The Toronto Blue Jays reached the midpoint of their 2026 season on Thursday with a 6-5 loss to the Texas Rangers, their third consecutive defeat. The loss at Rogers Centre dropped the Blue Jays into a four-way tie for the third and final American League wild-card spot with the Oakland Athletics, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers.
Gausman struggles again
Kevin Gausman had another poor outing, allowing three home runs in six innings, including a leadoff homer to Joc Pederson. The Rangers scored five runs in the third inning, taking a 6-0 lead. Gausman threw 99 pitches, with 10 resulting in hits. He struck out the side in the fourth after loading the bases, but the damage was done. The veteran right-hander has now allowed multiple home runs in consecutive starts.
Late rally falls short
Trailing 6-3 in the bottom of the ninth, the Blue Jays mounted a comeback. Ernie Clement led off with a single, and Kazuma Okamoto hit his 18th home run of the season to cut the deficit to one. Pinch-hitter Brandon Valenzuela struck out looking to end the game. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts, dropping his batting average to .273.
Woods Richardson walks four in relief
Simeon Woods Richardson pitched three scoreless innings of relief but issued four walks. He entered in the seventh with the Blue Jays trailing by three and walked two batters. In the eighth, he walked Kyle Higashioka, who was erased on a double play after left fielder Davis Schneider made a sliding catch and threw to first. Woods Richardson, who had a strong debut earlier this month, has now walked seven batters in his last six innings.
Disappointing first half
The Blue Jays’ 81st game marked the halfway point of a season that has been disappointing by any standard. The starting rotation has never been fully healthy, with only Gausman making every scheduled start. The offense has been inconsistent, and the bullpen has been overworked. Despite these issues, the Blue Jays remain in contention due to the mediocrity of the American League. The team has shown flashes but has been unable to sustain momentum.
Manager John Schneider said, "We have to find a way to play cleaner baseball. The talent is here, but we need to execute better in all phases."
Up next
The Blue Jays will send left-hander Patrick Corbin to the mound on Friday, hoping he can recapture his early-season form. The Rangers will counter with right-hander Nathan Eovaldi. First pitch is scheduled for 7:07 p.m.
