Toronto Blue Jays: One step forward, two steps back

The Toronto Blue Jays just don’t seem to be able to catch a break at all this season, as evidenced by the most recent events.

The overriding sentiment during the last month or so is that the Toronto Blue Jays will not make the playoffs this season. By extension, this will likely make them sellers at the non-waiver tradeline.

However, if you have the right mentality as a professional athlete, you won’t stop fighting until you’re officially out of postseason contention. Look back no further than the 2015 season for evidence of this from the Blue Jays.

With 60 games remaining in the season, Toronto found themselves at 51-51 and apparently headed towards another mediocre record. However, they then proceeded to go on a sensational 42-18 run to end the campaign, in the process ending a 21-year postseason drought.

As such, the Blue Jays recent run of 6-3 in the last nine games couldn’t be entirely overlooked. Yes, they are still five games under .500 (36-41) entering Monday’s action, but you never know for sure.

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And for those who are feeling optimistic, Marcus Stroman‘s return from the disabled list at the weekend offered more hope. In his first start since May 8, he pitched five scoreless innings and helped the Blue Jays win 4-1 over the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday.

However, such is the narrative for this Blue Jays’ season, nothing is allowed to run smoothly. And this is best encapsulated by those headed in the opposite direction to Stroman, namely Aaron Sanchez and Jaime Garcia.

The Blue Jays’ starting rotation was expected to be a strength headed into this year, but the opposite has been true so far. Look no further than the following statistics and league rankings up to and including June 24:

• Average: .257 (23rd)
• ERA: 4.90 (25th)
• WHIP: 1.39 (23rd)
• Wins: 19 (23rd)
• Walks: 161 (25th)

Of course, injuries can only add to the issue, as the Blue Jays are well aware after Stroman’s recent stint on the disabled list. And now, just as he returns to provide a boost, he is replaced by Sanchez and Garcia on the DL.

Losing Sanchez is obviously the bigger blow. While still not showing his form from 2016, he is undoubtedly a major talent who appeared to finally be over his injury issues which plagued him all last year.

In truth, losing Garcia isn’t too disappointing, just because of how poorly he’s performed since joining the Blue Jays. And yet, if nothing else, his absence still takes away depth from the rotation.

Still on the subject of pitching, you will be well aware that Roberto Osuna won’t be coming back until August. Leaving aside what he may or may not have done in his personal life, his skills have been missed on the mound.

And just to top matters off for the Blue Jays, Josh Donaldson is still not ready to return. As reported by MLB.com’s Gregor Chisholm, Donaldson won’t be back until June 29 at the earliest.

(We could also throw Troy Tulowitzki‘s absence into the equation. But let’s be honest, Toronto hasn’t really lost anything by his not playing.)

The Blue Jays won’t quit competing until the postseason is officially out of sight, but it does seem like they’re fighting a losing battle. It’s a case of one step forward, two steps back…at least.

Next: What now for Roberto Osuna?

What are you expecting from the Toronto Blue Jays in the coming weeks? Do you predict they will continue their recent run of positive results, or slip further away in the wild card race? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.