\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":" \n\n“It’s great to have him in the middle of the lineup,” manager Charlie Montoyo said. “If he’s not our best hitter, he’s one of our best hitters.”\n\nThe 32-year-old Smoak is batting .200 with one home run in eight games this season. After going 1-for-5 against the Indians on April 6, he found taking the time to rest and not pick up a bat beneficial, even if it was challenging to take a step back.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2019-03-30T20:20:21.02Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-03/30/d364c9fd-60c20963-c8e90e56-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4","type":"video","description":"Justin Smoak rips a 2-run homer over the left-field wall, increasing the Blue Jays' lead to 3-0 in the bottom of the 4th inning","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:01:09","slug":"justin-smoak-homers-1-on-a-line-drive-to-left-field-teoscar-hernandez-scores","tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"season-2019","title":"Season 2019","type":"season"},{"__typename":"GameTag"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-475253","title":"Justin Smoak","person":{"__ref":"Person:475253"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-141","title":"Toronto Blue Jays","team":{"__ref":"Team:141"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"hitting","title":"hitting","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"highlight","title":"highlight","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"in-game-highlight","title":"in-game highlight","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"home-run","title":"home run","type":"taxonomy"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/uwejl8zkpdojxim4n9kr"},"title":"Smoak's 2-run homer","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/justin-smoak-homers-1-on-a-line-drive-to-left-field-teoscar-hernandez-scores"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":" \n\n“It’s not easy, but the hardest part is saying, ‘I can’t go,’” he said. “I don’t know when the last time I said that was. That was definitely not easy. But it’ll be good to get back in there today and get some at-bats.”\n\nSmoak has a career batting average of .272 in 91 games against the Red Sox.\n\n“When he’s not in the lineup, we miss him,” Montoyo said.\n\n**Buchholz nears season debut**[ \nClay Buchholz](https://www.mlb.com/player/clay-buchholz-453329) said “everything feels good” after throwing a bullpen session on Thursday, two days ahead of his slated first start of the season. The right-hander has been working his way back from a right flexor strain, and is expected to take the mound at Rogers Centre on Saturday against the Rays.\n\nWhile Buchholz described his upcoming Blue Jays debut as “just another start,” it kicks off his 13th Major League season. The two-time All-Star has had stints in the Minor Leagues and spent large periods of time dealing with injuries, all of which make him appreciate the longevity of his career.\n\n“This is the only thing I’ve ever really done,” said Buchholz, who played his first 10 seasons with the Red Sox. “It’s what I’ve always said, ‘I’m not going to quit.’ Anybody can go through struggles and just give up. But that’s not really how I’ve been molded as a player growing up. You’ve got to know that everything’s not going to be good every time out. You’ve have to do know how to learn from it.”\n\n**Hall of Fame appreciation** \n[Ken Giles](https://www.mlb.com/player/ken-giles-571704) is leaving Boston with a personalized souvenir from a Hall of Famer. Toronto's closer got an autographed jersey from Pedro Martinez, a player he looked up to and still soaks up information from when he listens to him on broadcasts.\n\n“He’s just an iconic person and overall great player,” Giles said. “I’m always open ears to whatever he has to say.”\n\nFrom Martinez’s pitch delivery to his approach, to the game to knowledge of opponents, Giles is all ears.\n\n“Anything that comes out of his mouth, honestly,” he said.\n\nGiles will share the jersey with his wife, who is a fan of Martinez. It will be added to a collection that includes Mariano Rivera, Miguel Cabrera, and many former teammates from the Phillies.\n\n“Pedro’s a pretty special one for me,” Giles said.","type":"text"}],"relativeSiteUrl":"/news/justin-smoak-returns-to-lineup-after-neck-troubles","contentType":"news","subHeadline":"Buchholz set for Saturday start; Giles gets Hall of Fame souvenir","summary":"BOSTON -- The Blue Jays are being more aggressive at the plate, making the timing ideal for Justin Smoak to return to the lineup on Thursday. Smoak missed four of the last five games because of a neck injury. He has not played -- or swung a bat -- since","tagline({\"formatString\":\"none\"})":null,"tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"season-2019","title":"Season 2019","type":"season"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"storytype-article","title":"Article","type":"article"},{"__typename":"ContributorTag","slug":"jessica-camerato","title":"Jessica Camerato","type":"contributor"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-141","title":"Toronto Blue Jays","team":{"__ref":"Team:141"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-475253","title":"Justin Smoak","person":{"__ref":"Person:475253"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"GameTag","gamePk":565028,"slug":"gamepk-565028","title":"2019/04/11 tor@bos","type":"game"}],"type":"story","thumbnail":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/v1555038091/mlb/mftltxfki6iwmv0tzu4a","title":"Justin Smoak returns to lineup after neck troubles"},"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":"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":"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":"2024 Spring Training - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/spring-training","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__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":"Ticket