Blue Jays Notes: Rain in Baltimore Ends Long Road Trip

Baltimore – John Schneider used to be a long-distance I was on an expedition. As a player, minor and member of the staff of his league manager, Charlie Montoyo.

But after eight rambling games over the past 10 days — and Wednesday's rain postponement — without rest in his three cities in the American League, The new Blue Jays manager is looking forward to CN Towers in sight.

"It feels like it's been 15 days," Schneider chuckled before Wednesday's game against the Orioles was rained out. “Three cities (Tampa Bay, Minnesota, Baltimore) are tough, three good teams. (against Cleveland and Baltimore) I hope to come back to start a good homestand.”

The Jays finished the trip with a 3-5 record. One hour and 10 minutes after Wednesday's scheduled start at Camden Yards, the late afternoon rain had held up. This was on top of his 78-minute rain and thunder delay on Tuesday when the Orioles ultimately won his 6-5 victory.

Wednesday's game he will play in the September 5th doubleheader. In his final 52 games, there are still 13 games left in the Toronto vs. Baltimore game.

Jose, can you see the house?

One Jay, not here Rodgers He is willing to change the start to Friday at center, but the scheduled starter Jose He was Berrios. Since his June 10th in Kansas City, he's had wildly different results at home and on road, as south of the border he's only won two. His four losses and five no-decision all stack up against his six home victories.

In his zone of comfort in Toronto, this right-hander won his 13th straight, set when Berrios defeated the Tigers on July 31. Beat the club record.

Schneider said it all "is a little disconcerting.

"The routine is obviously a little different on the road. I think he's better at home, but there's no real explanation for that.His (overall) track record is better anywhere."

While many civilians have been looking for shade around Camden Yards over the last few days, Bo Bichette was an avid sun worshiper.

"Like home," the Orlando, Fla. native said to teammates as he headed to his AC in his room dressing comfortably before the game.

The young shortstop elaborated on how to beat the heat.

"It's second nature to me now. I love getting out here and sweating. I might be a little drained after the game, but that's okay."

Southern cities such as MLB's two Texas franchises and Kansas City are often the hottest towns, especially during Dog Day in August, but Grove Life Field in Arlington now has a retractable has a roof.

Highs hit 80 degrees for him on Monday when this three-game set against the Orioles began, and he hit 93 degrees on Tuesday's first pitch.

"I think he's one of the hottest places here," Bichette said before Wednesday's cancellation. "You keep yourself hydrated. It's just baseball and focus is everything."

His father, Major Leaguer Dante Bichette, was born on his beach at West Palm. Giving Bo tips for dealing with the sun in Florida, Bo's mother Mariana was the most influential. I love getting a tan, but maybe I should use more sunscreen.”

Bishette traveled the Jays Fanfest caravan to various parts of Canada. Unfortunately the tour was a recent victim of COVID-19.

Homer on the Range

Schneider is happy to have managed Bichette on a Double A ball and turned his attacking mode into a powerful swing in the second half. He hit 17 homers this year, eight of them, and unlike Berrios' luck, the last nine came halfway.

"He uses that (opposite) right-central part of the field for his one purpose," Schneider noted. "We all know he's aggressive and that's how he hones it to swing on the right pitch. I've said it many times to be fairer than people.He's got a good swing on the right pitch now."

Bichette used to track too many low deliveries.

"This has been a tough year for him. He's been open about it. If he can stay on that side of the field with authority, he's in good shape." }

Bird Species

Schneider knew a little more about what happened Tuesday night. He had already put relief Zach Popp into the game. The Jays had just rallied with a three-run blast on Bichette. However, the long delay prevented Pop from throwing even one pitch. There was no rain for several minutes after the cover was put on, but high winds were expected and neither the workers nor the judges wanted people trying to tame the tarp during a gust of wind. "Just disappointing timing," Schneider said of Pop... pitcher Ross Stripling will begin rehab in Buffalo on Friday to try to overcome his hip strain injury... reliever Tim Mayza A dislocated shoulder) started a light catch, but returned.

lhornby@postmedia.com