The Blue Jays fell to 7-13 after a tough loss on Saturday, marking one of the worst starts to a season in franchise history.
As is usually the case, two things can be true at the same time.
On the positive side of things, it's still early and the Toronto Blue Jays have 7/8 of the season remaining in order to turn their 7-13 start around.
On the realistic side of things? This is one of the worst starts in franchise history, and historically, the Jays haven't been able to rebound.
Per @StatsCentre:
Most losses in the first 20 games of a season - #BlueJays franchise history (1977-present):
14 in 1979 (Finished 53-109)
14 in 2017 (76-86)
13 in 1978 (59-102)
13 in 1981 (37-69) 13 in 2026 (Via getting beaten 6-2 tonight to the Diamondbacks)
13 in 2003 (86-76)
13 in 2004 (67-94)
In the previous six times that the Blue Jays lost 13 or more games in their first 20, only once did they finish with a winning record (2003). Those aren't good odds and they paint a dire picture for a team that entered the year with World Series aspirations, and spent nearly $350 million in guaranteed money this offseason to chase them.
Reasons for optimism
The biggest reason for optimism is health, of course. The difference between this Blue Jays team and Jays teams of the past is that this Blue Jays team is not bad. The roster is loaded, but unfortunately, so is the injured list.
Trey Yesavage is about ready to come back and Jose Berrios won't be far behind him. Shane Bieber will be back eventually, as will reliever Yimi Garcia. George Springer and Addison Barger are close to returning, and Alejandro Kirk hopefully will return in May.
Yes, this current group of Blue Jays have to play better and hold the fort down, but if they can just keep this organization afloat, the reinforcements can still help make it a special summer in Toronto.
Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer (4) reacts to a high inside pitch from Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Juan Mejia in the fifth inning at Rogers Centre. Dan Hamilton-Imagn ImagesAbout last night
--The Blue Jays lost 6-2 to the Arizona Diamondbacks, marking their second straight loss to the D'backs. Jeff Hoffman surrendered an eighth-inning grand slam, continuing his struggles this season (7.71 ERA).
--Max Scherzer recorded only one strikeout for the night, meaning he's stuck on 3,499 career Ks. When he gets his next one, he'll become just the 11th player in history to record 3,500.
And on Sunday...
Kevin Gausman takes the mound for Toronto against right-hander Ryne Nelson. Gausman is 0-1 with a 2.42 ERA.
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