\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Kikuchi faced a challenge right out of the gate with Minnesota’s first two batters -- Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa -- entering play with career .333 and .500 averages, respectively, against him.\n\nAfter Buxton whiffed on an 87 mph slider for strike three to open the game, Correa reached on a dribbler that died a few feet up the third-base line, which Kikuchi just couldn’t corral in time. Toronto’s starter responded by fanning Christian Vázquez on five pitches and Kyle Garlick on seven pitches to wrap the frame with no damage.\n\nKikuchi faced the minimum in the second inning, with his stinginess allowing Toronto to take a 2-0 lead on consecutive run-scoring singles in the third -- from Spencer Horwitz and Blue Jays No. 4 prospectOrelvis Martinez, kick-starting the shutout victory.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2023-03-23T18:39:33.507Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-03/23/1a21195f-64e268ad-3eefbdab-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4","type":"video","description":"Orelvis Martinez drives in Otto Lopez on a single to right field, extending the Blue Jays' lead to 2-0 in the top of the third inning","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:00:16","slug":"orelvis-martinez-s-rbi-single","tags":[{"__typename":"GameTag"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-141","title":"Toronto Blue Jays","team":{"__ref":"Team:141"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"mlb-top-prospects","title":"MLB Top Prospects","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"grapefruit-league","title":"Grapefruit League","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"spring-training","title":"Spring Training","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"hitting","title":"hitting","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"game-action-tracking","title":"game action tracking","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"in-game-highlight","title":"in-game highlight","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-682619","title":"Orelvis Martinez","person":{"__ref":"Person:682619"},"type":"player"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/{formatInstructions}/mlb/xeakmrgx91vxbpgthkqy"},"title":"Orelvis Martinez's RBI single ","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/orelvis-martinez-s-rbi-single"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Kikuchi rebounded from a one-out triple by Elliot Soto in the third to get Buxton on a groundout to first and Correa looking at strike three, then he hit Nick Gordon with a pitch during an otherwise flawless fourth, and he completed his day with a pair of strikeouts in the fifth, the latter of which was against Buxton, who whiffed on a 95 mph four-seamer.\n\nBuxton and Correa finished a combined 1-for-6 against him on the day.\n\nThere’s optimism that Kikuchi can take this year’s Grapefruit League performance and run with it the regular season, after his well-documented struggles in 2022. In his first year with Toronto, the left-hander made just 20 starts before moving to the bullpen in mid-August.\n\nKikuchi’s a guy who’s used to success: The 31-year-old had a career 2.77 ERA in 158 games (108 starts) over eight seasons with the Seibu Lions in Japan before landing a sizeable deal with the Mariners in December 2018. That, of course, led to the Blue Jays inking Kikuchi to three years and $36 million in March 2022.\n\nHe wasn't proud of the way his 2022 went, so his winter months were spent tinkering and toiling.\n\nSo far, it seems to be paying off.\n\n\"I think his offseason, the work that he put in kind of revamping his arm swing, getting him in the zone a little bit more was key,\" Schneider said. \"His outings have been great.\"","type":"text"}],"relativeSiteUrl":"/news/yusei-kikuchi-posts-nine-strikeouts-continues-strong-spring","contentType":"news","subHeadline":null,"summary":"FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Yusei Kikuchi entered Spring Training singularly focused on rejoining the Blue Jays’ rotation, and he has done such a good job that, barring injury, the fifth-starter gig is his. While that doesn’t mean Kikuchi is easing off the gas, it’s safe to say he had at","tagline({\"formatString\":\"none\"})":null,"tags":[{"__typename":"ContributorTag","slug":"dawn-klemish","title":"Dawn Klemish","type":"contributor"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"spring-training","title":"Spring Training","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-141","title":"Toronto Blue Jays","team":{"__ref":"Team:141"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-579328","title":"Yusei Kikuchi","person":{"__ref":"Person:579328"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"apple-news","title":"Apple News","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"storytype-article","title":"Article","type":"article"},{"__typename":"GameTag","gamePk":718996,"slug":"gamepk-718996","title":"2023/03/23 tor@min","type":"game"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"grapefruit-league","title":"Grapefruit League","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"game-recap","title":"game recap","type":"taxonomy"}],"type":"story","thumbnail":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/{formatInstructions}/mlb/fd3rqgfricnt7nn9hjxp","title":"Yusei Kikuchi posts nine strikeouts, continues strong spring"},"getTeamsBySportId({\"ids\":[1]})":[{"__ref":"Team:133"},{"__ref":"Team:134"},{"__ref":"Team:135"},{"__ref":"Team:136"},{"__ref":"Team:137"},{"__ref":"Team:138"},{"__ref":"Team:139"},{"__ref":"Team:140"},{"__ref":"Team:141"},{"__ref":"Team:142"},{"__ref":"Team:143"},{"__ref":"Team:144"},{"__ref":"Team:145"},{"__ref":"Team:146"},{"__ref":"Team:147"},{"__ref":"Team:158"},{"__ref":"Team:108"},{"__ref":"Team:109"},{"__ref":"Team:110"},{"__ref":"Team:111"},{"__ref":"Team:112"},{"__ref":"Team:113"},{"__ref":"Team:114"},{"__ref":"Team:115"},{"__ref":"Team:116"},{"__ref":"Team:117"},{"__ref":"Team:118"},{"__ref":"Team:119"},{"__ref":"Team:120"},{"__ref":"Team:121"}],"getHeaderFromForgePath({\"contentSource\":\"MLB\",\"headerPath\":\"/_navs/header/tor/global-nav\",\"paletteKey\":\"t141-base-palette\",\"propertiesKey\":\"t141-global-properties\"})":{"__typename":"Header","navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Season