The Blue Jays avoided the sweep on Wednesday thanks to Varsho's heroics against the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Toronto Blue Jays are off on Thursday night, but they are undoubtedly still buzzing because of Wednesday night's walk-off grand slam against the Tampa Bay Rays.
On the surface, it was one win in May that helped avoid a disappointing sweep at home.
Beneath the surface, the Daulton Varsho game-winning blast might be the catalyst to get the Blue Jays going again. The injuries have ravaged the roster and the offense has cratered in spots, putting the Blue Jays at 19-24, but that's the kind of win that can hopefully galvanize the dugout and clubhouse.
Varsho's blast also put him in some rare team history, as noted by StatsCentre:
.@BlueJays to record a walk-off grand slam:
Daulton Varsho (Tonight in a 10-inning, 5-3 win over the Rays)
Steve Pearce (July 30, 2017 vs the Angels and July 27, 2017 against the Athletics)
Gregg Zaun (September 6, 2008 vs the Rays)
George Bell (September 4, 1988 vs the Rangers)
Furthermore, the shot gives Varsho five career grand slams in Toronto, putting him in a tie for fourth place in franchise history.
(On a related note) Most career grand slams - Player with the #BlueJays franchise:
9- Carlos Delgado
7- Bell
6- Edwin Encarnacion
5- Varsho
5- Vernon Wells
5- Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
5- Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
4- Joe Carter
4- Darrin Fletcher
4- George Springer
3- Fourteen others tied
Varsho, 29, is a seven-year veteran of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Blue Jays. He was acquired by the Blue Jays before the 2023 season after hitting 27 home runs in 2022. Though he's never repeated that number, he does have two 20-homer seasons in his Jays tenure so far despite battling injuries.
Varsho also won a Gold Glove Award in 2024 for his premium outfield play.
He'll be a free agent at the end of the season.
Up next for Toronto
The Jays will battle with the Detroit Tigers on Friday night for the start of a weekend series in Detroit.
First pitch on Friday is set for 6:45 p.m. ET as rookie right-hander Trey Yesavage (1-1, 0.68 ERA) pitches against Ty Madden (0-0, 2.45 ERA).
Like Toronto, Detroit has experienced significant injury attrition, including losing back-to-back Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal because of arm problems.
The Tigers, who advanced to the American League Division Series last season, are just 19-25 and in last place in the American League Central.
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