“I really enjoy being in those situations, and not to come through for the team there [in the first inning], it really stinks,” Alonso said after the game, according to reporter Luke Jones. “And then making a baserunning error like that in the eighth obviously stinks as well. Yeah, not a good one.”

The veteran slugger finished 1-for-4 in the series opener and was unable to capitalize in key scoring opportunities. Alonso’s baserunning mistake late in the game further compounded a difficult night for an Orioles offense that once again struggled to generate timely production.

Orioles continue searching for offensive consistency

Toronto struck first with a run in the third inning before Baltimore answered in the fourth to tie the game. However, the Blue Jays regained the lead in the eighth inning and held on through the ninth, handing the Orioles another close loss in a season filled with inconsistency.

Despite posting solid power numbers overall this year, Alonso has struggled to maintain offensive rhythm during recent games. The 30-year-old entered the matchup hitting .231 with 10 home runs, 33 RBIs, and a .740 OPS through 216 at-bats during the 2026 campaign.

Baltimore’s lineup has shown flashes throughout the season, but the club continues to search for sustained production against divisional opponents. The Orioles currently sit fourth in the AL East, trailing both Toronto and the New York Yankees in the standings.

Alonso looks to rebound as Orioles continue Blue Jays series

Alonso joined Baltimore this past offseason after spending the first seven years of his MLB career with the New York Mets, bringing veteran power and postseason experience to the Orioles’ lineup. While expectations remain high for the slugger, he acknowledged the need to improve in critical moments moving forward.

The Orioles will attempt to bounce back Friday night in Game 2 of their four-game series against Toronto. With the team continuing to fight to stay within reach in the AL East race, Baltimore will need more consistent production from the middle of its lineup, especially from players like Alonso.

“Feeling good, cross off today, then get him into a rehab game fairly quickly,” Schneider said, according to The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon. “I just got to talk with him.”

Scherzer has been sidelined since late April while dealing with injuries to his right forearm and left ankle. Although the Blue Jays have not officially announced the date of his rehab debut, Schneider’s comments offered one of the most positive updates yet regarding the veteran’s recovery process.

Scherzer looking to bounce back after difficult start

Before landing on the injured list, Scherzer struggled through one of the toughest stretches of his career. Across five starts this season, the three-time Cy Young Award winner posted a 9.65 ERA and 1.607 WHIP with 10 strikeouts over 18.2 innings pitched.

Despite the rough numbers, there is still optimism that the 41-year-old can recover and stabilize Toronto’s rotation once healthy. Early-season statistics can often be misleading for pitchers returning from injuries or trying to regain rhythm, and Scherzer’s limited workload leaves room for improvement as the season progresses.

Blue Jays rotation continues adjusting without Scherzer

While Max Scherzer works toward his return, Toronto continues relying heavily on Kevin Gausman, Patrick Corbin, and Trey Yesavage in the starting rotation.

The situation became even more challenging after Dylan Cease was recently placed on the 15-day injured list, forcing Schneider and the coaching staff to adjust the remaining rotation spots. A healthy Scherzer could provide an important boost for a Blue Jays team trying to remain competitive as the season moves deeper into the summer.

After helping Toronto secure a 2-0 victory on Thursday with another key home run, Springer delivered an honest message about his recent struggles and his commitment to improving. “I do it for the boys. I do it for the fans,” Springer said during a postgame interview with Sportsnet’s Hazel Mae. “I owe it to everybody to be better and to play better, and I will.”

The Blue Jays improved to 23-27 following the series, and Springer’s recent power surge could become an important development for a team trying to climb back into contention, as Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham also shared an encouraging injury update after his scare against Toronto.

Springer trying to break out of early-season slump

Despite the encouraging series against New York, Springer’s overall numbers remain below his usual standards. Through his first 50 games of the season, the veteran outfielder is batting .200 with four home runs, 10 RBIs, and two stolen bases.

Those struggles stand out even more considering Springer is coming off an excellent 2025 campaign in which he hit .309 with 32 home runs, 84 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases.

