With the Blue Jays up 1-0, Francis retired Kyle Schwarber and Alec Bohm before walking Nick Castellanos and Max Kepler. Then, the 29-year-old hit J.T. Realmuto with a pitch, walked Bryson Stott to bring in a run, and hit Otto Kemp to bring in another run. Toronto manager John Schneider had seen enough after that.

The Toronto Blue Jays have put themselves into a position where they could become buyers. It didn't look like that way for a while when they were middling at the beginning of the season, but after they have found their stride on offense to go along with a solid pitching staff,

Francis allowed just one hit in the first 12 batters he faced. Then he spiralled in the fourth inning, exiting to a raucous Philly crowd.

Toronto has remained without veteran starting pitcher Max Scherzer, who has been working his way back from a thumb injury. Scherzer, an eight-time All-Star, joined the Blue Jays on a one-year, $15.5 million contract but has been experiencing a tough start to life after exiting his debut game on March 29 due to a right thumb inflammation.

The Toronto Blue Jays are playing some excellent baseball as one of the hottest teams in the MLB. Their offense, which has been dormant for most of the season, has begun coming alive in recent weeks,

The Toronto Blue Jays have been one of MLB's hottest teams lately, winning 12 of their last 15 games to improve to 38-31 overall. That record is good for second

The Toronto Blue Jays have decided to give injured starter Max Scherzer at least one more rehab start in the minor leagues. Blue Jays manager John Schneider said the 40-year-old came out of the rehab start fine and will start for Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday.