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The team with the best record in all of baseball is coming to town.

The Brewers have cooled off somewhat since winning 14 in a row at the beginning of the month. They lost 3 of 4 to the Cubs, 2 of 3 to the Giants, and just split four games with Arizona. They're nearing the end of a particularly grueling bit of the schedule that will require them to play 19 games in 18 days. And their closer just went on the IL.

They're still formidable. They're a team without anyone likely to draw much in the way of MVP votes, but they have lots and lots of good hitters. Only one of their regulars, DH Christian Yelich, has an OPS north of .800, but only one NL team (Arizona) has scored more runs. They get on base (best in the NL), and they like to run.

While centre fielder Jackson Chourio was expected to return to the lineup tonight, they're still missing a few regulars. One of the missing, shortstop Joey Ortiz, is also the one guy in their lineup who doesn't hit much at all. His replacement, Andrew Monasterio, has been an offensive upgrade. 

And so has the man filling in for first baseman, Rhys Hoskins. The White Sox drafted Andrew Vaughn third overall back in 2019. That comes with a certain amount of expectations. After one season at various levels of A ball (his second pro season was the pandemic year), he made the big club. They put him in left field, a position he had never played, in college or the minors. (I can understand the logic there - at 5-10, Vaughn is not really built for first base.) But Vaughn didn't seem to be developing as a hitter, not even a little bit, and after a few years he seemed to be positively regressing. In May of this year, hitting .189/.218/.314, the White Sox sent him down to AAA Charlotte. He was 27 years old, and establishing himself as one of the great first round flops. 

In mid-June, the Brewers were looking to unload Aaron Civale, who was unhappy because there was no room for him in the Milwaukee rotation. They found a taker in the White Sox. Civale went to Chicago in exchange for Vaughn, who was promptly sent to Milwaukee's AAA affiliate in Nashville. But then in early July, Hoskins sprained his thumb, Vaughn was called up to the big club to fill in - and he's been their best hitter ever since. Hoskins has been on a rehab assignment these past two weeks, and Christian Yelich has played fewer games in the outfield this year than either George Springer or Anthony Santander. Pat Murphy will have some interesting decisions to make in the weeks ahead, but these are the problems one likes to have.

And I think we do have to wonder if there might be something lacking in the way the Chicago White Sox do things. As if their record didn't have you convinced already. Vaughn's saga doesn't speak very well for whatever their idea of player development might be.

The Brewers have lined up their three best starters for this weekend, and they will kick things off with the guy who's been their ace this season. Freddy Peralta has been one of the best pitchers in the whole National League this season, which is mildly surprising - he's been a dependable quality starter for several seasons, but he's never really looked like an ace before this year. Sunday starter Brandon Woodruff has often looked like an ace in the past, but he's always had trouble staying healthy - he's made just 9 starts this year, but he's been quite ace-like in those. In between those two, Quinn Priester gets the ball on Saturday. Priester skipped his last turn through the rotation, to rest a sore right wrist. 

The Brewers were so flush with pitching at one point that they were practically giving away useful starters to teams in need - Civale to the White Sox, Nestor Cortes to the Padres - but rookie Jacob Misiorowski has been scuffling lately (0-1, 8.16 in his last four starts) and old Jose Quintana must be doing it with mirrors at this point. They've picked up Erick Fedde and Shelby Miller to help them get through these tough times.

Matchups

Fri 29 Aug - Peralta (15-5, 2.68) vs Bieber (1-0, 1.50)
Sat 30 Aug - Priester (11-2, 3.44) vs Gausman (8-10, 3.87)
Sun 31 Aug - Woodruff (5-1, 3.10) vs Scherzer (5-2, 3.82)
Milwaukee at Toronto, August 29-31 | 148 comments | Create New Account
The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
John Northey - Friday, August 29 2025 @ 02:37 PM EDT (#467123) #
Potential WS preview? You got it. Milwaukee #1 in MLB 4 1/2 games ahead of the Jays, who are 1/2 a game ahead of the Tigers, 1 game ahead of the Phillies & Dodgers. Lets hope for a fun weekend!
Eephus - Friday, August 29 2025 @ 03:18 PM EDT (#467124) #
To reveal the 20 game winner trivia from the other thread: the last Oriole to win 20 games was Mike Boddicker in 1984. As for the National League, the longest drought belongs to the San Diego Padres, with Gaylord Perry being the last fella to win 20 back in 1978.

Heck of a pitching matchup tonight, the atmosphere in the park should be electric. Sadly I won’t be able to watch (darn concerts, paying my bills…)
92-93 - Friday, August 29 2025 @ 03:41 PM EDT (#467126) #
All it took was a fracture for Schneider to start playing the correct lineup. Beautiful looking order tonight, though eventually we might see Lukes 2nd and Barger 7th.

Varland and Rodriguez come into the series very well rested, they've thrown 9 and 6 pitches respectively since Sunday. Hoffman and Dominguez would be going for the 3rd time in 4 days if they pitch tonight, though.

The Brewers back end of their pen will be missing their closer, but the rest of them (Uribe, Miller, Mears, and Koenig) are fairly well rested.
Mike Green - Friday, August 29 2025 @ 04:10 PM EDT (#467128) #
The WAR leader for the Orioles in 1980 was Al Bumbry, and it wasn't close.  Bumbry was 33, and hit .318/.392/.433 with 44 steals in 55 attempts and was about average in centerfield.  He played 160 games by far the most in his career.  He came up at age 26 and was the Rookie of the Year, and was an average player from age 27-32, and then had his career year (6.1 bWAR).  
85bluejay - Friday, August 29 2025 @ 04:18 PM EDT (#467129) #
Steve Stone, Al Bumbry - Mike Green you are taking me into the wayback machine and my formative years as a baseball fan - great memories.
greenfrog - Friday, August 29 2025 @ 04:38 PM EDT (#467130) #
For me, two key players in this series are Barger and Vladdy. If they’re feeling good at the plate, it will really help the Blue Jays lineup put pressure on the Milwaukee pitchers.

