All eyes on GM Ross Atkins as Blue Jays attempt to bolster roster on Thursday's deadline day
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The Blue Jays will be active with various names already being bandied about, whether it's a starter or by adding to a bullpen that welcomed pending free agent Seranthony Dominguez from the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday in between games of a doubleheader.
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The righty faced his former team for the second game in a row on Wednesday in Toronto's 9-8 win, and had two strikeouts in his one inning on the mound.
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Toronto's bullpen, outside of Yariel Rodriguez, gave the Jays 4.1 scoreless innings in a much-needed victory with Brendon Little, Mason Fluharty, Braydon Fisher, Dominguez and Jeff Hoffman combining to record nine strikeouts, while yielding one hit and no runs.
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Given the amount of teams in need of bullpen depth, which includes the Blue Jays, the bidding will only intensify in the hours, even minutes, leading up to Thursday's deadline..
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Among the names being linked to the Jay are the likes of Pittsburgh's David Bednar and Dennis Santana, and Ryan Helsley of St. Louis.
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It would surprise many if the Jays don't add one, perhaps even two, bullpen arms.
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The Jays are also said to be in the market for a starting pitcher to bolster a staff that is not getting younger.
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A leadoff hitter won't hurt, with some believing Cleveland's Steven Kwan is high on the Jays' wish list.
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On Wednesday in Baltimore, Joey Loperfido hit leadoff for the Blue Jays. His first-inning single was part of his 3-for-5 day at the plate.
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He has been playing well since being called up from triple-A, and he may make a coveted trade piece if it brings back a quality arm.
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While the Jays were able to add a much-needed high-leverage reliever during their 4-4 road trip, they also lost Alejandro Kirk, who is expected to return from the seven-day concussion IL Sunday, George Springer, who was hit on the side of the head in the ninth inning of the series opener in Baltimore and did not play in any of the remaining three games, while Ernie Clement (wrist) and Loperfido (thumb) were dealing with issues.
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Outfielder Daulton Varsho is expected to return Friday when the Jays open a three-game series against the visiting Kansas City Royals, a key positional players who was last in the lineup on May 31 when he hurt his hamstring.
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It's safe to say the Jays will have a different look by the time Friday rolls around.
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Winnipeg Free Press
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Tough debut for Jays newcomers, but Schneider points to home runs as bigger issue
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