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Instant Reaction: Blue Jays fell 4-2 in the series opener against the Rays
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Photo credit: © Nick Turchiaro - USA Today
Ryley Delaney
Jul 23, 2024, 22:00 EDTUpdated: Jul 23, 2024, 22:05 EDT
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Losing is bad, unless you’re the 2024 Toronto Blue Jays who need a high pick in the 2025 draft.
The bad news is that the Jays lost 4-2 to the Tampa Bay Rays in the series opener. The good news is that… Toronto lost to the Tampa Bay Rays in the series opener, dropping their record to 45-55.
Toronto gave up an early lead in the top of the second, as Randy Arozarena walked and stole second, before Josh Lowe drove him in with a single. The Rays extended their lead to 3-0 in the top of the fifth, as Brandon Lowe (no relation to Josh) hit a two-run home run.
The Jays attempted to mount a comeback in the bottom of the sixth, as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit another home run to make it 3-1.
Toronto went back-to-back, as Justin Turner hit his sixth-home run of the season to cut the lead down to 3-2. However, the Jays allowed the first two batters to reach in the top of the seventh, and a double play would score a Ray to make it 4-2.

Things worth mentioning…

José Berríos continued to be plagued by the long-ball, giving up his MLB-leading 22nd home run of the season. After a great start to his year, Berríos struggles continued, as he finished the game with a line of 4.2 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 6 BB, 5 K to bring his season ERA to 4.08.
The bullpen was solid once again. Brendon Little pitched well, as he struck out two batters while facing the minimum. Ryan Burr replaced Little, and got the final out of the sixth inning. Nate Pearson gave up an earned run and a walk, but his inning could’ve been much worse. Génesis Cabrera struck out two in his inning of work.
Erik Swanson pitched another scoreless outing, his second since being recalled by the Jays. After walking the first batter, he struck out the next batter and got a ground out and a flyout. It’ll be nice to see him get back on track.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has hit four home runs in his last five games dating back to the final game before the All-Star break. For the season, he’s slashing .294/.364/.4981 with 17 homers in 431 plate appearances for a 140 wRC+. Not really much else to say other than play him. He wants a Toronto Blue Jay for life, so make it happen.
Justin Turner’s tenure as a Blue Jay could be coming to an end soon, but it was nice to see him hit his sixth home run of the season, the cherry on top of a three-hit performance. Since May 9th, this was only his second home run, with his last one coming on June 9. For the season, he’s slashing .236/.334/.354 for a 101 wRC+.
Other players with a hit were Leo Jiménez and Daulton Varsho, with the latter making another outstanding catch in centre field. It goes without saying that Varsho should be the Blue Jays’ everyday centre fielder in 2025.
Up next: Toronto continues their three-game series against the Rays on Wednesday at 7:07 PM ET. Yariel Rodríguez will have the start for the Jays and he’ll face off against Zach Eflin.
As always, you can follow me on Twitter @Ryley_L_D.

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