Ticket Memberships","linkUrl":"/tickets/season-tickets/buy","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Quarter Season Ticket Memberships","linkUrl":"/tickets/quarter-season-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"A Field Side Corner Club","linkUrl":"https://bluejays.fanportal-mlb.com/ballpark-renovation/100-level-renovation/field-side-corner-club","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Flex Packs","linkUrl":"/tickets/flex-packs","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Premium Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/premium/beyond","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Group Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/group-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Jays Nest","linkUrl":"https://bluejays.fanportal-mlb.com/ballpark-renovation/outfield-district/jays-nest","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Single Game Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/single-game-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Promotions & Events","linkUrl":"/tickets/promotions/schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2024 Spring Training - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/spring-training","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ticket Packs - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/tickets/packs","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Leadoff Offer","linkUrl":"/tickets/leadoff","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1724878800"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"3-Game Bundles - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/tickets/bundles","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Rooms - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/tickets/rooms","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"TD Executive Suites","linkUrl":"https://bluejays.fanportal-mlb.com/beyond/td-executive-suites","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Specialty Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/theme-days/specialty-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"TicketFinder: Find the best tickets for you!","linkUrl":"/tickets/ticket-finder","linkTarget":"","visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Outfield District Ticket","linkUrl":"/tickets/outfield-district","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Value Combo","linkUrl":"/tickets/value-combo","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"FriYAY Special - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/tickets/friyay","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Peanut/Nut Reduced Games","linkUrl":"/tickets/peanut-nut-reduced-zone","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ticket Offers","linkUrl":"/tickets/ticket-offers","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Rogers Centre Virtual Venue - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"http://bluejays.io-media.com/web/index.html","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Rogers Centre Concerts & Events","linkUrl":"/tickets/concerts","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Box Office","linkUrl":"/tickets/box-office","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MyBlueJays","linkUrl":"/tickets/my-bluejays","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Accessibility","linkUrl":"/ballpark/information/accessibility","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Seating Options - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/tickets/seating-options","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Sightlines - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/tickets/sightlines","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ticket Management Help","linkUrl":"/tickets/ticket-management","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Contact Us","linkUrl":"/official-information/contact","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Gift Card Centre","linkUrl":"/tickets/gift-card-centre","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"SeatGeek","linkUrl":"https://seatgeek.com/toronto-blue-jays-tickets?aid=15992&pid=integration&rid=1&utm_medium=partnership&utm_source=bluejays_sponsorship&utm_campaign=integration","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"City Connect","linkUrl":"/fans/city-connect","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Promotions - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/tickets/promotions/schedule","placement":"mobile","visible":"false","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"","icon":"rewards","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Season Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/season-tickets","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Become a Season Ticket Member","linkUrl":"/tickets/season-tickets/buy","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Current Season Ticket Member","linkUrl":"/tickets/season-tickets/members","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Quarter Season Ticket Memberships","linkUrl":"/tickets/quarter-season-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"A Field Side Corner Club","linkUrl":"https://bluejays.fanportal-mlb.com/ballpark-renovation/100-level-renovation/field-side-corner-club","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Full Season Ticket Memberships - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/tickets/season-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MyBlueJays - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/tickets/my-bluejays","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ticketmaster Lounge - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/tickets/ticketmaster-lounge","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"TD Clubhouse - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/tickets/td-clubhouse","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"In The Action - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/tickets/in-the-action","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Spring Training Season Ticket Memberships - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/tickets/spring-training/season-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025-02","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Spring Training Schedule","linkUrl":"/spring-training/printable-spring-training-schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Schedule Highlights","linkUrl":"/schedule/highlights","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025-02","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Printable Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/printable-schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Promotions & Events Schedule","linkUrl":"/tickets/promotions/schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Downloadable Schedule - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/schedule/downloadable-schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Sortable Schedule - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/schedule/2024/fullseason","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Broadcast Schedule - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/schedule/list","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Blue Jays Radio Network","linkUrl":"/schedule/blue-jays-radio-network","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Events","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Fans","linkUrl":"/fans","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Know Before You Go","linkUrl":"/ballpark/know-before-you-go","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Contest Central","linkUrl":"/fans/contest-central","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Fan Pack - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/fans/fan-pack","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Kids - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/fans/kids","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Jr. Jays","linkUrl":"/tickets/theme-days/jr-jays-sundays","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Jr. Jays Club","linkUrl":"/fans/jr-jays-club","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Blue Jays Newsletters","linkUrl":"/fans/newsletters","linkTarget":null,"visible":"True","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Connect with the Blue Jays","linkUrl":"/social","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Gift Guide - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/fans/gift-guide","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Blue Jays Authentics","linkUrl":"/fans/authentics","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Walk-Up Music Playlist","linkUrl":"/ballpark/music","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1696194600"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Community","linkUrl":"/community","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":"globe","tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Blue Jays Families - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/community/blue-jays-families","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"J FORCE","linkUrl":"/fans/j-force","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1701122400"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Boston Pizza Viewing Party - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/fans/boston-pizza-viewing-party","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":"gameday","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Rogers Centre","linkUrl":"/ballpark","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour","linkUrl":"/tickets/concerts/taylor-swift-the-eras-tour","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Know Before You Go","linkUrl":"/ballpark/know-before-you-go","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Rogers Centre Renovation","linkUrl":"https://bluejays.fanportal-mlb.com/ballpark-renovation/","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Rogers Centre Information Guide","linkUrl":"/ballpark/information/guide","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Food and Beverage","linkUrl":"/ballpark/food-and-beverage","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Rogers Centre Seating Map","linkUrl":"/ballpark/seating-map","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Rogers Centre Virtual Venue - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"http://bluejays.io-media.com/web/index.html","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Rogers Centre Netting - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/ballpark/netting","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Rogers Centre Concerts & Events","linkUrl":"/tickets/concerts","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Walk-Up Music Playlist - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/ballpark/music","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Accessibility","linkUrl":"/ballpark/information/accessibility","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Transportation","linkUrl":"/ballpark/transportation","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Blue Jays Stadium Tours - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/ballpark/tours","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Jays Shop","linkUrl":"/ballpark/information/team-store","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"TD