At the trade deadline, the Blue Jays traded some players. Then they started winning a bunch of baseball games.
It happens sometimes, but it's still strange.
Until proven otherwise, the Blue Jays will therefore fight for their spot in the playoffs. And they have to do it without some key players.
Even though some new additions (Jose Soriano, Brett Bateman) are helping the team stay competitive despite the departures, some key players have left.
Kevin Gausman is a good example. He was so well-liked in the city—by fans and people within the organization—and his departure has left its mark.
The proof?
Shane Biber shared several photos on Instagram, including one with Gausman. When a fan pointed this out, Biber said he'd shared the photo because he misses him.
At least that's clear.
Shane Bieber's reply to a comment on his latest Instagram post
(
: shanebieber/IG, h/t @tosports13) pic.twitter.com/WNJ8JWDvUm
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 18, 2026
Of course, if the Blue Jays had started winning before the trade deadline, Gausman might still be in town.
And the team wouldn't necessarily be looking for a starting pitcher right now.
Because yes, as we speak, the team is still figuring out what to do about the fifth starter spot.
And using the off-days to give Dylan Cease more starts isn't ideal…
On that note, it's worth mentioning that Spencer Arrighetti could make his next start in Toronto (rather than in Buffalo), but nothing has been decided yet.
The Blue Jays might send him back down again so he can increase his workload. But at least he isn't feeling any pain in his foot while pitching.
Spencer Arrighetti got through his rehab outing without pain in his foot. Will throw a bullpen this week.
There's a chance he'll come off the IL and make his next start with the #BlueJays, but he might need another rehab start to build up his pitch count
— Mitch Bannon (@MitchBannon) August 18, 2026

- Edwin Díaz on the injured list.
The Dodgers are still working to officially determine the nature of Edwin Díaz's injury, but a source says it's believed to be related to his upper body and not his surgically repaired elbow. It's also worth noting Díaz's decreased fastball velocity last night: https://t.co/0Xzd2R2aqG
— Katie Woo (@katiejwoo) August 18, 2026
- Aaron Judge will begin hitting this week.
Aaron Judge will begin his hitting progression this week, Boone said.
— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) August 18, 2026
- Garrett Crochet can throw a bit. And Roman Anthony will play baseball (AA) tonight.
Garrett Crochet is throwing on the Fenway grass before tonight's game
pic.twitter.com/vo5Zbuk2yT
— NESN (@NESN) August 18, 2026
- Concussion: Vladdy is doing better.
Guerrero will also be hitting in the batting cages on Tuesday. He's still considered day-to-day.
The Blue Jays are hopeful that Guerrero's stint on the IL will be brief. He's eligible to come off the IL on Saturday. https://t.co/6vIePwXc4j
— Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) August 18, 2026
- Lenyn Sosa to Triple-A.
Lenyn Sosa is heading to Triple-A Buffalo after clearing outright assignment waivers and being reinstated from the 60-day IL, the Blue Jays announced. pic.twitter.com/RC4CMNbK7Q
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 18, 2026
Created by humans, assisted by AI.

: shanebieber/IG, h/t