Peralta and Priester are a bit worse on the road than at home this year. There may be a slight opening there to put some runs on the board.
uglyone - Friday, August 29 2025 @ 05:52 PM EDT (#467131) #
The team's run production has lagged behind it's 2nd overall wRC+ all year....but it's been slowly but surely catching up.

They're now up to 4th overall in runs per game at 4.96, but a good ways behind three ahead of them.

1. NYY 5.24 (118wrc+)
2. LAD 5.18 (114)
3. MIL 5.10 (108)
4. TOR 4.96 (114)
5. BOS 4.95 (103)
6. ARZ 4.94 (110)
7. CHC 4.90 (109)
8. DET 4.82 (105)
9. PHI 4.81 (108)
10. NYM 4.64 (112)


And now they play the team in 3rd ahead of them.
greenfrog - Friday, August 29 2025 @ 07:15 PM EDT (#467133) #
Very impressive first home game inning for Bieber.
electric carrot - Friday, August 29 2025 @ 07:32 PM EDT (#467134) #
"Beautiful looking order tonight"

I agree with 92-93. This lineup looks tough to beat.
Marc Hulet - Friday, August 29 2025 @ 08:28 PM EDT (#467135) #
Jays lineup is back in that groove where they make modest pitchers look like all-stars and really good pitchers look unhittable.

Boston could be 2.5 back after tonight.
electric carrot - Friday, August 29 2025 @ 08:32 PM EDT (#467136) #
I meant to say this lineup looks like crap and I'd be surprised if they hit even one home run.
SK in NJ - Friday, August 29 2025 @ 09:03 PM EDT (#467137) #
On the bright side the Jays can’t possibly miss the playoffs barring a monster collapse but missing out on the division is a very real possibility, unfortunately. The schedule heavily favors the Yankees and Red Sox, and the Jays just went 5-4 in a stretch where they should have gone 7-2 at a minimum, so it’s going to be a dog fight.

I think if you win 1 of 3 against the Brewers this weekend, then you take it.
Nigel - Friday, August 29 2025 @ 09:08 PM EDT (#467138) #
They may need to option Varland.
greenfrog - Friday, August 29 2025 @ 09:11 PM EDT (#467139) #
Bieber was very good, Peralta was better tonight.

Little and Varland…yuck.
greenfrog - Friday, August 29 2025 @ 09:12 PM EDT (#467140) #
3-2 Pittsburgh over Boston in the 8th. Maybe, just maybe, the Blue Jays will catch a break in that game.
Glevin - Friday, August 29 2025 @ 09:33 PM EDT (#467141) #
Varsho's injury looks scary. Jays need him. Bullpen is just awful right now.
greenfrog - Friday, August 29 2025 @ 09:34 PM EDT (#467142) #
What happened to Varsho?
Glevin - Friday, August 29 2025 @ 09:41 PM EDT (#467143) #
Hit in hand with 97 MPH fastball. Left game in a lot of pain.
greenfrog - Friday, August 29 2025 @ 09:46 PM EDT (#467144) #
Thanks. That's horrible. Varsho is one of the team's best players.
uglyone - Friday, August 29 2025 @ 09:47 PM EDT (#467145) #
Red Sox lose.
Gerry - Friday, August 29 2025 @ 09:50 PM EDT (#467146) #
Yimi Garcia is having surgery to remove bone chips....out for the season.
greenfrog - Friday, August 29 2025 @ 09:51 PM EDT (#467147) #
Red Sox/Yankees win or lose, it's really secondary if Varsho has a broken hand.

Might need to bring up Schreck (bat) and Yesavage (potentially dominant bullpen arm) in September to support the team. Tough to toss them into a MLB pennant race, though.
dalimon5 - Friday, August 29 2025 @ 10:09 PM EDT (#467148) #
If the Jays don't win 100 games and the division and the World Series it might be just as entertaining for me to read Marc come here after every poor performance to blame the Jays for not "winning," in a sport where you're a legend team if you lose 60 games.

Man you must hate following prospects that arent some type of T-1000 machine which perfectly executes and NEVER makes an opposing player look better than they are because, of course opposing teams and players are never supposed to be better. Terrible Blue Jays to make Peralta look like a superstar.

You don't need to be "in a groove," to make the best team in baseball look really good. Get a grip man because you're otherwise coming on here to dooms post. Boston could be 2.5 back tonight...yeah yeah, where did you say this Toronto team would finish at the beginning of the year? Outside of playoffs. Relax man and try to enjoy the season.



Very entertaining indeed.

Spifficus - Friday, August 29 2025 @ 10:25 PM EDT (#467149) #
I'm glad to see the pressure isn't getting to anybody and everyone's keeping their cool during these high pressure games. *cough*

Amazingly, I'm less despondent over the Little and Varland outings tonight than I had been recently. Their lines looked the same, but Little seemed to find the zone after a batter. Varland came out throwing strikes (and fastballs). I'm not saying they were good, but I could see some light at the end of the tunnel. I'm just hoping it isn't a train.
Gerry - Friday, August 29 2025 @ 10:25 PM EDT (#467150) #
Varsho x-rays were negative so he is day to day.
vw_fan17 - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 12:10 AM EDT (#467151) #
Anyone feel like opposing pitchers are taking undue liberties with hitting our players? Springer and Varsho at least today (I skipped a bit, may have been more). Springer missed a bunch of time earlier, Kirk hit on the hand, Clement with a hairline fracture, etc..

When was the last time one of our guys really plunked an opposing batter and put him out of the game? Jose Ramirez back like in late April / early May? 