Ballpark","linkUrl":"/spring-training/ballpark","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Careers","linkUrl":"/team/career","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Renovation","linkUrl":"https://bluejays.fanportal-mlb.com/ballpark-renovation/","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":"baseball","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Baseball Academy","linkUrl":"/community/baseball-academy","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Instructional Clinics","linkUrl":"/community/baseball-academy/instructional-clinics","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Play Ball Weekend","linkUrl":"/community/baseball-academy/play-ball-weekend","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Academy Week","linkUrl":"/community/baseball-academy/academy-week","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Canadian Futures Showcase","linkUrl":"/community/baseball-academy/canadian-futures-showcase","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"HIDDEN - Canadian Futures Showcase Tryouts","linkUrl":"/community/baseball-academy/canadian-futures-showcase/tryouts","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion","linkUrl":"/community/baseball-academy/diversity-equity-inclusion","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Coaches Initiatives","linkUrl":"/community/baseball-academy/coaches-initiatives","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Find a League Near You","linkUrl":"/community/baseball-academy/baseball-associations-partners","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Contact Us","linkUrl":"/community/baseball-academy/contact-us","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Field of Dreams","linkUrl":"/community/jays-care/field-of-dreams","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Virtual At Home Initiatives","linkUrl":"/community/baseball-academy/virtual-at-home-initiatives","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Instructors","linkUrl":"/community/baseball-academy/instructors","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Alumni","linkUrl":"/community/baseball-academy/alumni","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Roster","linkUrl":"/roster","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"40-Man Roster","linkUrl":"/roster/40-man","linkTarget":"","visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Non-Roster Invitees - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/roster/nri","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Depth Chart","linkUrl":"/roster/depth-chart","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Top 30 Prospects","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/prospects/bluejays/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Transactions","linkUrl":"/roster/transactions","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Injury Report","linkUrl":"/news/topic/blue-jays-injury-report","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Front Office Directory","linkUrl":"/team/front-office-directory","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Coaches","linkUrl":"/roster/coaches","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Broadcasters","linkUrl":"/team/broadcasters","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pronunciation Guide - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/team/pronunciation-guide","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Draft Results","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/draft/tracker/all/team/bluejays","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Starting Lineups","linkUrl":"/roster/starting-lineups","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Scores","linkUrl":"/scores","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Stats","linkUrl":"/stats","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team Stats","linkUrl":"/stats/team","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Top Prospects Stats","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/prospects/stats?teamId=141","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Affiliate Stats","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/prospects/stats/affiliates?teamId=141","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Baseball Savant","linkUrl":"https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/team/141","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Top Rookies Stats","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/bluejays/stats/american-league?playerPool=ROOKIES","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"News","linkUrl":"/news","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Probable Pitchers","linkUrl":"/roster/probable-pitchers","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Official Releases","linkUrl":"/news/topic/blue-jays-press-releases","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Blue Jays Pipeline","linkUrl":"/news/topic/bluejays-pipeline-coverage","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Photo Stream - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/team/photos","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Blue Jays History","linkUrl":"/history","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Blue Jays History Feature Stories","linkUrl":"/news/topic/blue-jays-history-trivia","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB News","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/news","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":"favorite","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Jays Care","linkUrl":"/community/jays-care","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Standings","linkUrl":"/standings","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Video","linkUrl":"/video","placement":"right","visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Home