In the aftermath of a frenzied few days when eight players would be dealt by the Blue Jays, a meeting would be held between the club’s coaching staff and the few remaining veterans on the roster
The gist of the gathering was to provide an opportunity for questions to be asked on the club’s direction, while reminding the team’s veteran presence to continue competing and to serve as an example for the younger players.
One of those veterans was right-hander Chris Bassitt, who always brings an element of professionalism, pride and fight to every outing.
If anything, the trade deadline and the days and hours leading up to last Tuesday underscored how selling teams seemed to fare well, especially when parting company with starting pitching.
Yusei Kikuchi was dealt, but he was a pending free agent and by definition a rental.
Bassitt has one year left on his contract and is viewed as a key piece for a franchise bent on competing in 2025 as opposed to rebuilding.
When Bassitt was lifted for Genesis Cabrera in the seventh inning, the Baltimore Orioles had the bases loaded with none out.
Through five innings, Bassitt was tossing a no-hitter. It was broken up by Jackson Holliday, who went deep for his third home run of his very young career.
Holliday hit his first in the big leagues last week against the Jays when he went yard for a grand slam.
The Jays took control on Loonie Dogs Night in a five-run sixth inning, highlighted by a three-run home run by Alejandro Kirk, his third of the season as he continues to rake at the plate, as the Jays were well deserving of their 5-2 win.
The O’s scored their second and final run when Cabrera issued the bases-loaded walk after he entered the game in relief of Bassitt.
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Even with the Jays playing out the string, they have been somewhat competitive.
In front of an announced crowd of 35,051, they were good, especially with Bassitt leading the way.
The game even got a bit testy when Baltimore reliever Craig Kimbrel hit Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with a pitch, prompting manager John Schneider to approach home plate.
It’s virtually impossible to say Kimbrel intentionally hit Vlad Jr., but it sure seemed that way and Vlad Jr.’s reaction said as much.
When Chad Green needed one out to close out the game, the crowd rose in anticipation.
Green earned the save, while Bassitt got the win in what turned out to be a very good night for the Blue Jays as they opened a six-game homestand on the right foot fuelled by Bassitt’s right arm.
JOEY’S DEBUT
Recently acquired outfielder Joey Loperfido made his home debut in Tuesday night’s series opener.
It was in Baltimore where Loperfido played his first game for the Blue Jays following his trade from Houston as part of the three-player package Toronto received for Kikuchi.
Once again, the Blue Jays had the left-hitting Loperfido hit second in the order as they give him as much rope as possible to showcase his talents.
His night began well in the field when Loperfido made a nice diving catch on the run when Orioles lead-off hitter Colton Cowser sent a shallow looper into left field.
Loperfido has also played in right field for the Jays since his trade from the Astros.
His long-term viability will ultimately be judged by his performance at the plate.
One of the key areas the club must address involves a power bat, whether it’s in left field, third base or at DH.
Ideally, two bats with pop must be acquired or perhaps developed.
In his first at-bat in his first home, Loperfido struck out swinging.
So far, swing and miss has been his calling card.
Tuesday marked Loperfido’s 10th game with the Blue Jays.
In 18 at-bats heading into the night, he struck out nine times, which, when doing the simple math, increased to 10.
The total went even higher when Loperfido struck out in the seventh inning.
INJURY UPDATES
Schneider provided the latest update on the status of Bo Bichette (calf) and Jordan Romano (elbow).
According to Schneider, both will return to Toronto Thursday for what essentially looms as a check-in with the club.
The Blue Jays aren’t going to make the playoffs and it’s doubtful many more wins will be posted.
Still, the club would like to have both players back this season.
Calf strains, though, can be delicate and Bichette has been felled three times this season because of a calf issue.
If he does play again this season, the only positive ending would be seeing Bichette play at level he’s accustomed to playing.
Injuries aside, his season has been very underwhelming.
No baseball activities have begun for Bichette, but Schneider said Bichette “is progressing well.’’
As for Romano, it’s a head-scratcher why the Blue Jays would want to see their previous closer pitch again this season when the most prudent course of action involves shutting down the Markham native and having him pitch next at spring training.
SCRATCH AND WIN
There’s something odd how opposing starters are getting scratched from their scheduled outing when facing the Jays.
The latest victim was Grayson Rodriguez, who pitched against the Jays last week when Toronto visited Baltimore for a three-game series.
Mere minutes Rodriguez was scheduled to take the bump at Rogers, he was scratched.
Baltimore went with Albert Suarez.
A few innings later, it was announced Rodriguez was dealing with a right lat/teres discomfort.
Back in late April, Rodriguez went on the injured because of right shoulder inflammation.
VOTTO IN T.O.?
Etobicoke’s own and future hall of famer Joey Votto is inching closer to making his debut with the Blue Jays.
Votto homered Sunday with the triple-A Buffalo Bisons.
As long as he stays healthy, which is no sure thing given his advanced age, and as long as he continues to perform well, a promotion to the big-league club remains a distinct possibility.
Keep in mind the Cincinnati Reds will be in town for a three-game series beginning Aug. 19.
Votto played 17 seasons with the Reds.
“You sign him for a reason,’’ said Schneider of Votto. “I think you make room for him. And I think having a guy like him here within this clubhouse goes a long way.”
For that happen, Votto needs to be physically and mechanically right, added Schneider.