It feels like it's open season on our hitters with no risk of retaliation.

btw, anyone finding Da Box unusually slow today? 
John Northey - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 02:14 AM EDT (#467152) #
Phew, best case then for Varsho. day-to-day is 1000x better than I expected. On the video you can see his pinky flop around after being hit, I was hoping that was thanks to his grip more than anything - if it was crushed between the ball and bat then that movement wouldn't have happened. Dumb luck. If he is back next week I'll be very happy. Who knew getting Straw could've been one of the smartest things done last offseason, especially given how many wanted the GM fired over it. Straw at 2.3 bWAR so has been a solid regular thanks to his defense and hitting at an endurable level with great baserunning (11-1 SB-CS).
Petey Baseball - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 08:33 AM EDT (#467153) #
What's happened to the bullpen in the last few weeks, and the Varsho close call is evidence that the "he'll mess up the chemistry" argument against bringing back proven MLB production (ie: the Santander situation) is bunk. There is no such thing as too much production/talent/depth.

Even though looks like Varsho avoided a broken hand, the effects very well may be felt the rest of the year. It's a hand, it's hard enough to hit in the big leagues when they're both healthy. If only the Jays had a middle of the order bat to help re-enforce the lineup in the next few weeks.

If only the Jays had a
Hodgie - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 09:29 AM EDT (#467154) #
Varland has great stuff, decent control, but no command. Everything is middle/middle.
ISLAND BOY - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 10:56 AM EDT (#467155) #
I hope Varland isn't a bag of magic beans that we traded two perfectly good cows for.
greenfrog - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 11:04 AM EDT (#467156) #
Hard to say about Varland. He was throwing 100 yesterday but his fastballs were down the middle. His first curveballs were not competitive (low and away well off the plate), so hitters could sit on the FB. If he can throw his pitches on the edges or just off the edges of the zone, he could be a very successful reliever.
greenfrog - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 11:07 AM EDT (#467157) #
Very positive news about Varsho.

Compare the situation with SD shortstop Bogaerts, who fouled a ball off his foot the other day resulting in a non-displaced fracture. He might or might not make it back in time for the postseason.
dalimon5 - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 11:21 AM EDT (#467158) #
I think Hodgie has it summed up pretty good. Varland doesn't have command. Walker is probably telling him "your stuff is electric just put it in the strike zone and trust your stuff." His fast pitches don't have enough bend.
Nigel - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 12:11 PM EDT (#467159) #
It’s definitely a function of command but there’s an element of control too. There are too many situations where Varland gets behind in the count and the hitter knows a FB is coming. I doubt he’s magic beans - he’s so like Koch and Koch had some really good stretches it’s just that the whole was less than the sum of its parts. I think he’ll be useful in some capacity. I won’t be surprised if they try him again next year as a starter or multi inning guy where the leverage situations are a little less. Right now, I’m not sure what they can use him for. Runs in 5 straight outings means that, at best, he should see the lowest leverage situations for a bit or they should option him and bring back Fisher.
Cracka - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 12:39 PM EDT (#467160) #
If Varland is optioned, Fisher cannot be recalled until Sept. 5th (15-day waiting period). Same with Fluharty (Sept. 8th) and Schultz (Sept 9th). Unless someone is placed on the IL, there really isn't anyone in Buffalo on the 40-man roster that can help right now...
Nigel - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 12:48 PM EDT (#467161) #
Thanks Cracka, my math was off, I thought Fisher could be recalled on Monday.
Nigel - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 12:48 PM EDT (#467162) #
Thanks Cracka, my math was off, I thought Fisher could be recalled on Monday.
Gerry - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 01:41 PM EDT (#467163) #
Easton Lucas up, Bruihl optioned
Cracka - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 02:06 PM EDT (#467164) #
At this point, there aren't many options to be added when the rosters expand on Monday. Lazaro Estrada and Adam Macko are the only healthy pitchers on the 40-man roster who are eligible. Non-roster options include Dillon Tate, who was just activated from the AAA IL and Ryan Bourucki, who hasn't pitched yet for Buffalo. Trey Yesavage might be the best option...
Eephus - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 03:49 PM EDT (#467165) #
Shulman and Siddal were discussing it on the broadcast as well, but what an excellent job by Gausman that inning to keep the base runner Durbin completely off balance. Varying his delivery really threw Durbin’s timing off, and that was a fabulous RH move to eventually pick him off.
greenfrog - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 03:59 PM EDT (#467166) #
Runners (France and Straw) on second and third, one out, 3-0 count on Springer…and no runs scored against Priester. That was painful to watch.
Glevin - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 04:08 PM EDT (#467167) #
Vladdy was so hot before his injury but just hasn't been the same since he's been back. Hopefully, gets in a groove again soon.
greenfrog - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 04:14 PM EDT (#467168) #
5 ace-quality innings from Gausman so far.
Nigel - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 04:30 PM EDT (#467169) #
Oh Ernie, where art thou?:)
uglyone - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 04:32 PM EDT (#467170) #
Gotta send springer there.
uglyone - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 04:51 PM EDT (#467171) #
And now a battle of the bullpens.

Just like we all wanted.
greenfrog - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 05:07 PM EDT (#467172) #
Very good job by Dominguez T8. Kept his composure and made good pitches against a tough, patient team.
uglyone - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 05:19 PM EDT (#467173) #
Bullpen looks like they're gonna blow the season for us.
greenfrog - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 05:20 PM EDT (#467174) #
Maybe just make Yesavage the closer. He can’t be any worse than Hoffman.
soupman - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 05:22 PM EDT (#467175) #
i mean...sometimes you just gotta laugh.