Part of the inconsistency may be connected to injuries. Springer previously fractured his big toe earlier this season after fouling a ball off his foot, although he has continued playing through the issue.

Blue Jays hoping Springer can spark offense

Toronto’s offense has lacked consistency for much of the season, making Springer’s resurgence especially important moving forward. The Blue Jays are still searching for momentum in a competitive AL East race, and a productive Springer would significantly strengthen the lineup.

For now, the recent series against the Yankees at least offered some optimism that the veteran outfielder may finally be finding his rhythm at the plate again.

According to Yankees reporter Bryan Hoch on X, imaging revealed no structural damage in Grisham’s knee. “It’s a relief,” Grisham said while also adding that he hopes to be available off the bench in an emergency situation.

The update comes as a major positive for the Yankees, especially with the team continuing to battle through several injury concerns across the roster. Grisham left Wednesday’s game after feeling discomfort while running the bases, immediately creating concern given how carefully teams manage lower-body injuries during the long MLB season.

Grisham hoping to avoid injured list stint

Even though Grisham is still expected to be monitored closely over the next few days, the early results suggest the Yankees may have avoided a much bigger problem. The veteran outfielder remained optimistic after the testing and is already hoping to stay available for the club in a limited role if needed.

Grisham is coming off a career-best 34-home run season in 2025, but he has struggled offensively this year. Through 49 games, the veteran outfielder is batting .174 with six home runs. Even so, the Yankees continue valuing his defense and experience in the outfield rotation.

Yankees continue managing key injuries across roster

The Yankees have dealt with multiple injury situations throughout the season, making every positive medical update important for manager Aaron Boone and the coaching staff. With several players already missing time, avoiding another injured list move would provide valuable stability for the roster.

New York will likely continue evaluating Grisham day by day before determining whether he can return to the lineup this weekend. For now, however, the initial diagnosis delivered much-needed relief inside the Yankees clubhouse.

After the loss, Boone admitted the situation immediately raised concern for the Yankees. “I don’t want to speculate too much. For him to come out of the game definitely raises your eyebrow,” Boone said, according to SNY. “We’ll see what we have and go from there.”

Grisham stayed in the game briefly before Spencer Jones replaced him defensively in the fifth inning. The veteran outfielder later explained that the discomfort did not improve after the play and that he preferred not to risk making the injury worse.

Grisham to undergo imaging after awkward slide

According to Boone, the Yankees initially believed Grisham may have injured his calf before the discomfort was later identified near the side of his left knee. The team confirmed the outfielder will undergo imaging to determine the severity of the issue. “Just felt weird in my knee for a little bit,” Grisham said after the game. “It didn’t feel like something I should mess with.”

The Yankees have already dealt with several injury concerns this season, including issues involving Gerrit Cole and Max Fried earlier in the year. Any extended absence for Grisham would create another challenge for the team’s outfield depth.

Yankees continue waiting for offensive turnaround from Grisham

Grisham is coming off a career-best 34-home run season in 2025, but he has struggled offensively this year. Through 49 games, the veteran outfielder is batting .174 with six home runs.

Even with the offensive struggles, Boone has continued to trust Grisham because of his defense and experience. The Yankees will now wait for the imaging results while hoping the injury is not serious as they continue their strong start to the season.

“Jose Berrios to have surgery Wednesday performed by Dr. Meister. Repair existing injury (stress fracture on elbow),” Hazel Mae reported. “There is some concern about the ligament, and they will determine if he is done for the season depending on that.”

Max Scherzer recently offered a mixed forearm and ankle update, adding another layer of injury concern around the league as teams navigate key absences, while the full recovery outlook for Berrios will depend on what doctors find during the procedure; at this point, the Blue Jays have not set a clear timeline for his return, and more updates are expected after surgery.

Toronto loses a key arm in a difficult season

The Blue Jays already face a tough situation in the American League East, and losing Berrios only adds to the challenge. Toronto sits at 19-25 and continues to fall behind in the division standings.

