© Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Blue Jays Get Back on Track as George Springer Nears Return
It was Father's Day on Sunday, and, sure enough, one of the Blue Jays' newest dads come through in the clutch.
Teoscar Hernandez — in his first game back since he and his wife welcomed a baby boy — laced a double down the line to break a 1-1 tie and give the Blue Jays a lead in the fourth inning.
As he stood at second base, Hernandez shot finger guns at the Blue Jays dugout and the offense understood the message — keep firing. Toronto batted around in the inning, plating four runs off Baltimore Orioles starter Matt Harvey, on route to a 7-4 win.
Trent Thornton allowed two home runs in relief, but the Blue Jays offense gave the team enough of a cushion. In an encouraging development, Tyler Chatwood worked around some iffy ninth-inning command to lock down the save.
Toronto strung 14 hits together on the afternoon, including four hits (three doubles) from catcher Reese McGuire. The 26-year-old is batting .421 over his last seven games with an outrageous 1.292 OPS.
"I felt like the pitches I was getting today were in a pretty good part of the plate ... I was happy putting myself in a good position to be on time with my rhythm and ready to swing it early," McGuire said.
Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo was less modest in his comments on McGuire's performance.
"He's getting a chance to play and he's taking advantage of it," Montoyo said.
"He's doing a good job catching and now he's swinging the bat very well. I mean, he could easily be the MVP of this game."
After four walks in his last start, Blue Jays starter Hyun Jin Ryu re-discovered his command. A first-inning solo homer by Trey Mancini represented his only earned run, as Ryu allowed just three hits through seven innings of work, striking out four and walking one Orioles batter.
"The change-up in the beginning of the game, had a little difficulty with the command, resulting in a home run," Ryu said through translator J.S. Park. "But I noticed that the other pitches were there for me today."
A late comeback on Saturday, and now Sunday's win have dramatically pivoted the trajectory of this club. Toronto picked up its first series win since June 2 and there could be more good news on the way.
A look ahead
The Blue Jays enjoy an off-day Monday, before travelling to Miami for a two-game series where a George Springer debut is very possible.
Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins met with the media before Sunday's game and discussed, among many other topics, a looming decision on Springer's return.
"We are very fortunately at the point now where we we have a decision with him to make," Atkins said. "Do we continue that rehab progression, or do we have him join the team?"
Atkins talked a lot about improving the club's bullpen through the trade market, but also mentioned how Springer can change the make-up of the roster.
"We have the ability to score a ton of runs, our starting pitching has been very good as of late, hopefully we can compliment this team." Atkins said.
"[I'm] really excited about adding George Springer to this group and what that will mean for our defense and for our offense."
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