Vlad, Bo, and Kirk in the bottom. Sometimes you need your best hitters to do what they're paid to do.
John Northey - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 05:23 PM EDT (#467176) #
What is up with Hoffman? Just keeps giving up gopher balls. He never did this in the past so why now?
greenfrog - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 05:24 PM EDT (#467177) #
What’s the commonality with Hoffman, Yimi and Yariel? Overuse earlier in the season (and now sucking), maybe.
greenfrog - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 05:26 PM EDT (#467178) #
A/A+ pitching by the Blue Jays starting pitchers the last two games, F pitching by the bullpen.
Gerry - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 05:34 PM EDT (#467179) #
Last year was Hoffmans first as a closer and it wasn't the full year. So this is his first season with the high expectations and a full year of save opportunities. And/or last year could have been a career year.
Glevin - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 05:41 PM EDT (#467180) #
What a waste of two great starting performances. Bullpen deserves most of the blame but you're also not going to win very often scoring 3 runs in 2 games.
soupman - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 06:08 PM EDT (#467181) #
if you watched the playoffs last year you'd have seen why the Phillies were in no great pains to see Hoffman walk. i wasn't thrilled with the signing and i still think that the Jays should have gone after Soto AND Seranthony from the O's at the deadline instead of overpaying for a guy with 1/2 a season of success (Varland) and giving up an arm that looks like it might have been useful down the stretch and going forward.

Magpie - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 06:39 PM EDT (#467182) #
Last year was Hoffmans first as a closer and it wasn't the full year.

He was never really the Philly closer, he was kind of sharing the job with Alvarado and Estevez. He never had more than three saves in a single month, and his workload looks pretty much the same. But this cannot continue. The last time he gave up this many HRs, he was starting. In Coors Field.

But the alternatives.... well, Seranthony is basically the late Octavio Dotel - RH batters don't have a chance, but LH batters let the good times roll. Brendon Little is Mitch Williams. It would be hard for two pitchers to resemble each other more closely than Brendon and Mitch, they might as well be the same guy. Varland is clearly still shell-shocked by the trade. Which leaves Yariel, Nance, and the rookies.
SK in NJ - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 07:25 PM EDT (#467183) #
I don’t see how you can keep throwing Hoffman out there even with the other options also struggling. Do a closer by committee where you bring someone in based on the matchup. Could be Hoff some nights, or Little other nights, maybe Dominguez if there are a bunch righties coming up, etc. Hoffman already got his money and is unmovable so it’s not like he needs to pad his save totals for any reason. Try to win games rather than cater to veteran egos.

With that said, scoring one run (due to an error) and then 2 runs the night before isn’t going to cut it.
dalimon5 - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 07:51 PM EDT (#467184) #
Whatever it is it's not good and it looks like Atkins may have fallen short on bullpen upgrade. I do wonder if the bullpen is just overused and running into a dead arm phase. Varland dead arm causing "middle" pitches, Little overuse causing control issues...Hoffman no explanation.

With all of these "elite arms" around the league blowing up in the bullpen is the "top end reliable BP arm" the new TINSSAAPP?
dalimon5 - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 07:51 PM EDT (#467185) #
Whatever it is it's not good and it looks like Atkins may have fallen short on bullpen upgrade. I do wonder if the bullpen is just overused and running into a dead arm phase. Varland dead arm causing "middle" pitches, Little overuse causing control issues...Hoffman no explanation.

With all of these "elite arms" around the league blowing up in the bullpen is the "top end reliable BP arm" the new TINSSAAPP?
SK in NJ - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 07:54 PM EDT (#467186) #
Overworking the pen all season in order to lessen the strain on the starters might have been a bad strategy. Or a good strategy that was poorly executed.
greenfrog - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 07:58 PM EDT (#467187) #
So, if it's somehow 3-2 Blue Jays heading to the ninth inning tomorrow, are we going to see Hoffman pitch T9 again? Because if past is prologue, that is exactly what is going to happen -- for better or worse.
Glevin - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 08:04 PM EDT (#467188) #
I don't trust Hoffman at all but I trust all the other options even less. Not sure what Jays can do here because there are no good options right now.
dalimon5 - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 08:21 PM EDT (#467189) #
Basically Glevin, your post is very on point which is what makes this situation so baffling.
greenfrog - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 08:35 PM EDT (#467190) #
Yesavage might be a helpful upgrade. Start him in lower-leverage situations, and move him into higher-leverage ones if he does well. The Blue Jays are in a fight for the division title and a bye and it’s all hands on deck. The team needs to aggressively put itself in the best position to win now.
greenfrog - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 08:37 PM EDT (#467191) #
The Red Sox recognized and acted on this imperative when they released Buehler and promoted Tolle (who had a good first start for the team).
greenfrog - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 08:57 PM EDT (#467192) #
Pittsburgh beat Boston 10-3.

Yankees and CWS are tied 1-1 heading into the 7th.
soupman - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 09:10 PM EDT (#467193) #
Yesavage has an ERA scraping 5 in 3 AAA appearances. It's 4.61 since graduating from A-ball.

I don't understand how either of those facts points towards a player that is ready to contribute at an even higher level, in a role he has never pitched in, in the highest leverage, in a playoff race
John Northey - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 09:12 PM EDT (#467194) #
Last year Hoffman was 7th in fWAR for relievers at 2.0. The 6 ahead of him were...
  1. Cade Smith (Cle) solid again, 1.9 fWAR, but ERA up from 1.91 to 3.03.
  2. Griffin Jax (Min) 1.4 fWAR, was a big one everyone wanted at the deadline, ended up with the Rays somehow and is -0.1 fWAR with them in 9 IP (3 HR given up). He cost them Taj Bradley (24 year old starter who had a bad start with Minny but had another today, 5 IP 1 H 1 R 3 BB 6 K 1 HR)
  3. Mason Miller (Oak) 1.3 fWAR this year, walks up but that avg 101 FB is there.
  4. Ryan Helsley (StL) 0.3 fWAR, now with the Mets - was 0.4 with StL, -0.2 with Mets. 2 HR in 9 2/3 IP with them. This was a guy I'm sure many here wanted.
  5. Emmanuel Clase (Cle) 1.1 fWAR, now done for 2025 due to non-disciplinary paid leave as part of an investigation into sports betting.
  6. Matt Strahm (Phi) 1.1 fWAR 6 saves, 4 blown, 16 holds, got the win today despite allowing a run in extras So 2 of these guys were available and both flopped with their new teams so far (Jax & Helsley). Clase is one of those things that just is a disaster (how can anyone be dumb enough to bet on baseball who is playing?)

