Athletics Slip Past Blue Jays: Top Takeaways From Shutout Win

The Athletics would put together a very solid outing in their trek to ruin it for everyone else.

Sep 9, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics center fielder Henry Bolte (33) jogs towards first base after hitting a solo home run against the Toronto Blue Jays in the third inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Athletics are making villains out of themselves.

With the Athletics now officially eliminated from playoff contention, they have made it their goal to make it that much harder for everyone else to join the dance. This win proved that, despite a terrible 59-88 record, this team can still be dangerous. A theme that could easily carry into the 2027 season.

Brady Basso New Starter?

Aug 18, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Athletics pitcher Brady Basso (66) pitches during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

With a slot open in the Athletics rotation, they have needed games where it all falls on the bullpen. This was one of those games. However, Brady Basso has become accustomed to opening the team's games in recent weeks. From the looks of it, Basso could be a full-time starter to end the season.

In Basso's last two outings, he has pitched 7.0 innings while allowing just six hits and no runs. With Basso pitching 4.0 innings in the win, we could be on the cusp of a role change down the stretch, especially when you factor in JT Ginn's injury, which might have ended his season.

Exhibit A: The Athletics' Bullpen Is Ridiculous Right Now

Sep 3, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Athletics relief pitcher Luis Medina (46) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the eighth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Throughout the series, the Athletics' bullpen would pitch 12.0 innings, 16.0 if you include Basso's 4.0 innings in the win. During that time, the Athletics would give up just a single run, which came at the end of Game 1 from Hogan Harris. Given that the team is still ranked last in bullpen ERA this season, these improvements have been much needed.

This bullpen has been very solid lately for plenty of reasons. For one, we are seeing more pitchers throw multiple innings, which has helped with arm allocation later in the series and made roles start to feel more secure. This means pitchers aren't forced into uncomfortable situations in which they would normally perform poorly.

Henry Bolte Superstar Tour Is Starting

Sep 2, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Athletics center fielder Henry Bolte (33) runs to the dugout after hitting a two-run home run against the Texas Rangers during the fourth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Henry Bolte would have a monster series vs. the Blue Jays, further proving how dangerous Bolte could be next season and beyond. During the series, Bolte would bat .400 with a 1.538 OPS, along with two home runs, two RBIs, four runs, three walks, and three stolen bases. Bolte will remember this series for a long time.

Not only did he have a monster series, but, in contrast to other Athletics in the past, Bolte’s trajectory is starting to look very scary. For example, in the series opener, Bolte hit a home run while swiping three bases, the first time an Athletics player had done so since Rickey Henderson in 1991. It should also be mentioned that Bolte leads MLB in stolen bases in September (5) and in home runs in the American League.

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