In the final outing of a three game series with the Philadelphia Phillies, the Toronto Blue Jays managed to end their six game losing streak with a final score of 6-3.
Jays starting pitcher Taijuan Walker fired six innings of one-run ball while notching six strikeouts. Teoscar Hernandez, one of the NL’s MVP candidates for the abbreviated season, launched a two-run homerun in the seventh inning, giving Toronto a 5-run lead which they would not relinquish.
However, the game raised many questions on Vladimir Guerrero’s Jr. offensive and defensive ability. The young first baseman has ranked below the MLB average in most major counting statistics, including batting average, on-base percentage, and OPS. However, what’s perhaps more alarming is his dreadful play in the infield. On Sunday, Guerrero Jr made two errors in the seventh while at third base, one of which allowed Phillies player Alec Bohm to drive in two runs. Jays manager Charlie Montoya actually hooked Guerrero Jr in the same inning, replacing him with Travis Shaw.
Yes, Guerreros Jr is still only 21, yet other 99’s (players born in 1999) with a similar prospect grading have managed to make the next step, including National’s Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr. of San Diego.
The Blue Jays open up a crucial 4-game series with the New York Yankees tonight in Buffalo. New York saw their 10-game winning streak ended by Boston on Sunday, and will be looking to regain their momentum in the last week of the regular season.
Matt Shoemaker toes the rubber for the Blue Jays tonight
Works Cited:
https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/blue-jays-hang-beat-phillies-snap-6-game-losing-streak/