Jim Clancy, a mainstay of the Toronto Blue Jays’ rotation during the franchise’s formative years, has died at the age of 69. The Blue Jays announced his passing on 14 July, without disclosing a cause of death.

Selected sixth overall in the 1976 MLB expansion draft, the right-hander debuted on 26 July 1977 and went on to spend 12 of his 15 big-league seasons with Toronto. Clancy earned his lone All-Star selection in 1982, finishing that year 16-14 with a 3.71 earned-run average and 139 strikeouts as the Blue Jays climbed out of the American League East basement for the first time.

Clancy helped anchor Toronto’s staff through its first division title in 1985 before signing with the Houston Astros in 1989 and later joining the Atlanta Braves’ bullpen, where he notched a World Series win in 1991. He retired with a 140-167 record, a 4.23 ERA and 1,422 strikeouts, ranking second in Blue Jays history in starts, innings pitched and complete games.

The Toronto Blue Jays used the eighth overall pick in the 2025 Major League Baseball draft to select JoJo Parker, an 18-year-old shortstop from Purvis High School in Mississippi. Parker is regarded as one of the top high-school position players in the class and becomes the highest-ever draft pick from his school.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound left-handed hitter batted .489 with 13 home runs, 64 runs scored and 35 RBIs in his senior season, while swiping 30 bases and leading Purvis to the Mississippi Class 4A state championship game. A two-way standout, Parker also posted an 8-2 record with a 2.77 ERA and 89 strikeouts over 55.2 innings.

Parker is committed to Mississippi State University, giving the Blue Jays a potential signability challenge; the No. 8 slot carries an assigned value of roughly $6.8 million. Toronto had been linked to several prep shortstops during the spring but ultimately opted for Parker’s athletic upside and advanced bat.

Drake made good on a plan he floated earlier this week by chartering a roughly $80 million private jet to fly U.S. livestreamers Adin Ross, members of the Nelk Boys and other content creators to London for the opening night of his three-day headline run at the Wireless Festival on 11 July.

During the trans-Atlantic trip, Ross broadcast continuously for about seven hours to an online audience of millions, using SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network for connectivity at 40,000 feet. Viewers reported no lag, underscoring Starlink’s growing utility for real-time, high-bandwidth applications in aviation.

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Toronto Blue Jays reliever Ryan Burr left Wednesday night’s game in the seventh inning with apparent discomfort in his right shoulder. Catcher Tyler Heineman motioned to the dugout after Burr missed with a 2-2 slider, prompting immediate removal.

Manager John Schneider said after the game that Burr will travel back to Toronto Wednesday night for an MRI. The right-hander had been activated from the injured list on July 5 after missing the season’s first three months with a shoulder issue.

The Toronto Blue Jays seized early control of their series opener in Chicago on Monday, building a 5–1 advantage over the White Sox behind a burst of power in the middle innings.

Rookie outfielder Joey Loperfido launched his first major-league home run and fellow call-up Nathan Lukes followed with his fifth of the season on the very next pitch in the fifth inning, turning a 1–1 tie into a 3–1 lead. One frame later, infielder Addison Barger added a two-run blast to provide additional cushion.

The game remains in progress at Guaranteed Rate Field.

Major League Baseball named Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer the American League Player of the Week after he powered the club to a perfect seven-game homestand. Springer hit .429 (12-for-28) with five home runs and 13 RBIs as Toronto swept four games from the New York Yankees and three from the Los Angeles Angels, extending its winning streak to eight and moving into first place in the AL East. It is the 35-year-old’s sixth career weekly honor and his first since 2021.

In the National League, Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch and Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler shared the award. Busch batted .565 (13-for-23) with four homers and seven RBIs, highlighted by a three-homer performance on July 4. Wheeler worked 17 innings over two starts, allowing one run on seven hits with 22 strikeouts and no walks, capped by a complete-game victory on July 6.

The weekly awards are the final set to be announced before the All-Star break, which begins July 13 in Atlanta.

Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk has been selected as a reserve for the American League in the 2025 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, marking his second career appearance after debuting in the midsummer showcase in 2022.

