Mariners @ Jays Game Thread

Apr 19, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of the batting helmet of Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Just be a better game than yesterday’s game. It is a simple ask. Admittedly, it would be hard to be worse.

The season has me thinking about the value of hitting coaches. The Jays had a disappointing 2024 season, and reshaped the hitting coaching staff. And last year they hit well. Lots of praise to the coaches.

This year, basically same hitting coaches and we aren’t hitting at all. Did the coaches suddenly get stupid? Or are hitting coaches overrated. Would the Jays be any worse with me as hitting coach? Oh likely. But would any hitting coach cause the Jays to hit better? Is there words you could use to get Vlad, Springer, Clement (92 OPS+), Giménez, Okamoto (100 OPS+), Lukes, Straw hitting better?

Should hitting coaches be fired at the end of every season? Maybe players tend to turn off the same voices, saying the same things.

Today’s LineupsMARINERSBLUE JAYSRandy Arozarena – LFBrett Bateman – CFDominic Canzone – DHNathan Lukes – RFJulio Rodriguez – CFVladimir Guerrero – 1BJosh Naylor – 1BGeorge Springer – DHCal Raleigh – CJesus Sanchez – LFCole Young – 2BKazuma Okamoto – 3BTaylor Ward – RFAndres Gimenez – SSJ.P. Crawford – 3BErnie Clement – 2BBrock Rodden – SSBrandon Valenzuela – CEmerson Hancock – RHPDylan Cease – RHP