Despite losing Max Scherzer, Santander & Varsho, the Blue Jays keep winning. See how Toronto maintains its wild-card spot ahead of their June 20 game vs. the White Sox.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It's a riddle wrapped in an enigma, covered in blue: how are the Toronto Blue Jays, decimated by injuries to key players, playing at a 100-win pace over the last month? With stars like Max Scherzer, Anthony Santander, and Daulton Varsho spending June on the injured list, the club has defied expectations, holding onto a wild-card spot through sheer grit. As they prepare to host the White Sox tonight, the biggest question isn't who's on the field, but whether this resilient squad can maintain its improbable momentum.
We got to get better at being more consistent. And I think when we do that, that's when you see the true identity of who we are.
The Blue Jays' training room has been working overtime. Ace Max Scherzer remains sidelined with thumb inflammation after a brief debut, while the outfield has been gutted by the absence of Anthony Santander (shoulder) and Daulton Varsho (hamstring) for the entire month. The bullpen hasn't been spared either, with key relievers Yimi García and Nick Sandlin also out. Despite this parade to the IL, the team has found a way to not just survive, but thrive, stringing together enough wins to stay firmly in the postseason hunt.
While the team's overall record is strong, the path has been a rollercoaster. A dominant sweep of the Padres was immediately followed by a humbling sweep at the hands of the Rays, highlighting the very issue Manager John Schneider pointed to. This inconsistency is mirrored in individual performances, most notably veteran George Springer, who is hitting under .200 in his last 30 games. Finding a steady offensive rhythm, beyond flashes of power, remains the team's primary challenge.
Help could be on the way, though perhaps not immediately. Baseball America's latest report shows the farm system is trending up, with shortstop Arjun Nimmala rocketing into the Top 50 prospects in all of baseball. In the lower levels, pitchers Trey Yesavage and Khal Stephen are dominating, offering a glimpse of future rotation depth. While the loss of Jake Bloss to Tommy John surgery stings, and recent call-up Alan Roden struggled to make an impact, the pipeline is showing more promise than it has in years.
The quest for consistency begins anew tonight at Rogers Centre. The Blue Jays kick off a crucial homestand against the Chicago White Sox, sending the steady Spencer Turnbull (1-0, 2.08 ERA) to the mound. He'll face Chicago's Drew Martin (2-7, 3.79 ERA). For a team that has thrived as the underdog, this series is an opportunity to prove they can be a consistent contender and build momentum on home turf.
Tonight's game against the White Sox isn't just another date on the calendar; it's a test of this team's hard-won identity. Can the Jays find the consistency John Schneider craves and solidify their place in the playoff picture? With a battered but resilient roster and a future that's getting brighter, this homestand feels like a pivotal moment in the 2025 season.
