Toronto Blue Jays: A True Boston Massacre

If the Toronto Blue Jays were hoping to take advantage of a weak divisional opponent, the Boston Red Sox had different ideas. They wanted to completely annihilate the Jays and there’s no denying their success.

Boston hammered the Jays for 14 runs off 18 hits. The game was essentially over after three innings of play when Boston took a commanding 6-1 lead. David Ortiz had a particularly strong night for the Red Sox, punishing the Jays with two home runs.

Jul 12, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) waits in the on-deck circle during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Richardson-USA TODAY Sports

In June, it might’ve been possible for the Jays to overcome such a large deficit, but this is July and the team’s struggles at the plate continue.

Toronto’s response to Boston? One run off three hits. That’s pathetic.

Drew Hutchison took the loss – his third loss in a row and fifth loss in his last six starts – and after a decent start to the season, it’s clear he’s run out of gas. Hutchison is almost two years removed from Tommy John surgery, but it appears he’s still recovering from the invasive surgery. His numbers on the night justify this view: he lasted just 2.2 innings, allowing six runs (all earned) off nine hits.

Hutchison threw a total of 68 hittable pitches before giving away to the bullpen, which didn’t fare any better against the Red Sox’s big bats.

Live Feed

MLB rumors: Shohei Ohtani's decision timeline revealed /

FanSided

Is this the offseason the Blue Jays finally pull the trigger on long-time outfield target? Jays Journal

With opportunity to build a super-bullpen, the Blue Jays should call on newly-available Guardians closerJays Journal

Blue Jays sign Andrew Bechtold, a worthwhile project, to minor league dealJays Journal

Blue Jays SS Bo Bichette earns well deserved praise for his improved defense in 2023Jays Journal

Blue Jays radio personality suggests Blue Jays could shop George Springer this winterJays Journal

The Jays hope to get back on the right track when J.A. Happ (7-5) takes the mound again Jake Peavy (1-8) tonight. They were fortunate the New York Yankees also lost last night, but the Baltimore Orioles beat the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 4-2, stretching their division lead over Toronto and New York to four games. In other words, Toronto must take advantage of these winnable matchups.

Assuming the Jays decide to rest Hutchison, they have a few internal players who can replace him in the rotation. Dustin McGowan pitched as a starter earlier this season and could return to the role. Having said this, there were similar signs of fatigue in his game that prompted his demotion to the bullpen so he’s not the ideal replacement.

Alternatively, the Jays could see if Aaron Sanchez is ready for prime time. This would be the cheap and easy option. A trade for someone new is also possible, but it really depends on the return. The Jays have been fading since June so it doesn’t make a lot of sense to trade future assets away to salvage a dying season unless the return is really good.

Offence, defence, pitching: where don’t the Jays need help these days?

Home/Toronto Blue Jays