An unexpectedly slow start likely cost Oakland the chance to return to the playoffs, but the Athletics are a good team. They’ve out-scored the opposition by a wide margin, and they’re playing better of late, with a 23-18 record since the beginning of June.
The Blue Jays open a three-game series against the Athletics Tuesday after taking two of three from the Tampa Bay Rays…
Tuesday, July 21 – 10:05 p.m. ET
Mark Buehrle vs. Kendall Graveman
Wednesday, July 22 – 10:05 p.m. ET
Felix Doubront vs. Sonny Gray
Thursday, July 23 – 3:35 p.m. ET
Drew Hutchison vs. Scott Kazmir
Graveman thriving
Brett Lawrie headlined the package of players obtained by the Athletics for Josh Donaldson, but Kendall Graveman was another key to the trade. The 24-year-old ground-ball pitcher has impressed this year, posting a 3.38 ERA in 14 starts. He’s been especially effective since returning to the big leagues in late May, with a 2.17 ERA during that 10-game stretch.
Considering Lawrie’s production (.280 average, .725 OPS) it’s clear the Athletics got value back for Donaldson. You won’t hear the Blue Jays complaining, though. With 22 home runs and 4.8 wins above replacement, Donaldson’s only solidified his place among MLB’s absolute best players. At this point the Blue Jays are clearly winning the deal.
Sanchez to the bullpen
Aaron Sanchez could re-join the Blue Jays in Oakland, and when he does he’ll pitch in relief. Last year’s success—a 1.09 ERA with a 66-percent ground-ball rate—suggests he can provide the Blue Jays with some much-needed results late in games.
The pairing of Sanchez and Roberto Osuna could provide the Blue Jays with a pair of shutdown arms, something that’s becoming increasingly common around MLB. Even within the AL East, the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays have imposing relief duos. Surely the Blue Jays would be thrilled if Sanchez and Osuna could come close to replicating the production of Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller or Brad Boxberger and Jake McGee down the stretch.
If Sanchez had shown better command while rehabbing the Blue Jays might have been more tempted to use him as a starter, where he’d pitch more innings and have a greater impact. Instead, he’ll be asked to bolster the bullpen while Toronto’s search for starting pitching continues.
Doubront’s third start
Felix Doubront pitched well in his first start for the Blue Jays before pitching poorly the next time out. Best-case scenario from here on out? The left-hander pitches well in start No. 3 and then gets bumped from the rotation when the Blue Jays acquire a starting pitcher. Don’t hold your breath, though; asking prices often remain prohibitively high until right before the July 31 non-waiver deadline.
Earning respect
Opposing teams seem genuinely impressed by Toronto’s offence, which leads MLB in runs scored. The Blue Jays’ pitching staff hasn’t been nearly as impressive, posting a 4.10 ERA that ranks 23rd in MLB. One rival decision-maker suggested the Blue Jays have been a little unlucky, even considering their up-and-down pitching staff, and have more talent than their .500 record suggests. For the Blue Jays to reach the playoffs they’ll have to play at something close to a 100-win pace from here on.
Buehrle’s consistency
Mark Buehrle may be 36 years old, but he’s as consistent as ever. Before joining the Blue Jays he averaged the following numbers for the Chicago White Sox and Miami Marlins:
- 3.82 ERA, 5.0 K/9, 2.0 BB/9
Since joining the Blue Jays the results have looked familiar:
- 3.67 ERA, 5.1 K/9, 2.0 BB/9
Buehrle’s one of just four qualified pitchers age 35 or older with an ERA better than league average. The others: A.J. Burnett, John Lackey and Chris Young.
