Okamoto Powers Blue Jays Back Above .500
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A career-best night from Kazuma Okamoto helps Toronto move to 72-71 and claim a tie for the final AL Wild Card spot.
The Toronto Blue Jays are back above .500 for the first time since April 3, following a 4-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday, as MLB.com first reported. The win pushes the club to a 72-71 record and places them in a tie with the Cleveland Guardians for the final American League Wild Card spot, a tiebreaker Toronto currently holds due to a 4-2 head-to-head season record.
Kazuma Okamoto drove the offense with the first four-hit game of his career, recording two doubles and two runs driven in. While the Japanese slugger has struggled with 167 strikeouts this season—nearly tying the franchise record held by Matt Chapman and Jose Bautista—MLB.com reports that his power has resulted in 28 home runs. Okamoto noted through interpreter Yusuke Oshima that he is working to improve his weaknesses, while the Blue Jays have allowed him to lean into his natural power.
On the mound, 42-year-old Max Scherzer provided a steady performance, allowing three runs across 5 2/3 innings. Scherzer, who has overcome various injuries to his back, ankle, forearm, and thumb, joins Dylan Cease and José Soriano as the team's only healthy, full-length starters. Manager John Schneider stated that the team intends to keep Scherzer in his current schedule, with the pitcher slated to start after Thursday's off-day.
Toronto now looks toward a series sweep against Kansas City, with Spencer Arrighetti scheduled to start Sunday's finale, per MLB.com.