Despite coming off an 18-1 loss to the New York Mets on Friday, Sept. 11, the Toronto Blue Jays remain squarely in the hunt for a spot in the MLB Playoffs. With only 16 regular season games remaining, the Blue Jays are in second place in the American League East behind the Tampa Bay Rays.
Eight teams make the postseason from both leagues after the 60-game regular season. The top two teams in each division advance in addition to two wild card teams, so the Blue Jays are in a good position to find themselves in the playoffs, which is quietly only a few weeks away.
Toronto struggles with Mets
The Blue Jays were defeated by 17 runs in a game with the Mets on Friday night. Toronto scored first with a run in the bottom of the first inning, but New York added four runs in the third inning and exploded for a 10-run fourth inning to pull away.
Chase Anderson took the loss, allowing four earned runs on four hits and three walks in 2.2 innings pitched. He struck out four batters. He was replaced by Anthony Kay, who was able to get only two batters out and allowed five earned runs on four hits and two walks. Jacob Waguespack came and threw 2.2 innings with four earned runs allowed on seven hits.
Roster moves
The Blue Jays made a number of moves starting on Friday. Toronto activated right-handed pitcher Ken Giles from the 60-day injured list. If he can return to previous form, the Blue Jays are in good hands when he has the ball. Giles developed into one of the best relievers in all of baseball last season. In 2019, he threw 53 innings for the Blue Jays with an ERA of 1.87. He struck out 83 batters and finished with 17 walks. Giles finished the season with 23 saves.
If Giles can stay healthy, he could be a huge piece to the Blue Jays’ success at the most important time of the season. For a team that is already close to potentially being a part of the playoffs, Toronto adding a proven arm with Giles could be crucial for the stretch run.
The Blue Jays also promoted catcher Alejandro Kirk, a highly touted prospect. He is 21 years old and has yet to play at a level above High A in the minor leagues.
Waguespack was promoted to the Major League roster but after struggling in his performance on Friday, he was sent back to the team’s alternate training site.
The Blue Jays also designated left fielder Billy McKinney and catcher Caleb Joseph for assignment. Toronto optioned right handed pitcher Sean Reid-Foley to the team’s alternate training site.
On Saturday, the Blue Jays activated shortstop Bo Bichette from the 10-day injured list.
MLB Futures
Where do the Blue Jays stack up against the rest of the American League? What about in all of Major League Baseball? All odds are updated via a popular United States sportsbook.
American League Champions odds
The Blue Jays currently stand with the eighth highest odds to represent the American League in the World Series at +1200. Here’s a look at the teams with higher odds than Toronto heading into the stretch run of the regular season.
- Tampa Bay Rays: +290
- New York Yankees: +325
- Chicago White Sox: +625
- Minnesota Twins/Oakland Athletics: +650
- Houston Astros: +800
- Cleveland Indians: +900
- Toronto Blue Jays: +1200
World Series odds
Oddsmakers do not expect to see Toronto winning the 2020 World Series with the Blue Jays checking in with the 12th best odds at +2500.
Here’s a look at the current World Series odds.
- Los Angeles Dodgers: +320
- Tampa Bay Rays: +600
- New York Yankees: +700
- Atlanta Braves/Chicago White Sox/Minnesota Twins/Oaland Athletics/San Diego Padres: +1200
- Chicago Cubs +1400
- Houston Astros: +1600
- Cleveland Indians: +1800
- Toronto Blue Jays/Philadelphia Phillies/St. Louis Cardinals: +2500
