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Subtle factors that will determine success of Blue Jays’ late push

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The playoff race the Toronto Blue Jays find themselves in is immensely complex, with as many as nine teams in contention for the third American League wild-card spot, considering the AL Central and AL West leaders could be in the mix if they slip up.

Any battle between multiple teams will be decided by a complex array of factors, and a race that could include 60 per cent of the AL has a dizzying array of variables at play. An extremely simplistic way of cutting through the clutter is to say that if the Blue Jays post an excellent record in their final 36 games, they have a solid chance of outlasting an uninspiring group of ballclubs. A more interesting way to examine the situation is to try to figure out where exactly they might find the edges necessary to scrape past a crowded field.

Below are a couple of under-the-radar factors that could contribute to whether Toronto can snatch a playoff position that looked out of reach not long ago.

Getting into the burglary business

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Stealing bases is rarely one of the cornerstones of a modern MLB offence, and the Blue Jays aren’t suddenly going to start swiping at an incredible rate with their current personnel. Still, it’s notable that Toronto ranked 26th in the majors in stolen bases from the beginning of the season to the end of July (48), but is tied for 10th so far in August (11). 

Nearly half of those steals have come from Andrés Giménez (5), but recent additions to the roster give the team more potential in this area than they had earlier in the season. Neither Brett Bateman nor Charles McAdoo has swiped a bag yet, but they have 92nd percentile and 85th percentile sprint speed, respectively. Bateman has 20 steals in 84 minor-league games this season, and while McAdoo’s total at triple-A (12) is more modest, he piled up 34 at double-A last year.

Encouraging that pair to run could bear fruit, while trade deadline addition Josh Smith has respectable wheels (61st percentile sprint speed) and double-digit steals in his previous two healthy seasons before 2026. Myles Straw is also a notable threat with 97th percentile sprint speed and 108 MLB steals on his record, but he’ll have to improve on his low OBP (.274) to be a consistent threat.

Stealing bases is not the be-all and end-all of improving the Blue Jays’ offensive performance, but Toronto has some latent potential in this area. Stolen bases may also be more valuable to the Blue Jays than other teams, as they rank fourth in the majors in singles, but 29th in home runs. Getting runners into scoring position means more to a club with that kind of profile at the plate.

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Putting off-days to work

Starting this week, the Blue Jays have an off-day in each remaining week of their schedule. That’s an asset that could be leveraged as they look for every available edge available to them.

One move worthy of consideration is keeping Dylan Cease on regular rest and slotting the rest of the rotation behind him instead of giving him an extra day of rest. This is a maneuver the Blue Jays have been reluctant to try in recent years, but the situation this year makes it worth a second look.  

Not only is Cease a workhorse squarely in the middle of his prime who’s not in desperate need of extra rest, but he’s also a Cy Young frontrunner who gives Toronto a significantly better chance to win a given game than any of its other starters. Keeping Cease on regular rest through the end of the season would give the Blue Jays one extra start from the right-hander, which could conceivably make the difference in a race with thin margins. Based on recent history, it would be surprising to see the Blue Jays do this. Even if they don’t push Cease ahead consistently enough to get an extra start, it could be an option once or twice to avoid needing a fifth starter spot that has been in flux. 

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The off-days on Toronto’s schedule could also play a significant role in how the bullpen is deployed. While manager John Schneider will be managing his relievers to win each game individually, he can use off-days to keep his three most critical arms — Louis Varland, Tyler Rogers and Mason Fluharty — in heavy rotation while also giving them some needed rest. The trio all rank in the top 10 among MLB relievers in appearances. There’s unlikely to be a paradigm shift in their usage, but they can get much of their rest on days where the whole team is inactive. 

The timing of scoring

The Blue Jays don’t have much control over precisely when they score runs, but their timing could still be a surprisingly big factor down the stretch. Toronto’s overall offence ranks 29th in scoring, but it has been particularly bad in the first five innings of ballgames, averaging just 1.84 runs per game — significantly lower than the next-worst squad (the Seattle Mariners, at 2.16).

Failing to score early is consequential for the Blue Jays because its bullpen is blessed with shutdown options at the back of the pen in Varland, Rogers — and, more recently, Spencer Miles — who are far less likely to be used if the Blue Jays are trailing in the middle and late sections of ballgames. When Toronto is behind, it’s more likely to turn to its low-leverage relievers. That group is usually going to have significantly worse numbers than the high-leverage crew in any bullpen, but for the Blue Jays, the gap between the leverage guys (Varland, Rogers, Fluharty, Miles, Braydon Fisher) and the others is significant.

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Many of the poor numbers Simeon Woods Richardson, Matt Waldron and Paul Sewald accumulated came with other teams, but that trio and Brendon Little don’t inspire confidence, and they play a much larger role when Toronto falls behind early, even by a tiny margin. Only 17.9 per cent of outings by Rogers and Varland have started with the Blue Jays trailing their opponents.

