The Toronto Blue Jays are firing on all cylinders against the Minnesota Twins
Photo credit: https://x.com/BlueJays/status/1931463086923493608/photo/2
The New York Yankees remain atop the American League East, but the The Toronto Blue Jays can now be characterized as a legitimate contender, at least based on how they've been able to step up in the big of moments.
At 35-29, the Blue Jays are six games over .500 for the first time this season and have won four in a row, nine of their last 10 games and are 19-9 in their last 28 games.
The latest example was provided on Saturday by a rejuvenated George Springer, who went deep for a two-run blast in the eighth inning.
It was his club-leading 10th dinger of the season.
«I don't think we feel like we're ever out of a game,» said Springer. «We understand each other. We trust each other. It's one at-bat at a time. One pitch at a time. Don't try to do too much. And you're starting to see guys are controlling at-bats well and getting it onto the next guy.»
Backup catcher Tyler Heineman, now in his third stint with the Jays, is making a strong case for additional playing time.
With Alejandro Kirk on the roster and performing like his previous all-star form, the best Heineman can ask for is for the occasional start behind the plate.
By no means is he making people forget the days of Danny Jansen, but the 33-year-old switch-hitter is making a name for himself.
Consider his first at-bat on Saturday, taking Twins starter Chris Paddack deep to right field with two out in the second inning for his second homer of the season and just the third of his career.
Perception is everything, or so it's been said, and the perception surrounding Vladimir Guerrero Jr, is that more must be summoned, especially in the power department.
Guerrero has eight homers to date and is on pace for just twenty not terrible, but not befitting someone with a $500-million contract extension kicking in next season.
Vladdy, however, has contributed in other ways. On Saturday, he came through in the top of the ninth when he plated Heineman with a single to provide the Jays with what turned out to be the winning run.
Earlier in the week, when the Jays beat their former closer Jordan Romano and the visiting Phillies on Kirk's walk-off hit, it was Vladdy who set it up by stealing second base, his first swipe of the season, before scoring the winning run.
But with Anthony Santander and Daulton Varsho still on the injured list, a few more long balls would be welcomed.
With 98 games left do you think the Toronto Blue Jays can still win the American League East Division?
Tell us what you think in the poll below
| POLL | ||
JUIN 7 | 105 ANSWERS The Toronto Blue Jays are firing on all cylinders against the Minnesota Twins With 98 games left do you think the Toronto Blue Jays can still win the American League East Division? | ||
| Yes | 57 | 54.3 % |
| No | 35 | 33.3 % |
| Too early to tell | 13 | 12.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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