Latest news with #MikeWilner


Toronto Star
3 days ago
- Sport
- Toronto Star
Blue Jays stumble against Tigers despite a Max Scherzer gem, but the week still had its rewards
By Baseball Columnist Mike Wilner is a Toronto-based baseball columnist for the Star and host of the baseball podcast 'Deep Left Field.' Follow him on Bluesky: @wilnerness DETROIT—It was a crappy way to end a great week as the Blue Jays fell 10-4 to the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Sunday, wasting a near-perfect outing from Max Scherzer and failing to secure what would have been the first four-game sweep of Detroit in franchise history. Pitching on his 41st birthday, Scherzer had six three-up, three-down innings with 11 strikeouts, equalling his best strikeout total since he fanned 13 St. Louis Cardinals for the Los Angeles Dodgers in September 2021. Opinion articles are based on the author's interpretations and judgments of facts, data and events. More details


Toronto Star
6 days ago
- Sport
- Toronto Star
AL-leading Blue Jays take round one vs. Tigers by knockout: ‘We're gritty as hell'
By Baseball Columnist Mike Wilner is a Toronto-based baseball columnist for the Star and host of the baseball podcast 'Deep Left Field.' Follow him on Bluesky: @wilnerness DETROIT— The Blue Jays welcomed back an old pal on Thursday night. Having been stymied by Tigers starter Reese Olson on just three singles through five innings, the Jays went into the sixth down 1-0, but quickly tied the game when Vladimir Guerrero's double to left scored George Springer from first. Opinion articles are based on the author's interpretations and judgments of facts, data and events. More details


Toronto Star
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Star
Myles Straw knows who he is as a player, and it's just what the Blue Jays have needed
July 19, 2025 3 min read Save By Mike WilnerBaseball Columnist Mike Wilner is a Toronto-based baseball columnist for the Star and host of the baseball podcast 'Deep Left Field.' Follow him on Bluesky: @wilnerness Myles Straw was already in love with Toronto when he got here. It just took Blue Jays fans a bit to feel the same way about him. Acquired in January for far more than was required in a badly misplayed attempt to land coveted free-agent starter Roki Sasaki, Straw — an elite speed-and-defence outfielder who had been waived through the league with no takers the year before — didn't even know if he would make the team. He just wanted to be a part of the puzzle. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Opinion articles are based on the author's interpretations and judgments of facts, data and events. More details Related Stories Gregor Chisholm: Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins has been in charge of nine trade deadlines. A breakdown of his moves Mike Wilner: The Blue Jays have shown a knack for overcoming a blown save this season: 'You've got to counterpunch' Blue Jays take offensive shortstop in the first round, hoping he becomes 'the gem' of the draft The Blue Jays haven't hosted an MLB all-star game since 1991. That could soon change Report an error Journalistic Standards About The Star More from The Star & partners


Toronto Star
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Star
The Blue Jays take a stand for the anthems, for each other, and maybe for their season
By Baseball Columnist Mike Wilner is a Toronto-based baseball columnist for the Star and host of the baseball podcast 'Deep Left Field.' Follow him on Twitter: @wilnerness Early arrivers to Rogers Centre have seen something during this homestand that hasn't been seen around these parts in years. When the national anthems play, the Blue Jays are almost all out on the field standing at attention. For many years, outside of special events or Junior Jays days, player presence during the anthems was minimal, at best. The entire coaching staff would be lined up in front of the dugout but there would only be two or three players at the most. Often there would be another couple of players in the outfield who were caught out there while finishing up their pre-game sprints.