Another way the timing of Toronto’s run-scoring could help mitigate the meaningful damage other teams do against their low-leverage quartet is by mixing in the occasion blowout. That’s a tough ask for a team with an underperforming offence, but the Blue Jays haven’t won a game by five or more runs since July 25.  Even a couple of laughers could make a difference in giving their low-leverage corps some safe room to operate and resting the top dogs.

Losing big, when the team loses, might not be the worst thing on one or two occasions, either. During Toronto’s 10-6 August, 12 of the 16 games have been within three runs, and four have gone to extras. That’s a recipe for a bullpen running out of gas.

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The Vikings News in 3 Quick Updates

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NFL: Combine
Feb 27, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NFL Network media insider reporter Tom Pelissero (right) shakes hands with Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot during the NFL Scouting Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.

Vikings news hasn’t been in short supply.

Recently, a lot of the chatter has been around the performance from DT Caleb Banks. Much has been written about the brutal news surrounding Jamal Adams and the broader roster shuffling. Check out some more quick-hitter updates to ensure you’re up to speed.

3 Vikings News Updates

Vikings News Update No. 1 — FA Pass Rusher Going, Going, Gone

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Von Miller. © Chris Pedota / USA TODAY NETWORK.

Some believe that Minnesota needs an assassin-for-hire at edge rusher. Von Miller may have helped but is now gone.

Adam Schefter’s update: “ESPN source: Eight-time Pro-Bowl LB Von Miller is expected to sign with the Dallas Cowboys. Miller is from Texas, went to Texas A&M, and now is headed to play for the Dallas Cowboys.”

Over the Cap explains that the cap charge is coming in at $5.5 million. Jadeveon Clowney went for the same number, thereby establishing a pretty solid going rate for the next accomplished veteran pass rusher.

Vikings News Update No. 2 — Former Viking Works NFC North Bingo Card

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Marcus Davenport
Oct 1, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) is hurried by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Marcus Davenport (0) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports.

Marcus Davenport was a Viking for a single season. He then went to the Lions. He’s now going to the Bears.

Jordan Schultz offers the news: “Sources: The #Bears are signing DL Marcus Davenport, per sources. Davenport, the former 1st-round pick, has previously played for Dennis Allen when he was in New Orleans.”

More background courtesy of Matt Zenitz of CBS: “Former first-round pick with 43 career starts, 165 career tackles and 25 career sacks. Was a starter for the Lions last year.”

Talent has never been the problem. Rather, his health has held him back. Wish him well.

Vikings News Update No. 3 — Eh, Good for You, Mr. Pelissero

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Tom Pelissero reports from the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center.
NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero appears on site during media coverage at the NFL Scouting Combine inside the Indiana Convention Center, Feb. 25, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Pelissero reported on league developments as executives, coaches, and scouts gathered to evaluate prospects and shape offseason decisions ahead of free agency and the draft. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

Losing Tom Pelissero was always going to be for the short-term since he’s good at his job. Still, it was bad news that was bad for Vikings football.

He’s now back in action, putting in work for Netflix: “Tom Pelissero is joining Netflix Gameday as a sideline reporter and NFL insider for the full slate of games this season, starting with 49ers vs. Rams in Week 1 from Melbourne.”

He’ll then be doing work for The Ringer. In a perfect world, Pelissero keeps the national headlines nourished with Vikings insight.


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Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

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Mets’ Caron Benge makes historic assists against Padres

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New York Mets rookie outfielder Carson Benge had the Citi Field faithful on their feet early in their Monday night matchup against the San Diego Padres.

The Padres had runners on second and first in the first inning with Ty France at the plate. France lobbed one to right-center field when Benge fielded the ball and saw that Jake Cronenworth was headed home.

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Carson Benge fields a ball in right field during the first inning.

New York Mets right fielder Carson Benge fields a ball in right field during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Citi Field in New York City on Aug. 17, 2026. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Benge gathered himself and fired the ball home and was able to get Cronenworth with ease. Benge wasn’t there.

Jackson Merrill also hit a sharp one to Benge. The outfielder gathered his momentum and fired the ball to home plate once again – this time, he got Manny Machado trying to test his arm. Benge was responsible for two of the first three Padres outs.

Statisticians Sarah Langs and Jason Bernard noted the historical nature of Benge’s outfield assists. Benge threw the ball to the plate at 99.9 mph and 103.9 mph on the two outs respectively. He became the first outfielder with two assists of at least 99 mph in the Statcast era (since 2015).

“I just looked up and threw the ball. I’m not worried that they are running or not,” Benge said after the game, via MLB.com. “I try to throw as hard as I can to be able to make them stop or get them out. … I feel like anytime anyone makes a good throw to end an inning or have a quicker out, it shifts the momentum in our favor.”

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Jorge Polanco and Carson Benge celebrate after the Mets defeat the Nationals at Citi Field.

New York Mets designated hitter Jorge Polanco celebrates with right fielder Carson Benge after defeating the Washington Nationals at Citi Field on Aug. 16, 2026. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

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The Mets also got a defensive assist from rookie left fielder A.J. Ewing. In the second inning, the Padres tested Ewing’s arm. Cronenworth found a hole through the third baseman and the shortstop when Xander Bogaerts tried to scamper home.

