Blue Jays are Finally Back in Toronto After a 670-Day Hiatus with Berríos Intact

There is nothing quite like being at home. After spending nearly two years in the United States, the Toronto Blue Jays will finally return to the Rogers Centre on Friday to open a 3-game series against the Kansas City Royals. Strict international travel restrictions amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic forced Canada’s sole professional baseball team to remain in the US, playing their home games in Buffalo, NY and Dunedin, FL.

Toronto made even bigger news by acquiring 2x All-Star SP José Berríos from the Minnesota Twins. The 27-year-old Cy Young candidate was brought over to the MLB’s only Canadian team from the relatively close Twin Cities for top prospects SP Simeon Woods Richardson and IF Austin Martin. The Blue Jays now look to finish the regular season strong in front of a true home crowd with a bonafide ace leading the way as the Jays look to creep up the Wild Card standings in hope of a postseason berth.

Back in the 6.

The @BlueJays will play a home game in Toronto for the first time in 670 days. pic.twitter.com/xeQiS45c6V
— MLB (@MLB) July 30, 2021

INTERESTING FACTS

Friday’s game will mark the 1st time the Blue Jays have played in Toronto since September 29, 2019 (670 days)
On the 1st pitch of ABs this season, the Blue Jays lead the MLB in HR (37), AVG (.420), and SLG% (.722)
José Berríos’ ranks among AL starting pitchers since 2018: 2nd in WHIP (1.17), 3rd in ERA (3.73), 3rd in Opp AVG (.232)

Odds vs. KC: TOR -217 (Spread -1.5)
TOR Stock Price: $10.24 (via FANDEX)

MAIN TAKEAWAY

BLUE JAYS ARE FINALLY BACK IN TORONTO WITH THEIR BEST PITCHER SINCE DAVID PRICE

After 22 months away, coming home has never felt so sweet for the Toronto Blue Jays. The team finally received permission from the federal government to once again play home games at the Rogers Centre starting Friday. The return should provide some much needed energy and inspiration to this Blue Jays squad, who currently occupy 4th place in the AL East and are 4.5 games behind the Athletics for the second Wild Card spot.

For many players, Friday’s matchup against the Kansas City Royals will be their first time playing in Toronto as members of the Jays, including LHP Hyun Jin Ryu and OF George Springer. Also making his Rogers Centre debut will be RHP José Berríos, whom the club acquired from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for top prospects Austin Martin and Simeon Woods Richardson. In their long-awaited return back to Toronto, the Blue Jays look to return to the playoffs for the second year in a row.