The red-hot Blue Jays seek a 9th straight win vs. the Athletics on July 13. Can José Berríos and George Springer extend the streak and tighten their AL East grip?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Riding high on a spectacular eight-game winning streak, the Toronto Blue Jays are the hottest team in baseball, and they're not looking to cool down anytime soon. Tonight, they face the Oakland Athletics in Game 2 of their series, aiming to make it nine in a row and further solidify their commanding lead in the AL East. With a 55-39 record, the Jays are firing on all cylinders, turning every game into must-watch baseball.
The Blue Jays are on a tear, having won 9 of their last 10 games and currently riding an 8-game winning streak.
It's hard to overstate just how good this team has been. Winning nine of their last ten has propelled the Blue Jays to the top of a tough AL East, and they're showing no signs of slowing. The offense is clicking, with veterans like George Springer (.276 AVG, 16 HR) providing consistent power and Alejandro Kirk (.309 AVG) continuing to be a hitting machine. This isn't just a lucky stretch; it's a statement to the rest of the league that Toronto is a legitimate contender.
The task of securing win number nine falls to José Berríos. With a 5-3 record and a solid 3.53 ERA, 'La Makina' has been a reliable force in the rotation. He'll face off against Oakland's Jeffrey Springs (7-6, 3.92 ERA) in a crucial pitching duel. In the midst of a long road trip, getting a quality start from Berríos is paramount to keeping the bullpen fresh and the momentum rolling. A strong outing tonight could be the key to another series win.
This impressive run is even more remarkable considering the team's injury situation. The bullpen is feeling the absence of setup man Yimi García, who remains on the IL with an ankle sprain. The depth is being tested further with RHP Ryan Burr hitting the 60-day IL with a shoulder strain, prompting the call-up of Tommy Nance from Buffalo. There's some good news on the horizon, however. RHP Paxton Schultz has started a throwing program, and top prospect Ricky Tiedemann is on the long road back from Tommy John surgery, now throwing on flat ground. Still, with Joey Loperfido out with an illness and Anthony Santander's return a long way off, the team's resilience is being put to the test every single day.
Tonight's game in Oakland is more than just a chance for a ninth straight win; it's another test of this team's championship mettle. Can they continue to dominate while navigating injuries to key players? All eyes will be on Berríos and the bats to keep the good times rolling. A win tonight would not only extend the streak but send another clear message as we inch closer to the trade deadline: the Toronto Blue Jays are all in.
