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This stat helps explain Blue Jays' 7-9 record
TL;DR
The Toronto Blue Jays currently hold a 7-9 record, largely due to their inability to hit home runs with runners in scoring position. They are the only team in baseball this season without a home run in such situations.
This stat helps explain Blue Jays' 7-9 record originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Toronto Blue Jays have a solid batting lineup, especially when the hitters are all clicking at the same time.
But compared to some teams in baseball, they're a bit lacking in one area.
The Blue Jays don't necessarily hit home runs with tons of guys on base.
In fact, according to Toronto radio host Ben Ennis, the Blue Jays are the only team in baseball this season to not hit a home run with a runner in scoring position yet:
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To be fair, that's not a straightforward stat.
For one, you can still hit two-run homers with a guy on first base, and it wouldn't check the box of that stat.
But it also shows that the Blue Jays don't necessarily have power all the way up and down their lineup, and that they might take different approaches with men on base.
Some teams are happy to swing for homers no matter where runners are.
At least some of the Toronto hitters are more of the traditional do-your-job sort of players who will do whatever it takes to get a runner in from third, even if it means no chance of a home run.
That's not necessarily a bad thing. Runs are runs.
But the Blue Jays, with lots of injuries, have begun the season 7-9. And sometimes the best source of a hot streak is to simply start hitting the ball out of the ballpark.
Right now, that's not something Toronto is doing a whole lot of.
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Q&A
Why do the Toronto Blue Jays have a 7-9 record this season?
The Blue Jays' 7-9 record is attributed to their lack of home runs with runners in scoring position, which has hindered their scoring opportunities.
What unique statistic do the Blue Jays hold in Major League Baseball this season?
The Blue Jays are the only team in MLB this season that has not hit a home run with a runner in scoring position.
How does the Blue Jays' batting lineup compare to other teams?
While the Blue Jays have a solid batting lineup, they struggle in capitalizing on scoring opportunities compared to other teams, particularly in hitting home runs with runners on base.
