Blue Jays try to continue road win streak in matchup against the Twins
Toronto Blue Jays (35-29, second in the AL East) vs. Minnesota Twins (34-30, second in the AL Central)
Minneapolis; Sunday, 2:10 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Blue Jays: Bowden Francis (2-7, 5.84 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 48 strikeouts); Twins: Joe Ryan (6-2, 2.91 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 76 strikeouts)
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Twins -174, Blue Jays +145; over/under is 8 1/2 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Toronto Blue Jays hit the road against the Minnesota Twins trying to extend a three-game road winning streak.
Minnesota has an 18-10 record at home and a 34-30 record overall. The Twins have a 24-7 record in games when they out-hit their opponents.
Toronto has gone 13-16 in road games and 35-29 overall. Blue Jays hitters are batting a collective .253, the seventh-best team batting average in MLB play.
The teams play Sunday for the third time this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Trevor Larnach has eight doubles, a triple, 10 home runs and 31 RBIs for the Twins. Willi Castro is 12 for 37 with a double, four home runs and six RBIs over the last 10 games.
George Springer leads the Blue Jays with 10 home runs while slugging .487. Ernie Clement is 15 for 38 with five doubles, two home runs and six RBIs over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Twins: 4-6, .253 batting average, 5.04 ERA, outscored opponents by three runs
Blue Jays: 9-1, .302 batting average, 3.50 ERA, outscored opponents by 30 runs
INJURIES: Twins: Pablo Lopez: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Luke Keaschall: 60-Day IL (forearm), Danny Coulombe: 15-Day IL (forearm), Michael Tonkin: 60-Day IL (shoulder)
Blue Jays: Daulton Varsho: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Anthony Santander: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Yimi Garcia: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Max Scherzer: 60-Day IL (thumb), Ryan Burr: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Nick Sandlin: 15-Day IL (back), Alek Manoah: 60-Day IL (elbow), Angel Bastardo: 60-Day IL (elbow)
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Globe and Mail
an hour ago
- Globe and Mail
Bat-flip king José Bautista's second act is all business
Ask any Blue Jays fan where they were the night of José Bautista's legendary 2015 bat flip, and chances are they'll remember exactly what they were doing. Mr. Bautista's memory of that moment, however, is surprisingly hazy. 'I remember hitting the ball,' he says, 'and then I was just … in the dugout, getting a drink. I kind of blacked out.' The sound, he adds, was overwhelming. 'It felt like the stadium was shaking.' Over a decade with the Jays, Mr. Bautista became one of the most iconic figures in Canadian sports – not just for his home runs or six All-Star appearances, but for the intensity and swagger he brought to the field. These days, he's busy building a quieter second act. Since retiring, Mr. Bautista has acquired a professional soccer team, backed a coffee farm in his native Dominican Republic, opened a fitness facility and taken stakes in multiple brands. He's invested in Canadian companies like Flow Water and is now the national face of Mary Brown's Chicken. He's also remained connected to his Canadian fanbase, supporting grassroots sports and raising funds for the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, into which he was inducted on Saturday. He sat down beforehand to talk about what life is like post-MLB, his evolution as an entrepreneur, and how he sees his legacy. What parts of your baseball career show up in your business life? The biggest thing is situational awareness – reading the environment and adjusting on the fly. You've got to understand the economic cycles, what engagement with your fans (or customers) looks like, and what you're really offering. That same thinking applies in business. Things are always shifting, so you have to stay resilient and adapt. You won't turn a business around overnight. But if you keep showing up, stay thoughtful, surround yourself with good people and put in the work consistently, small gains add up. Were you always interested in business? Yeah, I'd been investing for almost two decades at that point. When you're making money in pro sports, you get introduced to the wealth management world pretty quickly. I used it as a learning opportunity. I carved out a little side pot – money I could put into direct investments where I could meet the founders, ask questions and really understand the business. One of the first was Marucci Sports, a baseball equipment company. I joined their board in 2010. We sold the company right before COVID. Why go hands-on? I wanted a chance to roll the dice on things that felt interesting or personal. And even then, I wasn't replacing the advisers – I just became more active in a portion of what they were managing. I was the annoying client who came in with a lot of questions. Like, 'What's in this fund? Who runs it? How do they pick companies? What are the fees? What's the holding period?' I wanted to learn. Legendary Blue Jay Jose Bautista chats chicken, Netflix, and dishes on his Dominican hero Can you walk me through your biggest investments since then? Marucci was by far the biggest. Endy, a Canadian mattress company, was probably number two. I also got involved in a few pre-IPO and early-round opportunities. Some of them didn't work out – one was kind of like a WeWork concept that flopped, but we rolled that into something else that's doing okay now. Overall, I've probably done five or six, with about a 50-per-cent success rate, which feels lucky. What makes you say 'yes' to a brand or company now? For me, it has to serve a