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Monday morning bantering

Errors, relief pitching, roster moves and Vlad watch

Oakland Athletics v Toronto Blue Jays
This is our new closer.
Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

Yesterday’s 9-2 loss to the A’s ensured the Blue Jays were swept for the first time this season, and the first time they have been swept at home in a four-game series since 2001 (which seems surprising).

The Jays have now lost six straight home games for the first time since 2013 and have lost 7 of the last 8 and 13 of the last 19.

We’re on a bad run and while the ship hasn’t sunk yet we’ve definitely sprung a few leaks and are listing to one side.


Amongst the omnishambles of the game, there was the notable highlight of Kendrys Morales throwing a scoreless 9th. Yes, you read that right. He also made a positive contribution at the plate with two hits.

The Jays committed four errors in a game for the first time since May 18, 2014, when they played the Rangers (who have the Gold Glove for appalling fielding).

Joe Biagini is now 0-3 as a starter this season with a 7.71 ERA. Compare this to recent call up Sam Gaviglio who in three games has given up eight hits and walked two in 9.2 innings with an ERA of 0.93. Maybe its time for Joe to go back to the bullpen? They need the help.


Following the game Richard Urena was optioned to Buffalo. Hopefully he will be able to catch the flight ok, because he missed everything else yesterday. The corresponding roster move will be made prior to tomorrow’s game.


Vlad Watch!

Down in AA, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. went 5-7 for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats in their double header against the Binghamtown Rumble Ponies.

Vlad went 4-4 in the first game, including a walk off homer as the Fisher Cats won 6-5. The Ponies won the second game 10-8. Vlad went 1-3, was hit by a pitch and was intentionally walked.

Vlad is now hitting hitting .421/.472/.697 across 39 games. At just age 19.


At AAA Buffalo, the Bisons (where Vlad must be heading soon??) earned a sweep of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders with a 5-4 win. Lourdes Gurriel got the clutch 2 out RBI in the 8th. Our old friend Adam Lind is hitting .239 for the RailRiders.

Devon Travis has an 8 game hit streak for the Bisons. His average has risen to .210. I hope he stays healthy.


In other news, the A’s claimed pitcher Carlos Ramirez off waivers from Toronto on Sunday. He must be thrilled to be joining a winning team.


And in case you missed it, the Braves released Jose Bautista. I guess the .143/.250/.343 with a 30% K rate after 12 games was a clue. I really hope Jose retires now and keeps his legacy intact. Maybe the FO can find him a role with the Jays? Something like bat flip coach...