Bo Bichette homered for the first time, Blue Jays comeback from an 8-1 deficit, but lose 10-9 to the Yankees

The shortstop is arguably the team’s best player and one of the best hitters in the league. Bichette had a terrific 2023 season, and I’d be expecting much of the same in 2024.

Steward Berroa hit the other Blue Jays home run on Saturday, his first of the spring. The outfielder has 80-grade speed, great defence in the outfield, and has some pop in his game. Moreover, I’ve given him an 80 grade in fun, because he’s one of the most enjoyable minor leaguers to watch.

Paolo Espino started the game for the Blue Jays, finishing with a line of 4 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 4 K with a home run given up. Despite the rough outing, Espino’s ERA now resides at 3.75 and he’s had a pretty good Spring Training.

Daulton Varsho reached base in all three of his plate appearances, hitting two singles and walking once. Moreover, he stole three bases, using his good speed to move into scoring position. I would love to see him do this more in 2024.

The Blue Jays had 14 hits in total, with Berroa and Varsho each having two hit games, while George Springer, Bichette, Rafael Lantigua, Nathan Lukes, Max McDowell, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Eduardo Escobar, Santiago Espinal, and Payton Henry picked up a hit in this game.

Brendon Little’s cutter is a good pitcher, but the left-handed pitcher had another rough outing in his two thirds of an inning of work, giving up three earned runs. His ERA now sits at 9.53.

Brandon Eisert had the only outing without giving up a run, as he finished his outing with a line of 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K. The left-handed pitcher’s ERA now sits at 4.05 for the spring.

Hagen Danner picked up the blown save and the loss, finishing with a line of 1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, with a home run given up in the bottom of the eighth. Last season, the long ball plagued him, but despite that, the future looks bright for the catcher turned reliever.

The Blue Jays will have a chance to return to .500 on Sunday, as they’ll head to Clearwater, Florida, to face off against the Philadelphia Phillies. José Berríos will start that game, and we’re going to get our first look at Joey Votto in the lineup! That game will be at 1:05 PM ET.