    4 guys over 2 fWAR this year so far - Adrian Morejon (SDP) from 1.1 in '24, Aroldis Chapman for Boston (same jump, from 1.1 but with his domestic abuse past I wouldn't want him here even if he was the greatest pitcher ever), Bryan Abreu (Hou) from 0.9 last year - this is his 4th straight solid year, Robert Suarez (SDP) 1.6 total over 3 years before this year's 2+ - go figure, career year at 34.

    Outside of Abreu I doubt many would've predicted this solid a year from each of those 4. Chapman encourages one to think karma doesn't exist - scum like him should be unable to find work, not be aces for the mini-evil empire.

    So basically, if you are a ML GM how do you find the relievers who will be great vs the many who will flop? That is why I partially give Atkins a break here. I feel he should've found a better LH option than Little (be it in the offseason or regular season) as I have no faith in him. Hoffman I figure is going through a dead arm stretch or something, perhaps some lower leverage is needed until he gets things going, but who to use in the closer role? Yariel? Solid today, but has had a lot of issues.
greenfrog - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 09:21 PM EDT (#467195) #
Hoffman’s overall K and BB numbers are good this year. The issue is HR allowed. Not sure why this is happening but it could be related to his heavy workload at times this year (when he was used 4 times in 5 games, for example). It could also be that he’s more comfortable in a setup role than in a closer role. Or it could just be a bit of a dead arm phase for him, as John suggested.
uglyone - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 09:39 PM EDT (#467196) #
Angels take a 2 run lead over the Astros in the top of the 9th.

Royals take a 2 run lead over the Tigers in the bottom of the 9th.

Yanks still tied in the 9th.
greenfrog - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 09:44 PM EDT (#467197) #
Jordan (“At Your”) Leasure dispatches the Yankees T9. CWS will win it if they score B9.
John Northey - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 09:50 PM EDT (#467198) #
Yanks game on Sportsnet online - dang, to extras, but one can hope.
uglyone - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 09:55 PM EDT (#467199) #
Tigers lose, Astros lose.
uglyone - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 09:56 PM EDT (#467200) #
Mariners lose too.
greenfrog - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 09:58 PM EDT (#467201) #
Yankees fail to score T10. 2-2 heading to B10.
John Northey - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 09:59 PM EDT (#467202) #
2-2 bottom of the 10th NY vs ChiSox in Chicago. C'mon White Sox!
uglyone - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 10:07 PM EDT (#467203) #
welp, at least Bednar isn't pitching next inning.
greenfrog - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 10:08 PM EDT (#467204) #
CWS came within a couple of inches of winning the game (foul ball almost exactly down RF line with runner on third base and no outfielder in sight).

Now headed to 11th inning.
uglyone - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 10:16 PM EDT (#467205) #
oh well.

at least Felix is about to upset Zverev.
vw_fan17 - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 10:17 PM EDT (#467206) #
What’s the commonality with Hoffman, Yimi and Yariel? Overuse earlier in the season (and now sucking), maybe.
Or possibly pitch calling? Maybe Kirk doesn't know how to get the best out of them (yet)? At least earlier in the year, there seemed to be a noticeable gap in ERA with Heineman vs. Kirk behind the plate for some starters - like > 1.0 different in ERA..

He might be shell-shocked from too many walks given up and  "can't walk 'em, gotta make sure it's over the plate" type mentality. Not saying I definitely believe it's due to pitch calling - but for multiple relievers, including ones just acquired recently, to all fall apart at the same time?
greenfrog - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 10:26 PM EDT (#467207) #
Yankees 2 GB of Toronto, with a relatively soft schedule remaining.
John Northey - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 10:31 PM EDT (#467208) #
IKF is available now as the Pirates let him go it seems. $1.21 mil left on his contract is all it would cost. He'd be a good backup for Clement and the rest of the infield. His 79 OPS+ sucks, but he is a good fielder at 2B/3B and not terrible at SS - as an ultimate utility guy he was a catcher in 18/19, and has emergency pitched a few times to go along with time in all 3 OF positions (2023). He hit well here, 117 wRC+ as a Jay, so I see him as a good 28th man. Just has to be on the 40 before the 1st, could activate him on the 1st and he'd be playoff eligible. A heck of a lot better than if they had to use Jimenez again.

Walker Buehler was also released by the Red Sox - didn't pitch well, but has a 13 inning scoreless playoff streak still going. He did get the save in the final game of the World Series last year after all, so if he is good with going to the pen I'd look at it - heck, our current pen is driving us all nuts so why not?
greenfrog - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 10:45 PM EDT (#467209) #
Tomorrow isn’t a must-win game for Toronto, but it’s pretty darn important.

