Blue Jays GDB – 139.0: Jays look to bounce-back in second game against Reds
Photo credit: © Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
Sep 2, 2025, 17:15 EDTUpdated: Sep 2, 2025, 17:11 EDT
Stewing on the Toronto Blue Jays‘ loss on Monday afternoon isn’t good for the health.
The Blue Jays rallied late, overcoming a 2-0 deficit to take a 4-2 lead into the bottom of the ninth, only for the bullpen to blow yet another game. What’s worse is that the Boston Red Sox won, meaning the Jays’ division lead has dwindled to just two and a half games (with the tiebreaker).
Simply put, they need to get it together sooner rather than later if they wish to win the division. They received some help hours before the game, as expected starter Nick Lodolo was scratched due to illness. The Cincinnati Reds will instead turn to Scott Barlow to open in what will be a bullpen game. Toronto has to capitalize.
The Jays have José Berríos starting on Tuesday evening. Last time out, he pitched six and one-third innings, allowing two earned runs and striking out six, far better than his previous start, where he allowed six earned runs. They need him to be good once again because they really need this victory.
For the first time since late July last season, Isiah Kiner-Falefa returns to the Blue Jays’ lineup. He’ll bat ninth and play third base, as Ernie Clement fouled a ball off his foot in Monday’s game. Andrés Giménez bats eighth, and Davis Schneider bats seventh.
George Springer once again leads off for the Blue Jays, with Nathan Lukes batting second instead of Addison Barger. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. bats in the three-hole, while Bo Bichette bats fourth. Yesterday, Bichette had his fifth four-hit game, including a clutch two-run home run. Daulton Varsho bats fifth and Alejandro Kirk bats sixth.
Let’s set up Tuesday’s must-win game!
Location: Cincinnati
First Pitch: 6:40 PM ET
Watch/Listen: Sportsnet, SN590
Starting Pitchers
Toronto Blue Jays – José Berríos: 9-5 record, 3.95 ERA, 152.2 IP, 129 SO, 49 BB
Cincinnati Reds – Scott Barlow: 6-2 record, 3.26 ERA, 60.2 IP, 69 SO, 37 BB
Lineups:
Blue Jays:
- George Springer – DH
- Nathan Lukes – RF
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – 1B
- Bo Bichette – SS
- Daulton Varsho – CF
- Alejandro Kirk – C
- Davis Schneider – LF
- Andrés Giménez – 2B
- Isiah Kiner-Falefa – 3B
Reds:
- TJ Friedl – CF
- Noelvi Marte – RF
- Elly De La Cruz – SS
- Austin Hays – LF
- Gavin Lux – DH
- Sal Stewart – 1B
- Ke’Bryan Hayes – 3B
- Jose Trevino – C
- Matt McLain – 2B
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, Oilersnation, and FlamesNation. She can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.