logo
Blue Jays: 3 takeaways from the Diamondbacks series
alt
Photo credit: © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Ben Wrixon
Apr 20, 2026, 18:30 EDTUpdated: Apr 20, 2026, 17:25 EDT
Comments
The Toronto Blue Jays have lost six consecutive series for the first time since 2012 after dropping two of three against the Arizona Diamondbacks over the weekend. 
The first two games were more of the same for the Blue Jays: solid starting pitching, anemic hitting, and late-inning meltdowns. However, the offence finally came to life with an eight-run first inning in Sunday’s game en route to a 10-4 victory. 
A lot is going on with this team as it struggles to tread water. Here are three takeaways as the club heads to Los Angeles to face the Angels. 

1: Jeff Hoffman can’t be trusted in high-leverage situations right now

Hoffman’s latest implosion came in Saturday’s 6-2 loss. He entered with the score tied at two, then departed after allowing a go-ahead grand slam to Corbin Carroll. 
The process had been better for Hoffman in his first few appearances of the year before unravelling in his last two outings. He owns a 7.71 ERA and 1.82 WHIP on the season—unacceptable numbers for a closer on a team with playoff aspirations.
Louis Varland, Tyler Rogers, and Braydon Fisher have all pitched better than Hoffman so far this season. They should handle the big spots until Hoffman proves he’s back on track. 

2: Whatever medicine the team gave Nathan Lukes is working 

Lukes’ dreadful start to the season was put into context when it was revealed he’s been dealing with vertigo. Hitting baseballs at the major league level is extremely difficult when you’re healthy, let alone when you’re dizzy and nauseous and struggling with vertigo. 
He recorded four hits—two of which went for extra bases—over the final two games in Arizona, including a pair in the first inning of Sunday’s blowout win. He looked more like the Lukes that played a huge part in the Blue Jays’ success throughout 2025. 
This is a positive development considering Lukes is likely to keep seeing time in the leadoff spot against right-handed pitching while George Springer is sidelined. That should bode well for the Blue Jays if he’s finally feeling like himself again. 

3: The starting pitching might survive the injuries after all 

Both Eric Lauer and Max Scherzer delivered bounce-back performances in the desert; they may be able to hold down the fort until reinforcements arrive after all. 
Lauer allowed three runs over five innings on Friday night, pitching behind an opener—which he made clear he did not enjoy—while Scherzer tossed a quality start in Saturday’s loss. Both needed to step up after getting thrashed by the Minnesota Twins and rose to the occasion. 
Trey Yesavage should be back soon, and José Berríos won’t be far behind him. These two just need to keep giving the Blue Jays a chance to win until then. 

CHECK OUT OFF THE ROSTER – NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEKDAY

Off The Roster is Toronto sports. Hosted by Cabbie Richards, Lindsay Dunn, and Dan Riccio, this is the go-to morning conversation for everything happening in the 6ix – Hockey, Baseball, Basketball and everything in between. From breakout performances and questionable trades to throwback jerseys, viral moments, and the stories fans are actually talking about—it’s smart, sharp, and never scripted. Live weekday mornings on the Nation Network YouTube channel and available wherever you stream podcasts, the show delivers real opinions, real chemistry, and real Toronto energy. Missed an episode? Catch up anytime. Off The Roster—The new sound of the 6ix.

Featured

Editorials

Breaking News