The Toronto Blue Jays are facing a challenging season, with their bats struggling to find their rhythm. Despite strong pitching, the team has lost five straight series, scoring more than four runs in just two of their last 13 games. This raises a deeper question: can the Jays' bats awaken in the summer, as they did last year? Manager John Schneider believes that getting key hitters back from injury will inject life into the lineup. However, for now, the Jays need to find ways to score and win, as they are missing extra-base hits.
One bright spot is Daulton Varsho's outfield arm, which is 'progressing' after shoulder surgery. Varsho's arm strength has been a constant focal point, and he is working to regain his peak performance. If he can steadily improve, opposing teams may not be so aggressive, which could save the Jays some runs. Varsho hopes to be back to full throwing power by August, but it could take into next year.
Another key player is Dylan Cease, who has been an effective and durable MLB starter for nearly a decade. The Jays signed Cease to a seven-year, partially deferred $210 million deal this winter, hoping to unlock his ceiling. Cease completed six innings for the first time as a Blue Jay on Wednesday, which was a sort of brilliance the Jays hoped for. However, Cease still needs to do a better job of mixing in his sinker and changeup more and challenging hitters in early counts.
Finally, Trey Yesavage, a righty pitcher recovering from shoulder impingement, could return to the Jays next week. Yesavage's velocity and command were spotty in his third rehab start, but the Jays are hopeful that he will push up to 85-90 pitches in his next start, which should allow him to rejoin the Jays in Anaheim next week. With pitching help almost here, the Jays hope offensive help will follow.
