The Toronto Blue Jays are struggling right now. Through their first 29 games, they are 14-15 and fourth in the difficult American League East Division. Furthermore, their attacking output has been noticeably low. Toronto has scored 103 runs in 29 games, the fewest in the AL East. Only the Oakland Athletics and Chicago White Sox have scored fewer runs this year. Not exactly the company you want to be in.
So, why is this happening?
SportsNet commentator Dan Shulman, who American audiences may recognize from formerly voicing Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN or his college basketball coverage, stopped by Foul Territory this week. Shulman offered his own insight as to why he thinks the Blue Jays are struggling so much on offense.
According to the Blue Jays’ play-by-play voice, the answer might surround the park’s recent renovations
“Historically, Rogers Centre has been a hitter’s park.” Last year, they completed Phase 1 of the renovations. And I’m not sure if that affected offense in the park, but offensive numbers were significantly lower,” Shulman said. He stated that the park factor was “way down” last year after the modifications.
“I don’t know why that would happen,” Shulman said. “It’s not like it’s a pure open-air stadium with a low outfield deck. I have no idea why it would change so drastically, but if you looked at the Blue Jay hitting numbers, home, and road, they were noticeably different.”
Shulman noted Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette’s early slow starts, George Springer’s numbers have depreciated, and they’re all below their current standards. He also noted that Alejandro Kirk “didn’t hit at all” this year until a recent three-hit performance. He made sure to note the players who are hitting, but the heart of their lineup is an issue.
It remains unclear whether it was self-inflicted.