Berrios was expected to be a key part of the rotation after solid seasons in 2024 and 2025, but he has not pitched in 2026 due to injury. His absence has forced the team to adjust its pitching plans early in the year.

Recovery timeline depends on surgery results

The next step for Berrios is the operation itself, which will determine how serious the ligament concern is. From there, the Blue Jays will have a clearer idea of whether he can return later this season or miss extended time.

For now, Toronto will continue its season while waiting for further medical updates on one of its most experienced starters.

Gimenez recorded the first multi-home run game of his MLB career, finishing with two home runs and five RBIs in one of his best performances since joining Toronto. After the game, Blue Jays manager John Schneider praised the infielder’s recent adjustments at the plate. “He’s swinging with some intent, too,” Schneider said, according to MLB.com.

The 27-year-old shortstop has become one of Toronto’s most reliable run producers this season, especially in key moments. Gimenez now ranks second on the team with 23 RBIs, trailing only Kazuma Okamoto, while continuing to provide elite defense up the middle.

Beyond Gimenez’s breakout performance, the organization also drew attention off the field as Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro reacted to Vancouver MLB expansion talks.

Gimenez finding confidence at the plate

Gimenez’s first home run came in the second inning with a three-run blast that gave the Blue Jays early momentum. He later added a towering two-run homer in the seventh inning, energizing the crowd despite Toronto eventually falling short.

According to Schneider, part of Gimenez’s improvement comes from mechanical changes and a more comfortable approach in the batter’s box. After experimenting with a leg kick last season, the Venezuelan infielder now appears more balanced and aggressive offensively.

“It’s the kind of hitter he can be,” Schneider said. “He gets overlooked because of his defense, but I think he’s in a good spot.” The performance continued an encouraging trend for a Blue Jays offense that entered the game ranked near the bottom of MLB with a .693 OPS.

Blue Jays continue dealing with injuries

While Gimenez’s production has been a positive development, Toronto continues battling several injury concerns across the roster. Addison Barger was placed on the injured list Monday with right elbow soreness, while pitchers Max Scherzer, Shane Bieber, and Jose Berrios all remain sidelined.

Despite some lower-body soreness this season, Gimenez has continued playing through discomfort while delivering important offensive production for the Blue Jays. Toronto now sits at 18-23 on the season and continues searching for consistency as pressure grows on the roster during a difficult stretch.

Scherzer, who recently spoke on his injury status, was open about the situation and gave a clear explanation of where things stand. “It’s confusing as heck because I have a clean MRI. That’s what has everyone pulling their hair out. The MRI is saying, ‘hey you should be good,’ and I’m like no.. the check engine light is on,” Scherzer said, according to reporter Hazel Mae. He also noted that the ankle now feels more like a sprain and is no longer the main concern.

The 41-year-old right-hander has made five starts this season, posting a 9.64 ERA over 18 2/3 innings. Despite those struggles, the main issue is not performance but health, as Scherzer has been unable to fully ramp up his throwing program due to ongoing discomfort in his forearm.

Forearm issue remains the main obstacle

The biggest concern for the Blue Jays is now clearly Scherzer’s forearm, which is preventing him from moving forward in his rehab. Manager John Schneider explained that the situation is still being evaluated day by day, with the team expecting more updates in the near future as doctors review his condition.

Schneider added that Scherzer has been playing catch, but not yet at the level needed to progress into game preparation. The team is waiting for the arm to respond in the same way the ankle has improved before making any decisions about his next steps.

Blue Jays remain cautious with veteran starter

At this stage, Toronto is taking a careful approach with the veteran pitcher. Scherzer is one of the most experienced arms in baseball, but at age 41, the team understands the importance of avoiding setbacks.

He is also nearing a major career milestone, sitting just one strikeout away from 3,500. However, the Blue Jays’ focus remains on getting him fully healthy before thinking about results or milestones. His return timeline remains uncertain until the forearm issue shows consistent improvement.

