{"id":141326,"date":"2025-08-13T03:15:26","date_gmt":"2025-08-13T03:15:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/141326\/"},"modified":"2025-08-13T03:15:26","modified_gmt":"2025-08-13T03:15:26","slug":"flying-high-first-place-blue-jays-return-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/141326\/","title":{"rendered":"Flying High: First-place Blue Jays return home"},"content":{"rendered":"

TORONTO \u2013 It was feast or famine for the Toronto Blue Jays on their recent road trip that included a record-breaking beatdown of the Colorado Rockies and a series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.<\/p>\n

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The first-place team is back home for a three-game series with the Chicago Cubs starting Tuesday night at Rogers Centre ahead of a three-game weekend set against the Texas Rangers.<\/p>\n

Toronto leads the American League standings at 69-50 and has a four-game lead on the Boston Red Sox entering play Monday night.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a look at five Blue Jays storylines to watch with about one-quarter of the season remaining:<\/p>\n

BIEBER FEVER<\/p>\n

The resurgence of veteran right-hander Max Scherzer and the emergence of southpaw Eric Lauer have given Toronto\u2019s starting rotation more stability.<\/p>\n

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The team\u2019s five-man crew \u2013 which also includes Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios and Chris Bassitt \u2013 could soon become a six-man group as Shane Bieber nears a return.<\/p>\n

The 2020 American League Cy Young Award winner, who was acquired from Cleveland at the trade deadline, has impressed in his Triple-A rehab appearances.<\/p>\n

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Bieber underwent Tommy John surgery last year. He has a career record of 62-32 with a 3.22 earned-run average over parts of seven big-league seasons.<\/p>\n

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OFFENCE CLICKING<\/p>\n

Toronto leads the major leagues in several offensive categories thanks in part to back-to-back-to-back routs of the Rockies last week.<\/p>\n

The Blue Jays set a modern-era big-league record with a whopping 63 hits over the three games in Colorado. Toronto also set a franchise record with 45 runs scored.<\/p>\n

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After dropping two of three games in Los Angeles over the weekend, the Blue Jays still lead the big leagues in hits (1,099), batting average (.269) and on-base percentage (.339). Toronto is also third in OPS (.767).<\/p>\n

TOUGH DECISIONS<\/p>\n

The Blue Jays will have some tough decisions to make this month as some big-name players get set to return to the lineup.<\/p>\n

Second baseman Andres Gimenez will soon be activated after spending five weeks on the injured list with a left ankle sprain.<\/p>\n

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Outfielder\/designated hitter George Springer, who has been out for two weeks due to a concussion, could also soon return.<\/p>\n

Recent call-up Buddy Kennedy is the most likely player to be sent down. A second roster move is expected to be a much tougher call, given it will likely involve a player who sees more regular playing time.<\/p>\n

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