Runs","linkUrl":"/video/topic/blue-jays-homers","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Most Popular","linkUrl":"/video/topic/t141-default-vtp","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Game Recap","linkUrl":"/video/topic/blue-jays-game-recap","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Reviews","linkUrl":"/video/topic/blue-jays-reviews","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Cut4","linkUrl":"/video/topic/blue-jays-cut4","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"In the Community","linkUrl":"/video/topic/blue-jays-in-the-community","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Blue Jays Podcasts","linkUrl":"http://mlb.mlb.com/fan_forum/podcasts/index.jsp?c_id=tor","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"appears:1685548800;expires:1688054400;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Vote","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/all-star/ballot?affiliateId=asb-topnav-club-2023","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":"watch","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"MLB.TV","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/tv?&affiliateId=clubMENU","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy MLB.TV Offseason Package","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/subscribe?&affiliateId=clubMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Watch & Listen","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games?&affiliateId=clubMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Link Account","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/partners?&affiliateId=clubMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Help Center","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/help-center?&affiliateId=clubMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Shop","linkUrl":"/team/shop-splash","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team Store Location","linkUrl":"/ballpark/information/team-store","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Canadian Online Shop","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.ca/toronto-blue-jays/t-47785679+z-810208-902130772?_s=bm-mlbcom-link-2020-OfficialShop-tray-torCA","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLBShop.com","linkUrl":"/team/shop-splash","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Blue Jays Auctions - Bid or Buy","linkUrl":"https://bluejays.auctions.mlb.com/?_gl=1*1ed2ukt*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE2ODEzMTA3NTguQ2p3S0NBandyZG1oQmhCQkVpd0E0SHg1Z3o2dl9TZW54SkRtTFl4REpsRVBhTHRvSmlQUjFHZTY4SGpVWmYtU0lrTWdURmdDUU9kMmVSb0NnTk1RQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_dc*R0NMLjE2ODEzMTA3NTguQ2p3S0NBandyZG1oQmhCQkVpd0E0SHg1Z3o2dl9TZW54SkRtTFl4REpsRVBhTHRvSmlQUjFHZTY4SGpVWmYtU0lrTWdURmdDUU9kMmVSb0NnTk1RQXZEX0J3RQ..&utm_source=Nav+Auction+Tray+TOR&utm_medium=Club.com+Shop+Nav&utm_campaign=Club.com+permanent+Navigation","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Auctions - Bid or Buy","linkUrl":"https://auctions.mlb.com/iSynApp/showHomePage.action?sid=1101001&isynsharedsession=mki8i1dARcxDt3WwReTi6kJOREHftyZJNK-Xg3m10ZpEdaSACl02r4aCDzYhNvUm&utm_source=Nav+Auction+Tray+TOR&utm_medium=Club.com+Shop+Nav+MLB&utm_campaign=Club.com+permanent+Navigation","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"European Shop - Homepage","linkUrl":"http://www.mlbshopeurope.com/stores/mlb/en/c/shop-by-team/american-league/toronto-blue-jays?portal=DL9M3N57&CMP=PSC-DL9M3N57","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"module:teammodule;align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Teams","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/team","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team Module","linkUrl":null,"linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"module:teammodule;"}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"expires:1636577506","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Apps","linkUrl":"/apps","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB","linkUrl":"/apps/mlb-app","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Rally","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/apps/rally","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Beat the Streak","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/apps/beat-the-streak","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Ballpark","linkUrl":"/apps/ballpark","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Play","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/play","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MiLB","linkUrl":"https://www.milb.com/about/milb-app","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Home Run Derby","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/apps/home-run-derby","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB FAQs","linkUrl":"/apps/mlb-app/faq-apple","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Ballpark FAQs","linkUrl":"/apps/ballpark/frequently-asked-questions","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Play FAQs","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/help/play/frequently-asked-questions","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Rally FAQs","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/apps/rally/faq-apple","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]}],"cfPalette":{"__typename":"CF_Palette","headerMastheadBackgroundColor":"#1d2d5c","headerMastheadTextColor":"#ffffff","headerNavigationBackgroundColor":"#134a8e","headerNavigationBorderColor":"#666666","headerNavigationTextColorHover":"#ffffff","headerNavigationTextColor":"#ffffff"},"cfWebProperties":{"__typename":"CF_WebProperties","urlLogo":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":"//images.ctfassets.net/iiozhi00a8lc/t141_url_logobluejays_url_svg/eebc69eae8b1cf79fe58288e3b087044/t141_url_logo.svg"},"headerMastheadTagline":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":"//images.ctfassets.net/iiozhi00a8lc/t141_header_masthead_taglineletsgobluejays_svg/52e9009448c6009bf8031e3b85208885/tbj_horz_masthead.svg"},"headerPrimaryLogo":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":null,"description":null},"headerMastheadSponsorImage":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":null,"description":null},"headerMastheadTaglineContainerWidth":"512px","headerMastheadTaglineContainerHeight":"45px"}}},"Team:141":{"__typename":"Team","id":141,"division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"name":"Toronto