they are caught by the Minnesota Twins (57- 53) or the Chicago White Sox (56-56).
The Ohio team was also full of confidence before crossing north of the Canada-US border, beating the Detroit Tigers 4-3 in extra innings on Thursday.
The Guardians have at the same time extended their winning streak to five, sweeping among others the Tigers in passing.