The Toronto Blue Jays will try to stop the bleeding when they open a three-game home series against the New York Mets on Monday.
Toronto enters the matchup riding a six-game losing streak after being swept by the Texas Rangers, while the Mets have won just two of their last 10 games. It gives the Blue Jays an opportunity to reset against another club that has struggled, but another poor showing would deepen concerns about a season that continues to slip away.
The Blue Jays enter the series with a 39-45 record, sitting third in the American League East, 10.5 games behind the division-leading Tampa Bay Rays. They have also dropped to seventh in the American League Wild Card race, making this series increasingly important as they try to remain within striking distance before the All-Star break.
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Ahead of the series opener, manager John Schneider discussed what needs to change and pointed directly at the Blue Jays’ inability to score early as the reason for their current struggles.
“We’re not getting any offense going early in games -that’s well documented.. when you’re down 5, 6 runs early, makes it tough for the bats… time of possession is a real thing,” Schneider said after Sunday’s loss to the Rangers (via Hazel Mae of Sportsnet).
Across MLB, Toronto ranks 22nd in home runs, 23rd in runs scored, and 21st in slugging percentage. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer have struggled to make an impact this season, with Ernie Clement, Kazuma Okamoto and Andres Gimenez being the only consistent bright spots on offense. Toronto is also dealing with injuries to Addison Barger and Jesus Sanchez, while Alejandro Kirk recently returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The pitching staff has not helped matters. Toronto ranks 16th in ERA and 21st in walks allowed.
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Monday’s opener is scheduled for 7:07 p.m. ET at Rogers Centre. Trey Yesavage (3-3, 3.56 ERA) is scheduled to start for Toronto against Sean Manaea (1-2, 4.87 ERA) for the Mets.