The Yankees and Boston are playing better than the Blue Jays and they have slightly easier schedules over the next month. New York could easily go 4-0 in their remaining games against the White Sox and the Blue Jays don’t have any opponents like that.
soupman - Saturday, August 30 2025 @ 11:26 PM EDT (#467210) #
Jason Adam was better than most of them by rWAR and has been consistently good for years.
dalimon5 - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 12:08 AM EDT (#467211) #
Adam is used sparingly. I feel like he's babied snd not worthy of the other guys.
soupman - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 07:46 AM EDT (#467212) #
Leverage index would indicate otherwise
dalimon5 - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 08:57 AM EDT (#467213) #
Yeah I looked up the numbers and I'm surprised how much Jason has been used actually. I was going off the eye test when he was with Kevin Cash's Rays.
uglyone - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 01:37 PM EDT (#467214) #
Welcome home, IKF.
uglyone - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 01:59 PM EDT (#467215) #
So Ernie IS indispensible after all.
Eephus - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 01:59 PM EDT (#467216) #
Boy that sure feels like a big hit for Lukes…
greenfrog - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 02:02 PM EDT (#467217) #
Great response to score three runs B1. Sure wish Gimenez could have given Woodruff a tougher PA while the latter was on the ropes with his pitch count climbing. Instead, he popped out on the first pitch.
Nigel - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 02:07 PM EDT (#467218) #
IKF as a waiver claim? Super weird. Isn’t this team long on excellent fielding, offensively challenged INF?
electric carrot - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 02:21 PM EDT (#467219) #
Springer I think got a little lucky on that stretch to third, but I like the boldness of the choice -- no hesitation and a great slide.
Eephus - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 02:25 PM EDT (#467220) #
Max giving up a lot of hard contact, the Brewers pounding anything he leaves close to the middle of the zone… though the ball does seem to be carrying a lot today.
electric carrot - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 02:25 PM EDT (#467221) #
Also, gotta think Straw got a little lucky too. Couldn't see where he was but that ball could easily have been caught and surely he would have been doubled up if it was caught. He had made great progress towards home it seems based on where he was when the throw got home.
Nigel - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 02:25 PM EDT (#467222) #
Agreed, great slide. Barger having a tough game. His aggressiveness at the plate is really being used against him pretty consistently right now.
Eephus - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 02:30 PM EDT (#467223) #
Brewers baserunning not all that impressive this inning. We’ll gladly take it.

Barger definitely looks completely out of sorts at the plate. Like he’s thinking too much about his aggressiveness, for instance that last at bat where he swung first pitch at a borderline pitch high, then watched a much better one to hit go right past him.
uglyone - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 02:34 PM EDT (#467224) #
Max has been getting away with a lot of warning track flyballs in recent putings, so it's not too shocking to see him get punished by some wallscrapers today.
Katie - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 02:48 PM EDT (#467225) #
Great play by Heineman on the double steal. He had to grab that short hop and then had the presence of mind to grab the ball with his bare hand, as it was sitting precariously in the heel of the glove.
greenfrog - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 02:55 PM EDT (#467226) #
Gaining a one-run lead on Vladdy’s chopper is welcome. But the Blue Jays haven’t been able to get that breakthrough hit (or even sac fly) with runners on to add on some badly-needed runs. This might come back to haunt them later in the game.
Eephus - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 02:58 PM EDT (#467227) #
Little just making things harder on himself… that’s a play that has to be made.
Eephus - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 03:00 PM EDT (#467228) #
And another terrible play by Little. How can you not get anybody out there? This is some of the most brutal pitcher defence you can have.
Eephus - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 03:02 PM EDT (#467229) #
Finally got one right. No lie I was screaming “Go home!” At the screen there.
Eephus - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 03:10 PM EDT (#467230) #
Tommy Nance to the rescue again! Unreal how good he’s been: that curveball to get Vaughn was perfect location.
Cracka - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 03:10 PM EDT (#467231) #
Even on the out, you could see Little's total lack of confidence... taking a few steps towards the plate and underhanding it to Kirk, rather than even trying for the double play. Nance to the rescue... our most underrated player since the All-Star break.
greenfrog - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 03:11 PM EDT (#467232) #
Nance doing what so many other Blue Jays relievers have been able to do. Throw strikes, live on (and just off) the edges, change speeds effectively…pitch like a pro, in other words.
greenfrog - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 03:11 PM EDT (#467233) #
* unable
Glevin - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 03:13 PM EDT (#467234) #
IKF makes no sense at all. Just a worse version of Clement. Not what Jays need at all.
uglyone - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 03:17 PM EDT (#467235) #
clement and straw coming through bigtime against the RHP.
greenfrog - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 03:17 PM EDT (#467236) #
Summer of Straw!
Katie - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 03:17 PM EDT (#467237) #
Arguably the best pure backup catcher in baseball this year.

Also, if this isn't a sign to give Nance higher leverage innings, I don't know what is.
Nigel - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 03:18 PM EDT (#467238) #
I was very wrong about Straw. Who knew that was the FO’s best offseason move?
greenfrog - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 03:24 PM EDT (#467239) #
Did the Blue Jays acquire star DSL prospect Juan Sanchez with the IFA money that came in the Straw trade? Or was he signed using their existing pool money?
Eephus - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 03:31 PM EDT (#467240) #
From what I’ve heard/understood, they used the extra bonus money on the Korean high school pitcher.
greenfrog - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 03:37 PM EDT (#467241) #
OK, thanks.

Varland looked mostly very good in the 6th. Premium stuff (FB 98-99 mostly for strikes, sharp curveball to strike out the two batters he faced).
Gerry - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 04:06 PM EDT (#467242) #
So who is pitching the ninth?
mathesond - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 04:06 PM EDT (#467243) #
"Varland looked mostly very good in the 6th".

Good Koch showed up today, eh Nigel?
pooks137 - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 04:06 PM EDT (#467244) #
IKF doesn't fit the roster very well, but it's the FO's last chance to add any sort of team depth before the postseason.

IKF is a known commodity who had a career 1st half here in '24 & presumably knows a lot of the coaches & current roster while being liked.

He's 2025's Darwin Barney or Cliff Pennington.

The downside is that he's going to take up a 26-man (soon to be 28) roster spot from here until the last day of the regular season barring him getting released again or a phantom IL stint.

The biggest loser from the IKF news is probably Joey Loperfido.
greenfrog - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 04:12 PM EDT (#467245) #
Bullpen looking strong today (Little’s fielding flubs aside).

