Jays Sweep Nationals/Release Zach Pop

 

Photo From AP News

Coming off the split with Baltimore, the Jays hosted the Washington Nationals in a three-game series. On Monday, Bowden Francis got the start. As fans remember, Francis was one of—if not the—best starters in the Jays’ rotation during the second half of last season. In each start, he seemed to take a no-hitter deep into games.

In Game 1 of the series, Francis made his season debut, throwing six innings and—once again—flirting with a no-hitter. Toronto turned to the bullpen, and unlike last season, when the relief corps was a disaster, the bullpen has been reliable so far. Rodriguez set up Yimi García for his first save of the season, securing a 5-2 win for Toronto. The victory was powered by another home run from Giménez and a double from Guerrero.

On Tuesday, José Berríos took the mound, looking to rebound from his Opening Day struggles. This time, he was locked in from the start, throwing five innings with eight strikeouts. George Springer continued his hot start to the season, opening the scoring in the second inning with an RBI single. The Jays carried a 3-0 lead into the seventh inning, but the Nationals chipped away and tied the game.

With the score knotted, it seemed likely the game would head to extras as Toronto struggled to break the tie. However, in the bottom of the eighth, with Springer and Wagner on base, Bo Bichette came through with a bases-clearing single on an 0-2 count. With a 5-3 lead, Jeff Hoffman shut the door on Washington, needing just seven pitches to lock down the win and give Toronto its first series victory of the season.

Wednesday afternoon marked Toronto’s first "Work from Dome" game of the year—a promotion that, based on last season’s 0-6 record in such games, hasn’t been a lucky charm. Prospect Easton Lucas made his debut in place of Max Scherzer, who is sidelined with a thumb injury. Lucas pitched five innings, striking out three while allowing the Gold Glove defense behind him to do its job.

Giménez got the scoring started in the second inning with an RBI double that brought Anthony Santander home. Toronto added to its lead when George Springer hit his first home run of the season. However, the Jays struggled to cash in more runs, leaving the bases loaded at one point. In the top of the sixth, Washington cut Toronto’s lead in half, but Vladdy responded with an RBI double in the bottom of the inning. The Jays went on to win 4-2, completing their first sweep of the season.

Later on Wednesday, the Jays announced the release of Zach Pop from the organization. This move wasn’t a surprise, as he struggled last season and failed to turn things around this spring in Dunedin. In 2023, Pop posted a 2-4 record over 58 appearances, registering a 5.59 ERA while allowing 36 runs. Unfortunately, it just didn’t work out for the Brampton, Ontario, native. Hopefully, he finds success elsewhere, but parting ways was the right move for both Pop and the Jays.

Toronto now begins a 10-game road trip, starting with a three-game set in Queens against Juan Soto and the New York Mets, who are 3-3 through their first six games. Kevin Gausman is set to take the mound for the Jays in the Mets' home opener tomorrow afternoon. This will be an early test for the Blue Jays, and we’ll see if Gausman can continue his strong start to the season.

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