iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Myles Straw puts the squeeze on a Hector Rodriguez fly ball to end #Bluejays 50th season. #Jays leave their fans with a good taste in their mouths heading into what promises to be a very long off-season. The end-of-season mailbag waits for you at deepleftfield@thestar.ca! Fill it up!

Myles Straw makes the catch to end the season.

2321

#Bluejays pour out of the dugout to salute the fans here in Game 162.

11119

Of course George Springer is leading off in his last game as a #Bluejays and, maybe, the last game of what’s been a great career. Max Scherzer, too. Here’s #Jays final starting lineup of 2026, only the second time in the last seven seasons that we’ve come to the ballpark knowing that this was it:

Springer OP
Bateman 9
Okamoto 5
McAdoo 3
Schneider 7
Valenzuela 2
Straw 8
Gimenez 6
Clement 4
———————
Scherzer 1

0331

Mike Wilner @wilnerness.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

On the last day of school, a few #Bluejays still make it out for extra hitting. That’s Charles McAdoo in the cage with Josh Smith, Myles Straw (in flip-flops, just watching) and Davis Schneider looking on.

0272

My assignment tonight is to watch Trey Yesavage pitch here at Sahlen Field in Buffalo! Was looking forward to seeing Anthony Santander play, too, but he is not in the lineup. It’s his fourth straight day off after playing six innings in left field on Friday. #Bluejays

Sahlen Field in Buffalo, from right behind home plate.

0180

Mike Wilner @wilnerness.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Reposting because I forgot the alt text: Here’s how #Bluejays line it up as they begin their biggest series of the year tonight. #Tigers Troy Melton will be a tough test for the more-down-than-up offence. No matter what happens elsewhere, #Jays will gain ground in the playoff race if they win.

Bateman 8
Springer OP
Guerrero 3
Kirk 2
Lukes 9
Okamoto 5
Gimenez 6
Smith 7
Clement 4
———————
Soriano 1

0271

Mike Wilner @wilnerness.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

That’s it for me for a bit! Rosie DiManno has @thestar.com #Bluejays coverage all weekend. I’m off for Rosh Hashana. Wishing a happy, healthy, sweet and peaceful New Year to all who are observing the High Holy Days. For the rest of you, all the very best in the rest of 2026!

South facade of the dome. Because I left.

4680

Mike Wilner @wilnerness.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Rudy Martin Jr., drafted in 2014, gets ready for his first big-league batting practice after almost 4000 plate appearances in the minors. He happened to look up at exactly the right time, too! #Bluejays

Rudy Martin stickums up his bat before his first batting practice as a major-leaguer in an all-rookie hitting group.

Brandon Valenzuela is in the cage with Sean Keys (L) and Brett Bateman (R) in the foreground.

923813

Mike Wilner @wilnerness.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Here’s how #Bluejays will line it up to open their biggest series of the year. They’re a game back of Cleveland for the final AL wild card spot and lead the season series with #Orioles 4-3. I’m checking out after batting practice because Rosh Hashana - a happy and sweet year to all who observe!

Bateman 8
Springer OP
Guerrero 3
Kirk 2
Lukes 9
Okamoto 5
Smith 7
Gimenez 6
Clement 4
——————
Scherzer 1

7240

Mike Wilner @wilnerness.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Vlad’s perspective on that very play, from today’s @thestar.com !!!

Quote from Guerrero after Thursday’s game, about the play to which Drew is referring:

“The same situation happened to me (Wednesday),” Guerrero said, recalling an Alejandro Kirk double-play ball in the sixth inning in which he was forced at second. “I think I did an OK job, but they got me out (and) I wasn’t pleased with my effort. So I talked it over with (first-base coach Mark) Budzinski and said that if that situation comes up again I’m going to make sure that I get there in time.”

