Schneider insists sky isn’t falling as Blue Jays stumble in race for AL East
Toronto clinches at least a wild-card berth but wins remain crucial as four games separate the Blue Jays from the division lead and the Yankees pressing in the final stretch.
The Toronto Blue Jays were routed 7-1 by the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre on Wednesday, extending a stretch in which they have dropped six of seven. The result, coupled with the New York Yankees’ fourth straight win, left Toronto tied with New York in the American League East with four games remaining in the regular season. Both clubs remain in position for the postseason, but sprinting to the division crown remains on the table as the season winds down.
Manager John Schneider told MLB.com: "It feels like the sky is falling right now and it's f--king not. We've got 90 wins, we're in the playoffs and if the season ended today we're winning the AL East. I want them to come in and not press. I want them to play confident." He added: "First and foremost, we're not losing because of umpires. Let's just get that out there. We're losing because we're not scoring enough runs."
In the latest game, Toronto was stifled offensively, scoring just one run for the second consecutive game. It marked the sixth time in seven games they failed to score more than one run in a loss.
The Blue Jays also had an on-field moment of tension, as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was ejected after arguing with umpire Gabe Morales. It came a day after George Springer voiced displeasure over two controversial calls in a separate game.
Schneider sought to deflect blame from umpires, saying, "First and foremost, we're not losing because of umpires. Let's just get that out there. We're losing because we're not scoring enough runs." Toronto has already clinched at least a wild-card berth, and both teams were four games from the end of the schedule, with the division still in play as they chase the top spot in the AL East.
With four games left, the Blue Jays intend to turn things around by generating more offense and sustaining consistency as they head toward the postseason. The margin for error in a tight division race remains slim, and Toronto will need production from both the lineup and bullpen to reclaim momentum down the stretch.
As the season concludes, the Jays will face a final quartet of games that could determine whether they finish on top of the division or settle for a Wild Card path despite securing a playoff berth earlier in the week. The tension surrounding the club’s offense and occasional on-field disputes will continue to be under the microscope as Toronto tries to finish strong and reset for the postseason.