purpose, because I'm not just chasing returns. Giving back is a big one. Not harming the environment is another. I like companies that are thinking about the future, especially using technology to do things better or more efficiently. But even more than that, I want to work with good people who stick to their values. Because when things get tough – and they always do – you don't want to be involved with someone who's going to start cutting corners. Tell me about Bella Aldea, the Dominican coffee company you're backing. I grew up drinking espresso with my grandma on weekends in the Dominican Republic, so it's definitely personal. Most people don't associate Dominican Republic with coffee, even though we're one of the top-producing countries. So when I met my partners – fifth-generation coffee growers in a small mountain village called Juncalito – I felt like I could help tell that story. How do you handle the challenges of doing business in the DR? Having great partners is essential, and controlling the supply helps. We're vertically integrated – we own the farm, do the processing and roasting, and handle export. That lets us control consistency and quality from the source. Let's talk about the Las Vegas Lights FC. What made you want to own a soccer team? I've always wanted to invest in professional sports. But when you look at leagues like MLB or MLS, the valuations are so high that, even if you do invest, you don't really get a seat at the table. With the United Soccer League, I saw an opportunity to actually be involved. This is a long-term play. But the league has come a long way in the last 10 to 15 years, and with promotion and relegation on the horizon, it's about to become a lot more dynamic. Baseball gives you instant feedback – hits, errors, the scoreboard. Was it strange adjusting to a world where results can take longer to show up? A little, yeah. In baseball, maybe I make an adjustment to my swing, and by my next at-bat, I'll see a change. In business, you might change a strategy and not know if it worked for six months. But it also forces you to be more thoughtful. You look for patterns. You rely on data. You talk to customers, partners, investors, whoever can give you insight. And it teaches you patience, which isn't always easy for someone wired like me. What's the biggest business mistake you've made? Early on, I was afraid to dig deep into financial statements. I'd get these investor updates and just kind of skim the parts I didn't fully understand – I didn't want to look like I didn't know what I was doing. Now? I ask everything. I don't care how dumb it sounds. If I don't get it, I want to figure it out. I'd rather look a little clueless and learn something than pretend and miss something important. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Still investing, for sure. Still giving back. I've already helped 62 kids through college with my foundation. But I have a lot more energy and curiosity to offer. I want to keep building – whether it's businesses, relationships, or maybe something bigger in the sports world. If I can add a few more stories to that list, help a few more people, and still have time to be present for my daughters … I'll be happy with that. This interview has been edited and condensed.
National Post
2 hours ago
- National Post
Putrid pitching combined with lack of power deny Blue Jays series sweep of host Minnesota Twins
A series would be won, but a sweep denied as the Blue Jays leave the Land of 10,000 Lakes with their collective heads well above water, at least for the time being. Article content At the same time, the margin for error remains thin for a team whose pitching depth is getting tested and whose ability to stage comeback wins is not sustainable. Article content Article content The following are three takeaways from Sunday's series finale at Target Field where the Blue Jays were off target almost from the get-go, a day when Toronto's pitchers yielded a combined eight walks through the opening five innings en route to a 6-3 loss to the host Minnesota Twins. Article content Article content 1. Bowden bounced Article content An argument could be made that Sunday's start was the biggest for Bowden Francis, who wasn't able to make it out of the second inning in his most recent outing when the visiting Phillies lit up the beleaguered right-hander. Article content Against Philadelphia, he began the game by issuing a four-pitch walk. Article content Against the Twins, he once again yielded a leadoff walk, only this one came on a full count. Article content An additional free pass would ensue, but he survived the first inning by recording two strikeouts. Article content In the second, the Twins loaded the bases — twice. Article content When he faced Trevor Larnach with one out, Francis had recorded as many outs (4) as walks. Article content While it's true the Jays have been playing their best baseball of the season, some troublesome areas can't be overlooked, beginning with the lack of depth in the starting rotation. Article content Given the state of an overused bullpen, Francis needed to be much better. Article content He was fortunate to be facing a Twins lineup that was not opportunistic. Article content Article content Minny's overall game, in fact, was spotty. Article content Misfortune struck Francis when he gave up a leadoff homer in the fourth to move him into the inglorious category of league leader having yielded his 18th belt of the season. Article content One batter later, home run No. 19 was in the books. Article content Painful can best describe Francis' outing. Article content A pitch count violation only added more salt to the wound. Article content A great defensive play at third base by Addison Barger prevented Bowden from an even more embarrassing exit. Article content Once the out was recorded, Francis' day had ended.
