Blue Jays Start Second Half on Wrong Foot

[Leo Morgenstern]

The Blue Jays lost two of three to the White Sox over the weekend, falling to 46-53 on the season. With 13 games to play before the August 3 trade deadline, they need to go at least 10-3 in that span to be at .500 by deadline day. That's a tall order, especially since all four teams they'll play are at or above .500 right now: the Rays, Red Sox, Nationals, and Cardinals. It's getting harder and harder to stay optimistic.

Toronto Blue Jays Weekend in Review (July 17-19)

Friday, July 17: CHW 12, TOR 4

• Spencer Miles gets rocked,
• White Sox pile on against Adam Macko, Patrick Corbin, Braydon Fisher.
• George Springer plays left field, Brandon Valenzuela DHs. Both hit home runs.

Saturday, July 18: TOR 1, CHW 0

• Joe Carter statue unveiled.
• Shane Bieber throws six scoreless innings.
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. goes 2-for-3 with a double, a walk, and the game's only run.
• Louis Varland gets save number 20.

Sunday, July 19: CHW 3, TOR 0

• Trey Yesavage strikes out a season-high nine. Still takes the loss in a quality start.
• Ernie Clement and Nathan Lukes each reach base twice. Rest of lineup goes 1-for-23.  

Toronto Blue Jays Transactions of the Weekend

• Lazaro Estrada recalled. (1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R on Sunday, July 19)
• Brendon Little recalled. 
• CJ Van Eyk optioned.
• Adam Macko optioned.
• Ryan Sprock (acquired for Tommy Nance) assigned to High-A Vancouver Canadians.
• Blue Jays sign top three draft picks Cole Carlon (No. 39), Ryan Cooney (No. 103), Will Brick (No. 131).

Toronto Blue Jays Injury Updates of the Week

• Max Scherzer got cortisone shots in his thumb. He threw in the bullpen over the weekend. His next rehab outing is not yet scheduled. 
• Yimi García threw a bullpen on Saturday. Jesús Sánchez faced live pitching.
• Addison Barger is shut down from all baseball activities. He has not given up on returning this season. John Schneider says an August return is possible, if optimistic. 
• Anthony Santander felt more shoulder pain and received a cortisone shot. He will be shut down for a few more days. 
• Lenyn Sosa has not played since late June after suffering a setback in his rehab. He started hitting again this week.

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