Times are tough for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Yordan Alvarez hit a solo homer and two doubles and the Houston Astros won 9-2 on Wednesday, while the Blue Jays dropped the 11th game in their last 15 with just weeks to go before the trade deadline.
Blue Jays starter Yusei Kikuchi allowed two runs, five hits and two walks, fanning five batters in five and two-thirds innings, but the relief team gave up seven runs in the seventh and eighth innings.
“It’s a difficult time for all of us, not just for players in my position, but for me as well,” Kikuchi said through translator Yusuke Oshima. “I have mixed feelings.”
“I just don’t know what’s going to happen [avant la date limite des échanges]. It’s just a tough time right now.”
Zach Pop, Jose Cuas, Brendon Little and Bowden Francis took over for him. Pop (0-3) was credited with the loss, allowing three runs.
Bo Bichette hit a sacrifice fly and Daulton Varsho added an RBI single for the Blue Jays, who remained in the game until the seventh inning.
” We started [la saison] with the goal of winning the World Series,” Kikuchi said. “It’s hard just to think about it.”
“But all we can do is prepare and be ready for every game.”
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. extended his streak to nine games with at least one hit with a single in the first inning, less than an hour after being named the starting first baseman for the AL at the All-Star Game.
Yainer Diaz drove in three runs, hitting three in four at-bats. Jose Altuve gave the visitors the lead with an RBI single and Jake Meyers drove in another teammate on a fielder’s choice.
Astros starter Ronel Blanco allowed two runs, four hits and two walks in 5 2-thirds innings, striking out four.
Tayler Scott, Bryan Abreu, Bryan King and Rafael Montero were called in to relieve Scott (5-2) in the victory.
Romano at the infirmary
Blue Jays stopper Jordan Romano will also be out for several weeks after undergoing arthroscopy to correct pain in his right elbow.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider said before the game that the Canadian reliever won’t pitch for at least six weeks.
It is possible that Romano could return later this season if his recovery goes well.
Romano (1-2) pitched 13 2/3 innings this season before being placed on the 15-day injured list. He had a 6.59 ERA in 15 appearances with Toronto in 2024.
Romano was selected to the All-Star Game in 2022 and 2023, recording 36 saves in each of those seasons. He has become one of the most reliable shortstops in Major League Baseball.
He posted an ERA of 2.11 in 2022 and 2.90 in 2023.
Veteran designated hitter Justin Turner was placed on the paternity list following the birth of his first child. Outfielder Steward Berroa was recalled from Triple-A.
Receiver Danny Jansen was already on the paternity list. He and his partner welcomed their daughter Tuesday.
Guerrero selected to All-Star Game
To see in video
2024-07-04 02:47:40
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