Packs","linkUrl":"/tickets/packs","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","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","linkUrl":"/tickets/bundles","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":"Rooms","linkUrl":"/tickets/rooms","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":"TD Executive Suites","linkUrl":"/tickets/premium/suites","linkTarget":null,"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","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","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"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":"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":"Printable Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/printable-schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Downloadable Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/downloadable-schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Sortable Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/2024/fullseason","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Broadcast Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/list","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","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 Relations","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":"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","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/live-stream-games/subscribe?affiliateId=clubMENU","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__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","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Photostore","linkUrl":"https://photostore.mlb.com/collections/toronto+blue+jays?utm_source=toronto_blue_jays&utm_campaign=nav","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","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":[]}]}],"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"}}},"Person:475253":{"__typename":"Person","id":475253},"Team:141":{"__typename":"Team","id":141,"division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"name":"Toronto Blue Jays","shortName":"Toronto","teamName":"Blue Jays"},"Division:200":{"__typename":"Division","id":"200"},"Team:133":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":133,"name":"Oakland Athletics","shortName":"Oakland","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:108":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":108,"name":"Los Angeles Angels","shortName":"LA Angels","teamName":"Angels"},"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 = ''
/*-->*/
Smoak belts 3-run HR in return to lineup
Smoak belts 3-run HR in return to lineup
Buchholz set for Saturday start; Giles gets Hall of Fame souvenir
BOSTON -- The Blue Jays are being more aggressive at the plate, making the timing ideal for Justin Smoak to return to the lineup on Thursday. Smoak missed four of the last five games because of a neck injury. He has not played -- or swung a bat -- since Saturday.
“It feels great,” Smoak said of his return. “I feel like I’m not one that normally likes sitting there watching games. I just feel like you always want to be a part of this. I haven’t been the last few days, so hopefully today is the start of being back to normal.”
Smoak slotted into the lineup as the designated hitter in the No. 3 hole against the Red Sox. The Blue Jays compiled 10 hits in their 7-5 victory on Tuesday, and are looking to continue that momentum. In Thursday's 7-6 loss at Fenway, Smoak went 1-for-3 with a walk and his second home run of the season.
“It’s great to have him in the middle of the lineup,” manager Charlie Montoyo said. “If he’s not our best hitter, he’s one of our best hitters.”
The 32-year-old Smoak is batting .200 with one home run in eight games this season. After going 1-for-5 against the Indians on April 6, he found taking the time to rest and not pick up a bat beneficial, even if it was challenging to take a step back.
“It’s not easy, but the hardest part is saying, ‘I can’t go,’” he said. “I don’t know when the last time I said that was. That was definitely not easy. But it’ll be good to get back in there today and get some at-bats.”
Smoak has a career batting average of .272 in 91 games against the Red Sox.
“When he’s not in the lineup, we miss him,” Montoyo said.
Buchholz nears season debut Clay Buchholz said “everything feels good” after throwing a bullpen session on Thursday, two days ahead of his slated first start of the season. The right-hander has been working his way back from a right flexor strain, and is expected to take the mound at Rogers Centre on Saturday against the Rays.
While Buchholz described his upcoming Blue Jays debut as “just another start,” it kicks off his 13th Major League season. The two-time All-Star has had stints in the Minor Leagues and spent large periods of time dealing with injuries, all of which make him appreciate the longevity of his career.
“This is the only thing I’ve ever really done,” said Buchholz, who played his first 10 seasons with the Red Sox. “It’s what I’ve always said, ‘I’m not going to quit.’ Anybody can go through struggles and just give up. But that’s not really how I’ve been molded as a player growing up. You’ve got to know that everything’s not going to be good every time out. You’ve have to do know how to learn from it.”
Hall of Fame appreciation Ken Giles is leaving Boston with a personalized souvenir from a Hall of Famer. Toronto's closer got an autographed jersey from Pedro Martinez, a player he looked up to and still soaks up information from when he listens to him on broadcasts.
“He’s just an iconic person and overall great player,” Giles said. “I’m always open ears to whatever he has to say.”
From Martinez’s pitch delivery to his approach, to the game to knowledge of opponents, Giles is all ears.
“Anything that comes out of his mouth, honestly,” he said.
Giles will share the jersey with his wife, who is a fan of Martinez. It will be added to a collection that includes Mariano Rivera, Miguel Cabrera, and many former teammates from the Phillies.
“Pedro’s a pretty special one for me,” Giles said.