TORONTO — The tying run stood on deck in Sunday’s eighth inning as the Toronto Blue Jays threatened yet another comeback. Toronto’s history of late-game heroics gave fans hope — even down four runs, they slid forward in their seats. This time, though, Alejandro Kirk’s lazy foul fly found a Texas Rangers glove and hope finally faded away.

George Springer has already outdone himself this season for the Toronto Blue Jays. He hit 19 home runs in 2024. But now in 2025, he's already up to 20 with a lot of season left to play. Springer homered Tuesday night to reach that 20-homer plateau, and it's an exceptional accomplishment in his career.

Preview the Aug. 20 matchup between the Toronto Blue Jays and Pittsburgh Pirates with odds over/under, game spread, betting lines and more.

The Pirates loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the second inning, as Blue Jays right-handed starting pitcher Max Scherzer walked designated hitter Andrew McCutchen and center fielder Jack Suwinski and then catcher Joey Bart reached first base safely on a ground ball.

Even at the age of 37, Pirates player Tommy Pham is a late entry on the all-time Toronto Blue Jays villain list.

The Toronto Blue Jays are projected to part ways with their franchise shortstop after a sudden decline in his on-field play.

The expectation was that he would help fill in the rotation behind Jose Berrios, Chris Bassitt and Kevin Gausman. But, since that point, the team has been receiving consistent production from Max Scherzer and Eric Lauer as well.