190

Mike Wilner @wilnerness.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

It’s a huge game for #Bluejays - they could secure the tiebreaker with Cleveland and move to half a game out of a playoff spot. Kirk, Okamoto and Springer get the day off with Jose Soriano on the mound.

Bateman CF
Lukes RF
Guerrero 1B
Sanchez LF
Keys DH
Smith 3B
Gimenez SS
Clement 2B
Valenzuela C

6161

Mike Wilner @wilnerness.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

First pitch was smacked into right field for a Brett Bateman single here in Cleveland! #Bluejays need a win to avoid falling 3.5 games out. Dylan Cease gets the call on the 36th anniversary of Dave Stieb’s no-hitter, which happened to take place here in Cleveland.

The scene at Progressive Field before Brett Bateman singles on the first pitch of the game.

1150

Mike Wilner @wilnerness.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

#Bluejays shaking things up a little bit as they look to even up the series here in Cleveland tonight with Dylan Cease on the mound. George Springer bats second for the first time in over a year and Alejandro Kirk goes into the cleanup spot. Three left-handed hitters against lefty Joey Castillo.

Bateman CF
Springer DH
Guerrero 1B
Kirk C
Okamoto 3B
Lukes RF
Clement 2B
Gimenez SS
Straw LF

3121

Mike Wilner @wilnerness.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

There’s a protest going on, with some Clevelanders trying to get a senator who has voted 100% with Trump’s agenda unseated in November. This was my favourite sign. I told her I was Canadian, she asked if I have an extra bedroom.

Protest lady holding up a sign that reads: “I don’t want Canada or Greenland. I want PBS, Social Security and The Smithsonian.”

352211508

Mike Wilner @wilnerness.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

#Bluejays go in order in top1 here in hot, steamy Cleveland, where the on-deck circles are giant uncrustables.

The on-deck circle at Progressive Field in Cleveland is an uncrustables sandwich.

0140

Mike Wilner @wilnerness.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

They have renovated the players’ spaces here in Cleveland since I was here last. Used to be a quick trip up a flight of steps to get from the dugout to the visitors’ clubhouse. Now it’s a long walk that likely takes you all the way to the right-field corner. These signs are on each wall. #Bluejays

Sign midway through the tunnel to the visitors clubhouse at Progressive Field in Cleveland that says “You are HALFWAY to the dugout. Believe in yourself!”

Sign on the opposite wall that says “You are HALFWAY to the clubhouse. You can do this!”

4202

Mike Wilner @wilnerness.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Max Scherzer walks out to Deep Left Field to begin warming up as the Rogers Centre roof opens above him. #Bluejays

Max Scherzer walks down the left-field line to get ready to start this afternoon’s game as the roof begins to open and the grounds crew works on the infield.

0260

Mike Wilner @wilnerness.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Here’s how #Bluejays line it up this afternoon as they try to sweep away #Mariners and maybe move to within half a game of a wild card spot, with Max Scherzer facing M’s ace Logan Gilbert. You might remember the last time Scherzer faced Seattle. #MadMax

Bateman 8
Guerrero 3
Kirk 2
Springer OP
Lukes 9
Okamoto 5
Gimenez 6
McAdoo 4
Straw 7
———————
Scherzer 1

1141

Here’s a picture of one of Carlos Delgado’s notebook, in which he detailed every at-bat he had. It’s open to his four-homer game. Asterisks mean called strikes, circled means he swung, see alt text for more. #Bluejays

One of Carlos Delgado’s hitting notebooks. His four-homer game is the third one down on the right side.

Look at the notes in the Doug Waechter game. “Wrist for FB” meant that of Delgado could see Waechter’s wrist in his set-up, he was throwing a fastball.

89820

Here’s how #Bluejays will line it up this afternoon, after they induct Buck Martinez into their new Hall of Excellence. They’re facing lefty Kade Anderson, the top pitching prospect in all of baseball, who is making his second #MLB start. Alejandro Kirk bats second for the 2th time in his career.