Blue Jays","shortName":"Toronto","teamName":"Blue Jays"},"Person:579328":{"__typename":"Person","id":579328},"Team:843":{"__typename":"Team","id":843},"Team:108":{"__typename":"Team","id":108,"division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"name":"Los Angeles Angels","shortName":"LA Angels","teamName":"Angels"},"Person:660271":{"__typename":"Person","id":660271},"Person:545361":{"__typename":"Person","id":545361},"Person:682619":{"__typename":"Person","id":682619},"Division:200":{"__typename":"Division","id":"200"},"Team:133":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":133,"name":"Athletics","shortName":"Athletics","teamName":"Athletics"},"Division:205":{"__typename":"Division","id":"205"},"Team:134":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":134,"name":"Pittsburgh Pirates","shortName":"Pittsburgh","teamName":"Pirates"},"Division:203":{"__typename":"Division","id":"203"},"Team:135":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":135,"name":"San Diego Padres","shortName":"San Diego","teamName":"Padres"},"Team:136":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":136,"name":"Seattle Mariners","shortName":"Seattle","teamName":"Mariners"},"Team:137":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":137,"name":"San Francisco Giants","shortName":"San Francisco","teamName":"Giants"},"Team:138":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":138,"name":"St. Louis Cardinals","shortName":"St. Louis","teamName":"Cardinals"},"Division:201":{"__typename":"Division","id":"201"},"Team:139":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":139,"name":"Tampa Bay Rays","shortName":"Tampa Bay","teamName":"Rays"},"Team:140":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":140,"name":"Texas Rangers","shortName":"Texas","teamName":"Rangers"},"Division:202":{"__typename":"Division","id":"202"},"Team:142":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":142,"name":"Minnesota Twins","shortName":"Minnesota","teamName":"Twins"},"Division:204":{"__typename":"Division","id":"204"},"Team:143":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":143,"name":"Philadelphia Phillies","shortName":"Philadelphia","teamName":"Phillies"},"Team:144":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":144,"name":"Atlanta Braves","shortName":"Atlanta","teamName":"Braves"},"Team:145":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":145,"name":"Chicago White Sox","shortName":"Chi White Sox","teamName":"White Sox"},"Team:146":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":146,"name":"Miami Marlins","shortName":"Miami","teamName":"Marlins"},"Team:147":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":147,"name":"New York Yankees","shortName":"NY Yankees","teamName":"Yankees"},"Team:158":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":158,"name":"Milwaukee Brewers","shortName":"Milwaukee","teamName":"Brewers"},"Team:109":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":109,"name":"Arizona Diamondbacks","shortName":"Arizona","teamName":"D-backs"},"Team:110":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":110,"name":"Baltimore Orioles","shortName":"Baltimore","teamName":"Orioles"},"Team:111":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":111,"name":"Boston Red Sox","shortName":"Boston","teamName":"Red Sox"},"Team:112":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":112,"name":"Chicago Cubs","shortName":"Chi Cubs","teamName":"Cubs"},"Team:113":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":113,"name":"Cincinnati Reds","shortName":"Cincinnati","teamName":"Reds"},"Team:114":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":114,"name":"Cleveland Guardians","shortName":"Cleveland","teamName":"Guardians"},"Team:115":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":115,"name":"Colorado Rockies","shortName":"Colorado","teamName":"Rockies"},"Team:116":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":116,"name":"Detroit Tigers","shortName":"Detroit","teamName":"Tigers"},"Team:117":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":117,"name":"Houston Astros","shortName":"Houston","teamName":"Astros"},"Team:118":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":118,"name":"Kansas City Royals","shortName":"Kansas City","teamName":"Royals"},"Team:119":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":119,"name":"Los Angeles Dodgers","shortName":"LA Dodgers","teamName":"Dodgers"},"Team:120":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":120,"name":"Washington Nationals","shortName":"Washington","teamName":"Nationals"},"Team:121":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":121,"name":"New York Mets","shortName":"NY Mets","teamName":"Mets"}}}
window.adobeAnalytics = {"reportingSuiteId":"mlbglobal08,mlbbluejays","linkInternalFilters":"toronto,bluejays"}
window.globalState = {"tracking_title":"Toronto Blue Jays","lang":"en"}
window.appId = ''
/*-->*/
Kikuchi (9 strikeouts) full-speed ahead as season looms
Kikuchi (9 strikeouts) full-speed ahead as season looms
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Yusei Kikuchi entered Spring Training singularly focused on rejoining the Blue Jays’ rotation, and he has done such a good job that, barring injury, the fifth-starter gig is his. While that doesn’t mean Kikuchi is easing off the gas, it’s safe to say he had at least one eye on an important event happening outside of camp.
