Blue Jays plan to be buyer as MLB trade deadline approaches, GM says

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With the baseball calendar entering its July portion of the schedule, MLB’s trade deadline will be front and centre.

And with it comes the inevitable season of rumours.

Much like last year’s trade deadline, the Jays will be in Baltimore later this month. Unlike last year, the Jays plan to be buyers in the days and even hours leading up to July 31.

Recall last year’s hectic slate that would see every pending free agent moved, beginning with reliever Yimi Garcia being shipped to Seattle. Names such as Kevin Kiermaier, Justin Turner, Yusei Kikuchi and Danny Jansen were also jettisoned.

At the time, the Jays weren’t good and looked to bring back as many prospects as possible.

Fast-forward to this season and the Jays are good. In fact, with the New York Yankees in town for a four-game series, the possibility exists for the Jays to emerge as divisional leaders in the AL East.

For now, the club will be looking to add ahead of the trade deadline, according to general manager Ross Atkins. His monthly gathering with the media was conducted in the hours leading up to Monday’s series opener against the Bronx Bombers.

Given the financial clout of Rogers, money won’t be a problem. The club also has some interesting prospects to dangle.

Admittedly, Atkins said improving the pitching staff is among the team’s to-do list, as is adding a right-handed bat.

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Monday’s starter in Max Scherzer was making only his third start for the Jays and second at home following a thumb injury the veteran sustained in his debut with the club.

Another off-season acquisition Atkins was able to attract was Anthony Santander, who remains on the injured list. The GM confided the switch-hitting slugger experienced a subluxation of his shoulder, which in layman’s term means Santander had his shoulder pop in and out.

Per Atkins, Santander has yet to resume swinging a bit, but could soon progress to the level where he can take hacks. With the all-star break right around the corner, Atkins said a return to the big leagues for Santander has not been ruled out.

Like anything shrouded in uncertainty, only time will tell when it applies to Santander.

BICHETTE LATE SCRATCH AGAINST YANKEES

The injury bug has bit the Blue Jays, but the team has persevered through the adversity.

Bo Bichette has been among baseball’s best, his pinch-hit home run in the ninth inning against the host Texas Rangers credited for helping ignite the Jays to their run.

Midway through his round of batting practice Monday, Bichette walked off the field with manager John Schneider behind the team’s starting shortstop and leadoff hitter. A few hours later, it was announce Bichette would be scratched from the lineup because of right knee discomfort.