Bateman 9
Kirk 2
Guerrero 3
Springer OP
Okamoto 5
McAdoo 4
Clement 6
Cameron 7
Straw 8
———————
Soriano 1

1171

And the other side of #Bluejays Hall of Excellence:

0212

#Bluejays new Hall of Excellence is, well, excellent. It’s outstanding to see this team finally embrace its history. The best news? The names are not coming down from the facing above the 300 level. Take a video tour of the exhibits with me:

55914

The Tom Cheek display at #Bluejays Hall of Excellence. Players get lockers. Broadcasters and builders get very nice displays.

Tom Cheek’s certificate of the Ford C. Frick Award in Cooperstown, his bobblehead and a picture of him in his pre-Jays radio days.

1333

Mike Wilner @wilnerness.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

All the living members of #Bluejays Level of Excellence are here to open the new Hall of Excellence in the right field corner on the 100 Level.

From left to right - George Bell, Dave Stieb, Joe Carter, Cito Gaston, Carlos Delgado, Jose Bautista, Paul Beeston. In wheelchair, Pat Gillick.

3503

Here’s how #Bluejays line it up against #Mariners right-hander Emerson Hancock. Alejandro Kirk sits, because you don’t want to wear out your catcher. Every one of #Jays next couple weeks worth of games, at least, is super-important, but Kirk can’t play them all. I’ll bet he starts the next four.

Bateman 8
Lukes 9
Guerrero 3
Springer OP
Sanchez 7
Okamoto 5
Gimenez 6
Clement 4
Valenzuela 2
———————
Cease 1

4100

Mike Wilner @wilnerness.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

It’s #Bluejays PFP day! I tried my best to get some action shots of pitchers’ fielding practice. Rest assured that in every picture, the ball was fielded cleanly and an accurate throw was made to second base.

0120

Mike Wilner @wilnerness.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Here’s how #Bluejays line it up as they open the 3rd-last homestand of the season, 1st of 3 against #Royals, who are 58-74 but have won eight straight. Andres Gimenez is back in, Jesus Sanchez DHing, no Kirk as #Jays try to load up with lefties vs. Lugo. But Kirk’s gonna play a LOT from here on.

Bateman 8
Lukes 9
Guerrero 3
Okamoto 5
Sanchez DH
Clement 4
Gimenez 6
Valenzuela 2
Straw 7
___________________
Scherzer 1

382

Mike Wilner @wilnerness.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Hanging out at the CNE with my kids before today’s #Bluejays game. Lots of delicious things here, but nothing as delicious as the irony of using AI to promote recycling.

A picture of OSCARsort, the AI recycling assistant at the Food Building.

Because people can’t figure out recycling.

I will grant you, lots of people don’t recycle properly, but it’s because they don’t care, not because they can’t figure it out without AI.

1280

Mike Wilner @wilnerness.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Rush last week, Howard Jones tonight. Also English Beat/General Public, Modern English and Wang Chung. I’ll ask your forgiveness for the latter.

The Great Dave Wakeling of The English Beat and General Public ska’ing it up at Steeles and Jane.

8260

Mike Wilner @wilnerness.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Here’s how #Bluejays line it up as they try to sweep away #Yankees and maybe move into sole possession of the final wild card spot in the AL. Daz Cameron makes his #Jays debut and Alejandro Kirk is back hitting 3rd after getting IBB’d twice yesterday. Happy Birthday, @normwilner.bsky.social!!!

3192

Mike Wilner @wilnerness.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

#Bluejays are selecting their fantasy football draft order this morning. Every player in the FF league has drawn a staff member to serve as their proxy. Whichever staff member throws the hardest gets their player the to pick and so on down the line. Bullpen coach Sam Greene wins with 90.

Players gathered on the infield in anticipation of the staff throwing competition.

