Ben Nicholson-Smith

Toronto

MLB Editor at Sportsnet Canada

@Sportsnet | Articles: https://t.co/YGHlbijGGu | Podcast: https://t.co/r4FQEWpCO5

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Articles

Blue Jays loss raises questions about rotation, lack of homers

4 days ago | sportsnet.ca | Ben Nicholson-Smith

TORONTO – When quality starting pitching is paired with small ball, some satisfying, hard-fought wins will often follow. Yet once the quality of pitching drops off, bunts, sac flies and singles are no longer enough to overcome big deficits and momentum disappears quickly.
Springer's A-swing driving offensive bounce back for Blue Jays

5 days ago | sportsnet.ca | Ben Nicholson-Smith

TORONTO – Watching George Springer from across the field last year, David Popkins saw a player who’d drifted away from some of the things that made him a four-time all-star. Though he was known as a legitimate power threat for years, Springer slugged just .371 in 2024 on his way to 19 home runs, his lowest ever full-season total.
Blue Jays overcome mistakes, complete comeback over Orioles

1 week ago | sportsnet.ca | Ben Nicholson-Smith

BALTIMORE – As the afternoon wore on and the missed opportunities and occasional flashes of brilliance piled up at Camden Yards, it became clear that Sunday would either be infuriating or joyful for the Toronto Blue Jays. But after a tenth inning rally in which Myles Straw drove home the go-ahead run on an infield single, Jeff Hoffman dominated the team that flunked his physical on the way to an impressive 7-6 win.
Blue Jays lose despite Santander's successful return to Baltimore

1 week ago | sportsnet.ca | Ben Nicholson-Smith

BALTIMORE – Muscle memory took over for Anthony Santander at Camden Yards Saturday afternoon. Long before first pitch he had to pick up a delivery, so he walked along the ballpark's service level toward the right field line, where he’d always gone as an Orioles player. But realizing he was now a visitor at the ballpark he’d called home for the last eight years, he turned around and headed to the appropriate entrance then back to the Blue Jays’ clubhouse. “Kind of weird,” he acknowledged.
Blue Jays relivers get rest after rain postpones game vs. Orioles

1 week ago | sportsnet.ca | Ben Nicholson-Smith

BALTIMORE – With rain falling in Baltimore and bad weather expected late into the evening, the Orioles and Blue Jays postponed Friday night’s series opener and scheduled a doubleheader for July. The forecast for Saturday remains questionable, and while the weather looks better on Sunday, schedule makers chose to make the game up on July 29, when the Orioles and Blue Jays will play twice, two days before the trade deadline.
Why Guerrero Jr.'s new deal has big win-win potential for Blue Jays

2 weeks ago | sportsnet.ca | Ben Nicholson-Smith

TORONTO — The implications of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s pending deal with the Toronto Blue Jays are far reaching, but at its core this agreement happened because it should benefit all involved. It’s a huge number — $500 million over 14 years with no deferrals or opt-outs — so of course there’s risk here, and certainly some sticker shock.
Scherzer’s next steps clearer after visit with specialist

3 weeks ago | msn.com | Ben Nicholson-Smith

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Scherzer's next steps clearer after visit with specialist

3 weeks ago | sportsnet.ca | Ben Nicholson-Smith

TORONTO — A visit to a hand specialist led to a cortisone shot for Max Scherzer, who returned to Rogers Centre hopeful that he can start playing catch again before long. At this point, it’s too soon to determine when Scherzer will be able to get off a mound again, let alone pitch in a major-league game. But if nothing else, a plan is now in place with the cortisone shot intended to reduce inflammation and pain in his right thumb.
New torpedo bats spark debate, experimentation with Blue Jays

3 weeks ago | sportsnet.ca | Ben Nicholson-Smith

TORONTO — The Yankees hit nine home runs with help from some oddly shaped bats Saturday afternoon, and the baseball world took notice. By Monday, some hitters were placing orders for the so-called torpedo bats while others were already a little exasperated by the topic and their coaches were reaching for the rulebook. But it’s all legal, so these new bats with the bigger-than-usual barrels and the tapered ends aren’t going anywhere.
Blue Jays' pitching depth could be tested sooner than expected

3 weeks ago | bvmsports.com | Ben Nicholson-Smith

By Ben Nicholson-Smith via Sportsnet.ca, TORONTO - Some uncomfortable changes may be required on the Blue Jays' pitching staff after Max Scherzer dealt with lat soreness Saturday and his replacements struggled in relief. A stint on the injured list will have to be considered after Scherzer said his recent lat issues are "100 per cent related to the thumb" issue he dealt with in spring training.