Toronto Sun
2 hours ago
- Toronto Sun
Putrid pitching combined with lack of power deny Blue Jays series sweep of host Minnesota Twins
Bowden Francis of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch to the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field on June 8, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minn. Photo by Ellen Schmidt / Getty Images A series would be won, but a sweep denied as the Blue Jays leave the Land of 10,000 Lakes with their collective heads well above water, at least for the time being. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account At the same time, the margin for error remains thin for a team whose pitching depth is getting tested and whose ability to stage comeback wins is not sustainable. The following are three takeaways from Sunday's series finale at Target Field where the Blue Jays were off target almost from the get-go, a day when Toronto's pitchers yielded a combined eight walks through the opening five innings en route to a 6-3 loss to the host Minnesota Twins. 1. Bowden bounced An argument could be made that Sunday's start was the biggest for Bowden Francis, who wasn't able to make it out of the second inning in his most recent outing when the visiting Phillies lit up the beleaguered right-hander. Against Philadelphia, he began the game by issuing a four-pitch walk. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Against the Twins, he once again yielded a leadoff walk, only this one came on a full count. An additional free pass would ensue, but he survived the first inning by recording two strikeouts. In the second, the Twins loaded the bases — twice. When he faced Trevor Larnach with one out, Francis had recorded as many outs (4) as walks. While it's true the Jays have been playing their best baseball of the season, some troublesome areas can't be overlooked, beginning with the lack of depth in the starting rotation. Given the state of an overused bullpen, Francis needed to be much better. He was fortunate to be facing a Twins lineup that was not opportunistic. Minny's overall game, in fact, was spotty. Misfortune struck Francis when he gave up a leadoff homer in the fourth to move him into the inglorious category of league leader having yielded his 18th belt of the season. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. One batter later, home run No. 19 was in the books. Painful can best describe Francis' outing. A pitch count violation only added more salt to the wound. A great defensive play at third base by Addison Barger prevented Bowden from an even more embarrassing exit. Once the out was recorded, Francis' day had ended. Not good, but given the circumstances of his last start he did go deeper, if that's even cause for comfort. Five walks and two homers in 3.1 innings does not equate into a quality start. Sadly, Francis is not a major leaguer at this moment. 2. An A for Alan For Alan Roden, perseverance has been critical in dealing with the mercurial nature of baseball. While he did begin the season on the opening day roster, it was obvious Roden was overmatched far too often than he looked the part of a big-leaguer. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. He gets sent to the minors and is then recalled. In Sunday's series finale, Roden made his second start in the outfield since his recall. It also marked his eighth game back with the Blue Jays. He showed patience at the plate in his first at-bat, sending a line drive into centre that would cash in the game's first runner. How Roden precisely profiles is anyone's guess. Daulton Varsho's hamstring injury has paved the way for the team's ancillary players to get playing time in what is essentially a committee approach. Jonatan Clase started in each of the two opening games at Target Field, but he went 0-for-8 at the plate, including four strikeouts. Inserting Roden into the lineup was a no-brainer. 3. No lyin' about Ryan The Twins didn't send some ordinary Joe to the mound in their attempt to avoid getting swept. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In right-hander Joe Ryan, the Jays were facing a pitcher who entered the afternoon having won his past five decisions. He looked awfully good to begin his latest outing by striking out four of the first five hitters Ryan faced. Carlos Correa looked awfully bad when he failed to start what looked like a routine double-play ball at shortstop that placed the inning's first two hitters on base. It was ruled a fielder's choice, but an error was warranted. It would, for the record, be ruled an error by the official scorer, who was slow on the switch. The misplay did lead to an RBI single by Alejandro Kirk. Ryan went at the Jays' hitters with an aggressive approach. In some ways, he was a poor-man's version of Nolan Ryan. To Toronto's credit, it did pounce on every mistake, which included an RBI double by George Springer as the Jays regained the lead. Kirk and Springer have been two of the hottest and most clutch hitters in the Jays' lineup. Kirk picked off a straying runner at first base to end the third. Up next The Jays head to the Show Me State for a three-game set against the host St. Louis Cardinals that begins Monday night (7:45 p.m. first pitch); the Cards boast one of the top home records in the National League; Jose Berrios is Toronto's scheduled starter in the opener; the righty has pitched six complete innings in each of his past four starts and has surrendered a combined one run in his two most recent outings. Sports World Canada Editorials Sunshine Girls