0172

Mike Wilner @wilnerness.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Brett Bateman is back in the leadoff spot for #Biuejays opener against Gerrit Cole and #Yankees. Ernie Clement bats 9th for the first time since last September. He’s in a 2/16. 7:15pm start time for AppleTV, I guess? Also, Paul Sewald has been activated, wearing Cito’s old 43. Laz Estrada down.

Bateman 8
Lukes 9
Guerrero 3
Springer OP
Kirk 2
Gimenez 6
Okamoto 5
Sanchez 7
Clement 4
——————
Bieber 1

3111

Mike Wilner @wilnerness.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Cannot speak more highly of the RUSH show tonight. Blew me away. At 73, they still murder. Always been more a Geddy fan because #Bluejays and everything but holy crap can Alex shred. Just masterful. And Annika was phenomenal. Heartbreaking video during Time Stand Still of a riderless motorcycle.

The stage, early in Thursday’s RUSH concert. With the actual RUSH on said stage.

4511

Mike Wilner @wilnerness.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Intermission at the Rush show. This is phenomenal. Annika is killing it and Geddy and Alex still have way more than the goods.

The stage at Scotiabank. Squint hard and you can see Rush.

3510

Mike Wilner @wilnerness.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Off in the distance in right field, Spencer Arrighetti is playing long-toss. He and his Morton’s neuroma will make a rehab start with #Bisons on Sunday. #Bluejays

090

Mike Wilner @wilnerness.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Here’s how #Bluejays line it up for yet another lefty as they try to sweep away #Redsox, who’ve lost five straight after a 27-3 run. McAdoo back up top against Tolle, getting his first #MLB start in the outfield, Bateman gets his first day off. Scherzer will try to build off a good one in Philly.

McAdoo 7
Clement 4
Guerrero 3
Springer OP
Okamoto 5
Gimenez 6
Valenzuela 2
Straw 8
Lukes 9
———————
Scherzer 1

271

Mike Wilner @wilnerness.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Here’s how #Bluejays line it up as they try to secure a series win against #Redsox. Tall order - they have yet to score off Ranger Suarez this season. Jésus Sanchez gets the start against the lefty. Him being in LF is why Straw is playing CF and Bateman RF. Sewald expected to report Thurs. aft.

191

Mike Wilner @wilnerness.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Here’s how #Bluejays line it up as they try to hand #Redsox a 4th straight loss. Charles McAdoo, who has homered in five straight games (including AAA), leads off against the lefty, playing LF. Only 5th game in OF this yr. Jameson Taillon is on the IL with forearm tendinitis, Chase Lee is back.

McAdoo 7
Bateman 9
Guerrero 3
Springer OP
Kirk 2
Clement 4
Okamoto 5
Gimenez 6
Straw 8
————————
Cease 1

2100

Mike Wilner @wilnerness.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

#Bluejays Myles Straw taking some left-handed hacks during early hitting. Fun.

Myles Straw in the Jays’ batting cage, batting left-handed.

051

Never noticed this before, but the top of the hand-operated scoreboard here at Wrigley lists the umpiring crew by base assignment and uniform number. Deep dive. #Bluejays

The hand-operated CF scoreboard at Wrigley Field showing NL scores on the left and AL on the right with a clock in the middle.

Right under the clock, the umpires and their numbers. Their names? Get a program.

2120

No fancy #Bluejays lineup screen in the clubhouse in this beautiful 112-year-old ballpark. Vladdy gets another day to rest the wonky hamstring and assorted aches and pains. Straw to the top spot against the lefty.

Straw CF
Okamoto 1B
Kirk C
Springer DH
Lukes RF
Clement 3B
Urias 2B
Schneider LF
Gimenez SS
———————
Cease P

180

Louis Varland to Gausman after a big big: “Hey, at least it’s still blue.” Alex Andreopoulos, who basically told Gausman he was traded, looks on. #Bluejays

Kevin Gausman in his Cubs’ home pinstripes talks to Louis Varland and Alex Andreopoulos.

1292