As Kikuchi was in camp fine-tuning his repertoire during a spring that’s seen him hold opposing hitters to a .148 average, his countrymen were cruising through pool play, then the knockout rounds, undefeated. Tuesday’s championship game fell on an off-day, which Kikuchi understandably used to spend time with his family and friends. But he definitely made sure to catch all the highlights of the win -- during which Japan took a 2-1 lead in the second inning and didn't trail again.
Kikuchi said Shohei Ohtani striking out his Angels teammate Mike Trout for the final out of the game was "pretty awesome."
"Everybody told me congratulations [in the clubhouse the next day]," Kikuchi added.
While Wednesday was reserved for riding high on the good vibes from Team Japan’s victory and welcoming congratulations around the Blue Jays’ clubhouse, Kikuchi was back to business on Thursday, fanning a spring-best nine hitters and lowering his ERA to 1.00 during Toronto’s 3-0 win against the Twins at Hammond Stadium.
Across six starts and 18 innings this spring, the left-hander has allowed just two runs, both of which came during his previous start, on Friday against the Phillies.
"When he's on, he's really good. And I think that we've seen him be consistent in his zone the whole spring," manager John Schneider said. "... I think confidence in him is high right now."
Kikuchi faced a challenge right out of the gate with Minnesota’s first two batters -- Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa -- entering play with career .333 and .500 averages, respectively, against him.
After Buxton whiffed on an 87 mph slider for strike three to open the game, Correa reached on a dribbler that died a few feet up the third-base line, which Kikuchi just couldn’t corral in time. Toronto’s starter responded by fanning Christian Vázquez on five pitches and Kyle Garlick on seven pitches to wrap the frame with no damage.
Kikuchi faced the minimum in the second inning, with his stinginess allowing Toronto to take a 2-0 lead on consecutive run-scoring singles in the third -- from Spencer Horwitz and Blue Jays No. 4 prospectOrelvis Martinez, kick-starting the shutout victory.
Kikuchi rebounded from a one-out triple by Elliot Soto in the third to get Buxton on a groundout to first and Correa looking at strike three, then he hit Nick Gordon with a pitch during an otherwise flawless fourth, and he completed his day with a pair of strikeouts in the fifth, the latter of which was against Buxton, who whiffed on a 95 mph four-seamer.
Buxton and Correa finished a combined 1-for-6 against him on the day.
There’s optimism that Kikuchi can take this year’s Grapefruit League performance and run with it the regular season, after his well-documented struggles in 2022. In his first year with Toronto, the left-hander made just 20 starts before moving to the bullpen in mid-August.
Kikuchi’s a guy who’s used to success: The 31-year-old had a career 2.77 ERA in 158 games (108 starts) over eight seasons with the Seibu Lions in Japan before landing a sizeable deal with the Mariners in December 2018. That, of course, led to the Blue Jays inking Kikuchi to three years and $36 million in March 2022.
He wasn't proud of the way his 2022 went, so his winter months were spent tinkering and toiling.
So far, it seems to be paying off.
"I think his offseason, the work that he put in kind of revamping his arm swing, getting him in the zone a little bit more was key," Schneider said. "His outings have been great."