However, Ewing was shallow enough in left field and took care of Bogaerts.

The Padres were only able to score one run in the entire game thanks to the Mets’ dazzling defensive plays. New York won the game, 2-1.

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A.J. Ewing reacts after being tagged out at second base during a baseball game.

New York Mets’ A.J. Ewing reacts after being tagged out at second base during the third inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)

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Mets starter Nolan McLean struck out three in six innings of work.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Matt Hardy says pro wrestling success requires living the lifestyle

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Matt Hardy has been in pro wrestling for nearly 35 years, and when young talent who are trying to make it in the sport ask for his advice, they’ll usually listen.

Hardy shared the advice he tells others in a recent interview with Fox News Digital. He said those who are trying to make it big have to live the lifestyle of a professional wrestler.

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Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy celebrate during NXT in Cincinnati.

Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy celebrate during “NXT” at Andrew J. Brady Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Feb. 25, 2025. (WWE via Getty Images)

“The main piece of advice I always share with people, if you really want to make a career out of wrestling, you have to make it a lifestyle,” he said. “You have to do something every single day that kind of will help assist your journey and in your whole goal of being a pro wrestler.

“You have to exercise a certain way, try and eat a certain way, try and sleep a certain way, get in the habit of working out, get in the habit of knowing everyone and everything that’s going on at every promotion because you never know where you’ll get an opportunity.”

Pro wrestling promotions, especially the ones featuring former stars from WWE, All Elite Wrestling and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), sometimes have scouts watching closely. Being able to be on your game is crucial.

Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy sitting in the audience at MetLife Stadium.

Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy sit in the audience during SummerSlam at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Aug. 3, 2025. (Rich Freeda/WWE)

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“And that’s what’s key because timing is everything in pro wrestling,” Hardy explained. “You never know, you might get an opportunity to go somewhere at a promotion you’re not familiar with, and if you don’t know, then maybe they feel disrespected and they’re not as interested in you. But you just need to be as much on the pulse of pro wrestling as you possibly can be and make it a lifestyle.”

The current TNA star also added that buying into your own character is another part that a pro wrestler should focus on.

“And authenticity is real important, too,” he told Fox News Digital. “If you can find something that you’re doing as a character, as a performer, which seems authentic, which seems something that is relatable to you, you feel comfortable doing, that’ll usually come off the best.”

Matt Hardy participates in the U.S. vs. Canada Border Brawl in Niagara Falls Ontario

Matt Hardy participates in the U.S. vs. Canada Border Brawl in Niagara Falls, Ontario, on May 25, 2025. (Robert Okine/Getty Images for Zone-ify)

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Hardy, and his brother Jeff, will defend the TNA World Tag Team Championship at Lockdown on Sunday against Nic and Ryan Nemeth. The pay-per-view will take place at the Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago. Each match will be inside a steel cage.

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“We understand that he’s not in the right condition to play”

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Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has delivered his verdict on the status of Barcelona target Julian Alvarez ahead of their LaLiga opener. The Spanish outfit are set to take on Malaga in their first game of the 2026-27 season on Wednesday evening.

Simeone spoke to reporters ahead of the game, and the name of Julian Alvarez came up as his has been a major saga all summer. The Argentine tactician ruled the striker out of the game against the newly-promoted side, pointing out that he is not in the right condition to feature in the game.

“If the club owner has spoken so categorically, then there’s nothing more to say”.

“It’s like when you go to court, that’s it, there’s nothing more to it. We’re looking after both the person and the player, and we understand that he is not in the right condition to play in this match”, he said.

Julian Alvarez has had interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid this summer, and issued a public plea to Atletico Madrid during the FIFA World Cup, asking for a transfer. Los Colchoneros have refused to let him join their rivals unless his €500 million release clause is met, despite receiving offers worth between €100-150 million.

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Barcelona are without a recognised senior striker in their squad and are waiting in the hopes of finding a way to sign the 26-year-old, but that is unlikely to happen. In the meantime, he will likely remain an Atletico Madrid player beyond this summer, despite his unwillingness to stay there.

Alvarez did not play in any of their pre-season games this summer, partly because of his country reaching the FIFA World Cup final. His case may be revisited in the January transfer window, and he could leave Madrid by then.

Former Atletico Madrid star lands in Barcelona to complete transfer

Former Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodri has arrived in Barcelona to complete his move from Manchester City. The 30-year-old was spotted at the airport after his arrival as he is set to join Hansi Flick’s squad for the 2026-27 season.

Manchester City and Barcelona were locked in lengthy negotiations for the transfer of the Spain international before an agreement was reached. The Spanish champions will pay an initial €60 million, with add-ons potentially taking the deal to around €76 million.

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It has been decided that Rodri will have the number 16 shirt at the Spotify Camp Nou, continuing his tradition from his previous teams. Fermin Lopez, who previously had the number, will now take the number seven shirt vacated by Ferran Torres.