The Toronto Blue Jays' promising road trip has taken a downturn, as they fell 7-3 to the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday night, marking their fourth consecutive loss. Left-handed veteran Patrick Corbin, who had been a revelation for the injury-plagued Jays, experienced his first rough outing since joining the rotation.
Corbin's Uncharacteristic Performance
Corbin, 36, allowed four runs over six innings, the first time he surrendered more than three runs since his initial start with the team. The damage came in the second and third innings, both times after he recorded two quick outs. In the second, a walk to Eli White led to a stolen base and a run-scoring single by Ha-Seong Kim. In the third, consecutive hits by Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, and a three-run homer by Mauricio Dubon put the Braves ahead 4-0.
Despite the loss, Corbin has been a savior for the Jays, who have been scrambling for starting pitching due to injuries. He has made 10 starts, keeping the team competitive in each.
Braves Pull Away Late
The Braves added insurance in the seventh inning when Ozzie Albies hit a three-run homer off reliever Adam Macko. The Jays managed a solo homer from rookie Brandon Valenzuela in the ninth, but it was too little, too late. Atlanta, with the best record in MLB, cruised to victory.
Jays' Road Trip Sours
The loss erased the gains from a four-game winning streak earlier in the trip. The Blue Jays will finish their series in Atlanta on Thursday with another bullpen game before returning home for a nine-game homestand starting Friday against the Baltimore Orioles.
Trade Acquisition: Simeon Woods Richardson
In a move to bolster their pitching depth, the Blue Jays acquired former top prospect Simeon Woods Richardson from the Minnesota Twins in a trade. The 25-year-old right-hander has struggled this season, posting an 0-7 record with a 7.74 ERA, but the Jays hope pitching coach Pete Walker can turn his career around. Woods Richardson was originally traded to the Twins in the Jose Berrios deal.
Injury Updates
Catcher Alejandro Kirk began a rehab assignment with Class-A Dunedin, hitting a home run in his first at-bat. His return will provide a boost to the lineup, which has missed his bat. George Springer did not play Wednesday, as he continues to nurse a broken toe. With Nathan Lukes performing well, the team may opt to give Springer more time to heal. Jesus Sanchez returned to the starting lineup after a wrist injury, going 0-for-4.
