Blue Jays Improve Chase Rate Against Pirates
TORONTO — The Blue Jays faced off against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday, entering the game with a chase rate of 34.6 percent, the second-highest in the MLB. This marks a significant rise from last season’s 29.4 percent, which placed them eighth.
Increased Swings Outside the Zone
This increase translates to approximately five additional swings per game at pitches outside the strike zone.
Manager’s Insights
“Part of it is we’re being pitched a little bit differently,” said Blue Jays manager John Schneider on Friday afternoon. “When trying to swing a certain way, some chase is expected. As long as the quality of contact improves, we’re fine with that.”
Tough Test Against Pirates’ Pitching
Schneider highlighted the formidable pitching duo of Bubba Chandler, who pitched on Friday, and Paul Skenes, the NL Cy Young winner slated to start on Saturday. Chandler lived up to expectations by striking out 11 batters, showcasing a fastball that reached 101.3 mph. Despite this, the Blue Jays managed to score three runs off him, securing a 6-2 victory in front of 39,839 fans.
Breaking Away from Close Games
Key doubles from Jesus Sanchez and George Springer in the eighth inning allowed the Blue Jays to create a comfortable lead. This victory marked their third consecutive win and improved their record to 24-27, breaking a string of tightly contested matches where eight of their previous nine games had been decided by two runs or fewer.
Players’ Reflections on Pitching Changes
Center-fielder Daulton Varsho noted the evolving pitching strategies in 2026, stating that pitchers are now varying their approaches against different hitters. The chase percentages for Varsho and his teammates have also risen this year, which emphasizes the need for the team to maintain a cohesive approach.
Future Challenges Ahead
Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman delivered a solid performance, pitching 6.2 innings with one run allowed. He noted a significant improvement in his slider after tweaking his setup. The next test will be against Skenes, widely regarded as among the top pitchers in the league. Varsho emphasized the importance of capitalizing on any mistakes Skenes may make to ensure the Blue Jays maintain their momentum moving forward.