2-2 Yankees-White Sox entering the 8th. It’s deja vu all over again, but hopefully with a different end result this time.
uglyone - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 04:13 PM EDT (#467246) #
Loperfido has a 98wrc+ in AAA.
Nigel - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 04:20 PM EDT (#467247) #
Varland looked excellent today:). Much needed. I hadn’t noticed until today but Varland even has Koch’s bow leggedness.
Magpie - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 04:26 PM EDT (#467248) #
Glad to see the last of this Chourio fellow. Stay in the other league, kid.
DavidtheDeuce - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 04:31 PM EDT (#467249) #
Myles is the Straw that stirs the Blue Jays 2025 Drink.
Katie - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 04:32 PM EDT (#467250) #
Regardless of what Loperfido's wrc+ in Triple-A is, I know whether I'd prefer to call on him or IKF to pinch-hit against a right-handed pitcher.

I wouldn't mind IKF if he was ticketed for Triple-A as depth ahead of Jimenez and Stefanic, but not as an option ahead of better bats.
greenfrog - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 04:34 PM EDT (#467251) #
3-2 White Sox heading to T9. Huge half-inning for the Blue Jays coming up.
Cracka - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 04:35 PM EDT (#467252) #
Pooks137, I agree completely with everything you said. He's our last chance to add depth, and there's no one else worthy of a promotion in Buffalo other than Loperfido, who hasn't hit at all since being demoted. I'd rather have IKF as our 5th bench player than someone who could be playing every day in AAA. Also, at this point, I completely trust the FO's judgement on fringe players, because they've assembled one of the best top-to-bottom rosters in recent memory. They'll need to make a similar call with the extra pitcher that the call-up, either a veteran like Bourucki or Tate, or a do they roll the dice all call up Yesavage. We will find out tomorrow morning (game starts at 1 pm).
scottt - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 04:37 PM EDT (#467253) #
Varland's other sport is wrestling.
scottt - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 04:41 PM EDT (#467254) #
IKF is now a below average runner. Loperfido has 11 stolen bases in AAA. The extra bench bat is mostly a pinch runner.
uglyone - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 04:44 PM EDT (#467255) #
yanks lose.

stros down 3 in the 9th.
uglyone - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 04:53 PM EDT (#467256) #
stros lose
pooks137 - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 04:54 PM EDT (#467257) #
Pooks137, I agree completely with everything you said.

Thanks Cracka.

I'm pretty meh on IKF personally, particularly because we saw the 90th percentile, career version last year which taints our memories of him.

But I also agree with the FO erring on the side of collecting assets at this postseason roster deadline similar to them signing Eloy Jimenez earlier in the week.

They've already had a couple of scares in Clement's hairline phalanx fracture and Varsho's hand contusion.

Who knows what the future holds. I'd prefer they pile up depth assets at this point rather than trying to optimize the 26th or 28th player on the MLB roster as much as possible for the month of Sept.

Glevin - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 07:09 PM EDT (#467258) #
IKF won't start instead of other guys, but he will be used, according to Schneider, to allow him to be more aggressive pinch-hitting early in games.

Having more depth makes a little sense to me but this doesn't. Pinch hitting who? This isn't a lineup with a lot of pinch hitting and when it happens it's like Straw for Lukes. Jays don't have big splits generally so pinch hitting is usually a pretty small advantage to begin with.
Cracka - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 07:33 PM EDT (#467259) #
Giminez... this lets them use Davis Schneider as a PH, then IKF as the defensive replacement.
Petey Baseball - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 07:58 PM EDT (#467260) #
The doom and gloom after the losses this week was not surprising from the typical fairweather fans, but even Shulman and Siddall were playing into it. It's why I miss being overseas and having MLBTV, enjoy listening to the other team's broadcast. It's a welcome break from being in your own teams bubble.

I mean sure, it's late August and the team is in a pennant race, but the angst and the handwringing over the bullpen is just overboard. Shulman sounded crestfallen when it went south yesterday.

It's part of fandom, I get it, and it's way better than being in fourth place, but holy geez let's not act like we should pack in and quit if our bullpen blows a few games.
John Northey - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 10:08 PM EDT (#467261) #
I see IKF as an injury insurance policy - if any infielder gets hurt pre-IKF we'd be seeing Jimenez called up, he of the 069 avg in 32 PA. His AAA line is better at 283/433/358 but the lack of power is a big concern. To count on him if Clement's cracked bone gets worse would be foolish. IKF had a 114 OPS+ here last year, just a 77 this year, but 1.5 bWAR 0.7 fWAR. Pittsburgh used him a lot at SS and 3B. Never at 2B (odd as he was used there a lot here), but he is also a 3rd catcher and backup OF - very useful in a 28th man. If an OF gets hurt then Loperfido will be back, but since his demotion he has sulked it seems (132/233/158) which is never a good sign. His last 10 games in the majors he hit 292/346/333 which isn't that good either.

Really, the 28th man will rarely be used outside of blowouts or in very specialized roles (defense late, running, whatever) and if they wanted a runner Clase would've been the choice (28-4 in SB-CS this year in AAA in 71 games - easily over a 50 SB pace) but Straw covers that nicely if needed (and he isn't already in the game) while IKF can do the job running for Kirk or Heineman late as well as play pretty much anywhere after doing that.

The pen is overstuffed with meh, the new guy up on the 1st will probably be bouncing around like the rest unless it is Borucki who is a left handed specialist which this team could probably use right about now (Little makes me very nervous everytime although he did pitch well today, just couldn't field).
uglyone - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 10:11 PM EDT (#467262) #
Phillies lose.

Jays officially enter September tied for 3rd overall in MLB, 5.5 games back of 1st.

They're half a game back of both 1st AL and 2nd MLB, both held by Detroit.

