Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
George Springer and the Toronto Blue Jays are doing everything in their power to force a Game 163.
The Jays will need some help, as either the New York Yankees or Boston Red Sox have to lose in order for Toronto to extend the season by a game. Assuming they get that help, the Jays will face one of New York or Boston, or force a three-team playoff should both fall victim on Sunday.
Springer, the Blue Jays high-priced free agent acquisition from this past offseason, is making up for lost time after a season full of injury woes. The former Astro and World Series champion came through in another clutch moment, hitting a grand slam to essentially put Game 162 against the Baltimore Orioles away.
Both Buck Martinez and the Rogers Centre went buckwild as Springer gave the Blue Jays a 9-1 advantage.
Blue Jays: Will Toronto force Game 163?
It’s been a hell of a run by the Jays, who looked pretty much out of it at times this season. Not making the playoffs would be a disappointment for a team that went into the campaign with higher expectations.
There’s a chance the Blue Jays are still a year away, especially with so many young pieces including Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. and more. Assuming they make the right moves this offseason — including bringing back potential AL Cy Young winner Robbie Ray — there’s no reason Toronto can’t take another step in 2022.
Still, the Blue Jays would rather get more playoff experience this season to speed up that process.