Bo Bichette's 5-hit day wasn't enough as the Blue Jays' bullpen collapsed in a 10-4 loss to the Tigers, highlighting critical needs before the trade deadline.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a day of extremes for the Toronto Blue Jays. On one hand, you had Bo Bichette putting on a clinic with his fourth career five-hit game. On the other, a catastrophic seven-run eighth inning by the bullpen handed the Detroit Tigers a 10-4 victory. While the loss stings, it serves as a glaring, final reminder for the front office ahead of the trade deadline: this team is a contender, but reinforcements are not just a luxury—they're a necessity.
Despite Sunday's loss, the Blue Jays remain in first place in the AL East with a 63-43 record and a 97.1% chance to make the postseason.
Let's start with the good, because there was some. Bo Bichette was simply on another level, spraying hits all over the field to secure his fourth career five-hit performance. It's the kind of individual brilliance that reminds you how dangerous this lineup can be. George Springer also chipped in with an RBI single and Addison Barger added an RBI double. Even with the loss, the Jays still sit atop the AL East at 63-43, and with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Kevin Gausman heating up, the core of this team is ready for a deep run.
Now for the bad. One inning completely unraveled the game. The bullpen, a source of concern at times this season, surrendered seven runs in the eighth, turning a manageable game into a blowout. Max Scherzer was his vintage self for Detroit, fanning 11 Jays, but the game was within reach until the late collapse. It's a tough pill to swallow and puts a massive spotlight on the team's biggest need as the trade clock ticks.
With the trade deadline just days away, the pressure is on. Sunday's bullpen performance likely intensified talks. Rumors are swirling around several players who could be on the move. Relievers like Mason Fluharty and Justin Bruihl could be packaged for an upgrade, while recently recalled Tommy Nance might be a trade chip if a more established arm is acquired. On the position player side, infielders Leo Jiménez and Will Wagner are also reportedly on the block, potentially bringing back pieces to help the big-league club now.
Not all solutions have to come from trades. A key Blue Jays hitter, who has homered in three straight games on a Triple-A rehab assignment, could be activated as early as today, July 28. That's a massive boost waiting in the wings. On the pitching side, reliever Nick Sandlin is being evaluated for his right elbow inflammation and could return soon. And for a glimpse into the future, top prospect Ricky Tiedemann is now throwing off flat ground in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, with a potential return late in 2025 still on the table.
The loss to the Tigers was a frustrating end to the series, but it doesn't change the ultimate reality: the Blue Jays are a first-place team with legitimate World Series aspirations. The next 72 hours will be pivotal. Will management make the bold move needed to shore up the bullpen? Will the returning players provide the spark they need? One thing is certain—the team that takes the field in August might look different, and hopefully stronger, as they gear up for the postseason grind.