September Opponents:

3gms @CIN: .505 w%, T-15th MLB
3gms @NYY: .555 w%, T-7th MLB
3gms vHOU: .547 w%, 10th MLB
3gms vBAL: .445 w%, 26th MLB
4gms @TBR: .493 w%, T-18th MLB
3gms @KCR: .511 w%, 14th MLB
3gms vBOS: .551 w%, 9th MLB
3gms vTBR: .493 2%, T-18th MLB
John Northey - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 10:26 PM EDT (#467263) #
Looking at the 40 man, next move is probably more 60 day stuff - maybe Sandlin if they can back date it, I suspect they like the optionability for Fisher, Fluharty, Schultz, and Bruihl. Estrada and Pina are in AAA (Pina not listed as IL but last pitched on August 1st so he might be hurt and if so could be dumped but has 2 more option years left after 2025 so maybe not).

Boy, going through the roster there are a lot of 'meh' 7/8th guys for the pen who have options for 2026 - the 6 I list above outside of Bruihl (his final option was used this year), plus Lucas & Varland (assuming he isn't sent down this year, seems a safe bet). Little also has 2 options left fwiw as do Francis (1 but I think it was used) and Manoah (2). It'll be a real challenge for Atkins to figure out who to keep and who to release imo.

So who to keep when the playoffs come? I go through this often, but final slots will be hard and probably will depend on opponent and who is hot and not come October.

3 game lead over NYY, 3 1/2 over Boston. 4 over Houston, 1/2 a game back of Detroit. Quite the battle for top spot in the AL and in the AL East.
jjdynomite - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 10:33 PM EDT (#467264) #
… unfortunately both TBR and BAL have over .500 records vs. the Jays.
uglyone - Sunday, August 31 2025 @ 10:59 PM EDT (#467265) #
Already having nightmares about a crucial 4gm series in friggin Tampa, thanks!
pooks137 - Monday, September 01 2025 @ 12:34 AM EDT (#467266) #
Little also has 2 options left fwiw as do Francis (1 but I think it was used) and Manoah (2).

Don't think Bowden's last option was used this year. He made the team out of ST and was put on the MLB IL with the same shoulder impingement diagnosis that Yimi Garcia had (thought ultimately Garcia's season ended with surgery with another problem that arose during his rehab, ulnar neuritis).

Bowden seems like he's been banished to the Phantom Zone and will not likely use an option this year since there's been zero rehab updates and not enough of the minor league season left to even attempt one if it made roster sense, which it does not.

The flip side of Bowden's final option being intact is that it means that Francis will accumulate an entire year of MLB service time even though he only played the first two months of the year. Given his advanced age for an inexperienced starter, his service time isn't likely to be much of a consideration beyond him trying to hold on to a 40-man spot. And Francis hitting arb a little earlier if he manages to resurrect his career with the Jays or someone else in 2026 and beyond.

Alek Manoah hasn't burned a 2025 minor league option yet but surely will. He wasn't that far behind Shane Bieber in his minor league rehab & Bieber has already made 2 MLB starts at this point. Manoah's minor league rehab will expire before season's end, meaning he either has to be rostered or optioned (barring a rehab setback).

Unless the Jays do something wacky like making him the long man with a 7-man rotation with the 28th spot, it seems Manoah will burn Option 2 whenever his rehab clock expires.

scottt - Monday, September 01 2025 @ 09:00 AM EDT (#467268) #
It's Labor Day, so lots of day games today. Including the Jays. Tough.

The weird one is the Phillies/Brewers series. They actually have a break in the middle of that series tomorrow and resume play on Wednesday.
I don't remember seeing that.
Cracka - Monday, September 01 2025 @ 10:22 AM EDT (#467270) #
Dillon Tate & IKF added to the roster; Nick Sandlin to the 60-day IL.
Mike Green - Monday, September 01 2025 @ 11:48 AM EDT (#467271) #
The Blue Jays have days off on September 4 and 8 and then a long run of games from Sep 9-21.  Personally, I'd like to see Lauer get a start in Yankee Stadium on the 7th, which ideally would mean a longer relief appearance today or tomorrow.  The manager could have one other starter skip a turn (maybe Berrios) and then move to a 6 man rotation from Sep 9-21, keeping everyone on 5 days rest for that period.

On another note,  it's not well-known that Davis Schneider has been slightly above average defensively at both second base and left-field according to Statcast's numbers and that he has slightly above average speed and that his sprint speed has been the highest of his career this year.  His defensive number at second base results in good part from playing 600 innings there without making an error.  Avoidance of errors is not the main thing in defensive value, but it has some significance.  
Glevin - Monday, September 01 2025 @ 11:49 AM EDT (#467272) #
Lauer permanently to bullpen now so Jays going back to five man pen. It makes sense but odd to me to do that after the extra bullpen guy is called up when you can actually manage it and not before.
Mike Green - Monday, September 01 2025 @ 11:50 AM EDT (#467273) #
All right then.  They've decided to just go with a 5 man rotation.  Hopefully, they'll use Lauer in a long role.
uglyone - Monday, September 01 2025 @ 12:09 PM EDT (#467274) #
It's also not well known Mike that Schneider has been the 2nd best jays hitter vRHP this year.

And yeah they really screwed the pooch with the rotation shenanigans imo - the time to temporarily use a 6 man rotation was always a couple weeks from now in the midst of a long run with no offdays.

Hopefully the team can get back into rhythm again.

I'm also a bit perplexed by the Tate callup - he has a decent era in AAA but all the other numbers are mediocre to poor, including any recent trends. He also has a long history of being useless vLHH so it seems he's coming up as a roogy - except that seems to me to be the last thing this pen needs.

Meanwhile, both Fisher and Fluharty have been great in AAA.
Glevin - Monday, September 01 2025 @ 12:52 PM EDT (#467279) #
I don't think Fisher and Fluharty can be called up yet. They haven't been in AAA long enough. I assume Fisher will be recalled once possible.
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