Opinion
3 min read

Can the Blue Jays Turn the Tide at Chase Field?

In an intriguing matchup that has fans buzzing, the Toronto Blue Jays are set to face off against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. This game promises to be a spectacle, not just for its venue but for what it represents in terms of potential and performance for both teams involved.


Jul 16, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Santiago Espinal (5) is tagged out at second base by Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) during the fourth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

The Blue Jays have had a rollercoaster season thus far. Their recent games have been a mix of highs and lows, showcasing their unpredictable nature. On July 6th against the Mariners, they managed to secure a win with 11 hits leading to 5 runs, demonstrating their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities despite their overall record suggesting struggles in consistency. This victory was significant as it highlighted their resilience; even when not performing at their best throughout the season, they've shown flashes of brilliance that could be harbingers of a late-season surge.


Conversely, another game saw them falter significantly against themselves on July 5th with only 2 hits and 1 run scored throughout the entire game. Such inconsistency has been a thorn in their side this season. However, it's crucial to note that within these performances lies untapped potential - moments where if one or two elements clicked into place, the outcome could have been vastly different.


Jul 16, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) pours the water bucket on center fielder Kevin Kiermaier (39) at the end of the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

One cannot overlook their bullpen's performance either. Despite some challenging outings where ERA figures ballooned and WHIP numbers weren't ideal, there were instances where strikeouts per nine innings (K9) were impressive. These statistics suggest that while there is room for improvement in pitching efficiency and control over allowing base runners, there is also undeniable talent capable of stifling opposition batting line-ups when in form.


The Diamondbacks present an interesting challenge for Toronto; however, based on past performances and current stats analysis from both teams' recent games leading up to this encounter - particularly focusing on hitting averages (.297 against Seattle), on-base percentages (.378), slugging percentages (.378), and pitching stats like K9 ratios - it seems plausible that if Toronto can harness its evident potential while tightening up defensively (especially within its bullpen), they stand more than just a fighting chance.


Jul 16, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Whit Merrifield (15) and third baseman Matt Chapman (26) and first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) celebrate scoring runs against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the eighth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Looking ahead to July 12th at Chase Field at 9:40 PM EDT broadcasted by ARID network – this upcoming game isn’t just another fixture; it’s an opportunity for the Blue Jays to demonstrate growth from past performances and possibly turn around what has been an erratic campaign so far into something more positive as we move deeper into the season.

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