Shapiro made his position clear when speaking to Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith. “We are supportive of any effort to grow baseball in Canada, and that would include the opportunity to bring MLB to Vancouver,” Shapiro said. His comments come as the league continues to evaluate long-term expansion possibilities across North America.

The conversation around Vancouver has gained traction after the city council approved an “expression of interest” process to explore potential ownership groups for a future MLB franchise. While the idea remains in early stages, it has already sparked debate about market viability and regional competition, especially given Toronto’s established presence as Canada’s only Major League team.

Vancouver’s MLB ambitions face growing competition

Vancouver’s bid is still in its infancy, but it enters a competitive expansion landscape. Other North American cities have already positioned themselves with stronger financial backing and infrastructure planning, making the race for future franchises increasingly crowded.

Reports have highlighted Salt Lake City as a serious contender, with significant public funding discussions already underway. Meanwhile, other markets such as Nashville, Portland, and Orlando have also been repeatedly mentioned as strong candidates in various expansion evaluations.

Blue Jays’ stance reflects long-term perspective on expansion

Despite potential concerns about market overlap in Canada, Shapiro’s comments suggest that the Blue Jays are not viewing Vancouver as an immediate threat. Instead, the organization appears focused on the broader goal of growing baseball’s footprint nationally.

For now, MLB expansion remains a long-term discussion rather than an imminent decision. Vancouver’s bid will need significant development before it can seriously challenge more established candidates, meaning Toronto’s current market position remains secure for the foreseeable future.

According to the Blue Jays on X, “ROSTER MOVES: OF George Springer reinstated from 10-day IL and will be active today. 1B/OF Eloy Jimenez designated for assignment.” The transaction immediately reshapes the club’s lineup options heading into a key divisional game.

Springer returns to the active roster after dealing with injury issues early in the season, where he posted a .185 batting average with a .290 on-base percentage and a .660 OPS across 54 at-bats, along with two home runs and six RBIs. His presence is expected to provide an immediate boost to the top of the order, just as the Blue Jays await the return of Max Scherzer, who recently opened up after an injury setback.

Jimenez, meanwhile, struggled to carve out consistent production during his limited opportunity. He hit .290 with a .343 OBP and a .633 OPS in 31 at-bats, recording nine hits but no home runs or stolen bases before the roster decision was made.

Blue Jays look to reset amid slow start

Toronto’s 13-16 record reflects an inconsistent offensive rhythm, prompting ongoing roster adjustments as the team searches for stability. The return of Springer is viewed as a key step toward strengthening a lineup that has lacked sustained production. As the season develops, roster flexibility and performance consistency will remain key themes for a Blue Jays team still searching for its identity in 2026.

Scherzer, who recently addressed a forearm issue as John Schneider showed support, spoke candidly about the situation, explaining that both problems contributed to the decision to shut him down. “I could just tell I wasn’t right. Pete was right there and we both saw it. We just didn’t feel I was in a good enough spot to go forward,” he said, referring to pitching coach Pete Walker, according to MLB.com. “It’s early in the season, and this is just a point in time where I can get right.”

The 2026 season has been challenging for Scherzer, who has struggled significantly since his second start, originally shortened as a precaution. Over his last four outings, he allowed 19 earned runs in just 12.2 innings, while also dealing with recurring discomfort that ultimately escalated into a two-part injury issue.

Scherzer details “double setback” affecting performance

While the forearm issue initially drew attention, Scherzer revealed that his ankle became a bigger concern during recent starts. He noticed mechanical adjustments while pitching, which affected his delivery and consistency on the mound.

“My forearm was good, but I stepped out of bed and almost fell over because my foot was killing me,” Scherzer said. “I’ve been aggressively trying to get my foot back underneath me.” He described the situation as a “double whammy,” noting that managing both injuries at the same time made continued pitching too risky early in the season.

Despite the challenges, the organization is hoping that a healthier return timeline for key arms will stabilize the rotation. For now, Scherzer’s focus is on recovery, with no further imaging or injections currently required, only rest and rehabilitation as he works his way back.