Blue Jays lose 4-2 to the White Sox on June 23, 2025, as Jeff Hoffman's bullpen collapse wastes a strong José Berríos start. Read how one inning undid it all.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a classic case of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. For seven innings, it felt like the Blue Jays were grinding out another gritty win, a hallmark of their recent play. Bo Bichette's go-ahead RBI single in the bottom of the seventh sent a jolt through Rogers Centre, but the high was short-lived as the bullpen let a 2-1 lead evaporate in a disastrous eighth inning, leading to a frustrating 4-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox.
Despite a string of injuries to key players, the Blue Jays have played at a 100-win pace over the past month, keeping them in control of the American League's top wild-card spot.
You can't fault the starter. José Berríos was brilliant, navigating 6.2 innings while allowing just a single run. The offense did just enough, with Bichette and Davis Schneider leading the way with two hits apiece. But the game turned on a dime in the eighth. After Brendon Little got two outs, the call went to closer Jeff Hoffman in a high-leverage spot. It backfired spectacularly. A walk, a crucial fielding error by Hoffman himself on a slow roller, and a back-breaking two-run double by Miguel Vargas completely flipped the script. It was Hoffman's fourth blown save, a tough moment that overshadowed an otherwise competitive effort.
Sunday's bullpen meltdown can't be viewed in a vacuum. The team is navigating a minefield of injuries that would cripple a lesser squad. With key relievers Yimi García and Nick Sandlin on the shelf, the bullpen's depth is being tested nightly. The lineup is also missing major pop, with Max Scherzer (thumb), Anthony Santander (shoulder), and Daulton Varsho (hamstring) all sidelined. This team's ability to maintain the AL's top wild-card spot is nothing short of remarkable, a testament to the 'next man up' mentality that has defined their recent success.
The immediate hope for a bounce-back rests on the arm of Eric Lauer. The lefty has been a revelation, posting a stellar 2.29 ERA, and he'll get the ball Tuesday against Cleveland's Logan Allen. Beyond the immediate, the future looks increasingly bright. The farm system is making waves, with shortstop Arjun Nimmala rocketing into baseball's Top 50 prospects. Young arms like Trey Yesavage and Khal Stephen are dominating the lower levels, providing a glimpse of the next wave of talent that could help this team for years to come.
One loss, however frustrating, doesn't define a season. The Blue Jays have proven they can absorb punches and keep moving forward. The upcoming series against the Cleveland Guardians is a perfect opportunity to wash away the bad taste of Sunday's defeat and reassert their standing as a top contender. With Eric Lauer on the mound and a resilient mindset, expect this team to come out swinging on Tuesday.
