Blue Jays struggles at the plate, concern heading down the stretch
As the 2023 MLB season unfolds, the Toronto Blue Jays find themselves facing an alarming trend – the struggle to generate offense.
Despite having a roster packed with talent and potential, the Jays have been unable to take full advantage of games against supposedly weaker opponents, as evidenced by their recent encounter with the Colorado Rockies.
On a Saturday night in Denver, the Blue Jays started strong, racing to a commanding 5-0 lead after just two innings. It appeared that they were poised for an easy win against a Rockies team that has been languishing at the bottom of the NL standings. However, what transpired over the next few innings would leave Jays fans frustrated and concerned.
Lefty starter Yusei Kikuchi took the mound for the Blue Jays but struggled through 4.2 innings, allowing the Rockies several opportunities to claw their way back into the game. Kikuchi’s performance was far from his best, as he surrendered six hits and six runs (two earned), walking four batters along the way.
Errors in the field added to Toronto’s woes, with infielder Ernie Clement committing two costly errors that directly led to four unearned runs for the Rockies. It was a stark reminder of how much the team missed their injured All-Star shortstop, Bo Bichette.
Even reliever Yimi Garcia, who is usually reliable, faltered when he entered the game with runners on base, walking the first batter he faced in the fifth inning. This walk loaded the bases, setting the stage for Brenton Doyle’s bases-clearing triple that gave the Rockies a 7-5 lead. Three walks, all with two outs, proved to be the undoing of the Jays’ comfortable lead.
In the fourth inning, with the chance to break the game wide open, star slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. meekly grounded out into an inning-ending double play. Instead of seizing the opportunity to secure the win, the Blue Jays squandered it.
The game’s outcome was emblematic of the Blue Jays’ season-long struggles at the plate. Despite the early offensive bright spots, such as Kevin Kiermaier’s 438-foot homer, the team couldn’t maintain their momentum. They issued six walks, unforced errors against an opponent on a five-game losing streak.
While this one game might not have had a significant impact on their wild-card race, it showcased a recurring issue for the Blue Jays. Good teams don’t open up 5-0 leads on weaker opponents only to relinquish them. The Jays are in a position where they need to make up ground in the standings, and such performances are inexcusable.
The defeat in Denver was a part of a wild night in the American League wild-card race, with all four contenders experiencing various degrees of craziness in their respective contests. The Yankees managed to hold on for a 5-4 win over the Astros, while the Mariners secured an 8-7 win over the Mets. The Twins scored three runs in the 10th inning to defeat the Rangers 9-7, allowing the Jays to remain 1.5 games behind Texas for the final wild-card spot.
Despite the defensive lapses and struggles on the mound, the Blue Jays made a late push in the ninth inning. George Springer and Davis Schneider set the stage for a potential comeback, but Guerrero Jr.’s fly ball to shallow center couldn’t bring home the tying run. Ultimately, the Blue Jays fell short in their rally attempt, highlighting their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
As the 2023 season progresses, the Blue Jays must address their offensive struggles if they hope to make a playoff push. While they possess the talent to compete with the best, their inconsistency at the plate and lapses in key moments have held them back. With the wild-card race heating up, time is running out for the Blue Jays to find their offensive groove and capitalize on winnable games.
