The Toronto Blue Jays' struggles continued on Friday night as they fell 6-3 to the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in Phoenix. The loss marks Toronto's fifth defeat in their last six games, deepening concerns for the team early in the 2026 MLB season.
Michael Soroka Shines on the Mound
Calgary right-hander Michael Soroka delivered a standout performance for Arizona, pitching seven innings and allowing just five hits and two runs. Soroka, who walked none and struck out five, improved his record to 4-0, tying him with the Los Angeles Angels' Jose Soriano for the major league lead in wins among starting pitchers. This is a remarkable turnaround for Soroka, who just two years ago endured a challenging 0-10 season with the Chicago White Sox.
Diamondbacks' Offensive Surge
Arizona's offense provided ample support, with Nolan Arenado hitting his third home run of the season in the fourth inning. Arenado also drove in another run in the seventh after a fielding error by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. allowed a run to score. Corbin Carroll and Jose Fernandez added RBI singles in the fifth inning off Blue Jays pitcher Eric Lauer, who took the loss after allowing three runs over five innings.
Toronto managed to score runs in the sixth and eighth innings. Myles Straw hit his first home run of the season in the sixth, while Guerrero Jr. contributed an RBI single in the eighth. However, the Blue Jays' efforts were not enough to overcome Arizona's lead.
Bullpen and Injury Updates
Jonathan Loaisiga relieved Soroka in the eighth, giving up a run but striking out Jesus Sanchez to end the threat. Paul Sewald closed the game in the ninth, earning his major league-leading seventh save. For Toronto, Braydon Fisher started as the opener, pitching one inning before being replaced by Lauer.
Injury concerns arose for the Blue Jays when centre fielder Daulton Varsho exited the game in the third inning with left knee discomfort, replaced by Myles Straw. Additionally, manager John Schneider announced that starting pitcher Trey Yesavage is scheduled for one more minor-league start with triple-A Buffalo before rejoining the major-league team.
The Blue Jays will look to bounce back in their next game as they aim to reverse their recent losing streak and improve their standing in the league.