The 26-year-old enters the break hitting .301, the 11th-best average in the majors and second among catchers, alongside seven home runs and 41 runs batted in. Blue Jays manager John Schneider called the nod “so well deserved,” citing Kirk’s contributions on both offense and defense.

Kirk will join teammate Vladimir Guerrero Jr. when the All-Star Game is played on 15 July at Truist Park in Atlanta. He said the honour felt “very emotional” and noted that this year’s trip will be particularly meaningful because he will attend with his young daughter.

The Toronto Blue Jays edged the Los Angeles Angels 3–2 on Sunday at Rogers Centre, completing a three-game sweep and stretching their season-best winning streak to eight. Toronto improved to 52-38, maintaining first place in the American League East, while the Angels slipped to 43-46 after their third consecutive one-run loss.

Bo Bichette erased an early deficit with a leadoff home run in the fourth inning—his 12th of the year—and later scored the decisive run on Davis Schneider’s single down the left-field line in the sixth. Kevin Gausman struck out nine over 5⅔ innings, allowing two runs, and Jeff Hoffman notched his 22nd save. Angels starter Tyler Anderson was charged with three runs over five-plus innings, surrendering Bichette’s blast and Schneider’s RBI hit. Mike Trout opened the scoring with his 14th homer, but Los Angeles stranded 12 runners and finished 1-for-8 with men in scoring position.

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The Toronto Blue Jays have emerged as a dominant force in Major League Baseball, recently completing a four-game sweep of the New York Yankees to claim sole possession of first place in the American League East. The sweep included a standout performance by veteran George Springer, who hit multiple home runs, including a grand slam on Canada Day, and drove in a career-high seven RBIs in one game. Following the sweep, the Blue Jays extended their winning streak to a season-high ten games, marking their longest streak since 2015 and setting a new franchise record for most wins before the All-Star break at 54-38. The winning streak featured strong contributions across the lineup and effective pitching, including six innings from Chris Bassitt in a rain-shortened 6-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox. However, the streak ended with a narrow 2-1 loss to the White Sox, falling one win short of tying the franchise record for consecutive wins. Despite the loss, the Blue Jays remain atop the AL East with a 3.5-game lead and continue to be recognized for their improved defense, baserunning, and low strikeout rate, earning widespread support across Canada.

The Toronto Blue Jays have placed outfielder Anthony Santander on the 60-day injured list due to a shoulder injury, with the team noting he is approximately a week away from resuming hitting but remains ineligible to return until the end of July. This move follows earlier indications that Santander might return before the All-Star break, but team officials have clarified there is no fundamental change in his status. Meanwhile, Daulton Varsho is progressing in his recovery from a hamstring injury, having run the bases and preparing for a rehab assignment. To fill the roster spot, the Blue Jays have called up right-handed pitcher Lazaro Estrada from Triple-A.

Estrada, 26, has a 4.75 ERA with 66 strikeouts and 21 walks over 60.2 innings this season as a starter in Triple-A. Known for his unique four-pitch mix including a high-riding fastball and effective secondary pitches that induce weak contact, Estrada is one of the longest-tenured arms in the Blue Jays system and was discovered in 2016 at a former Dominican Air Force base. Left-handed pitcher Justin Bruihl was optioned to Triple-A to clear space on the roster for Estrada.

The Toronto Blue Jays completed an 8-5 victory on Thursday to finish their first four-game home sweep of the New York Yankees, moving a game clear at the top of the American League East. Toronto has won 22 of its last 32 contests and, despite a modest run differential of roughly plus-9, now leads a Yankees club that still owns a triple-digit margin but has dropped 14 of 20.

The reversal has altered perceptions on and off the field. Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay said earlier in the week that “the Blue Jays are not a first-place team,” citing the statistical gap between the clubs. Sportsnet host Jamie Campbell answered on air with a broom and a reminder that “the standings prove it,” while Toronto manager John Schneider laughed off the criticism, noting his club’s ability to “find different ways to win.”

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The Toronto Blue Jays have surged to the top of the American League East after a dominant stretch of games, including a four-game sweep of the New York Yankees and a season-high 10-game winning streak. George Springer played a pivotal role, notably on Canada Day with a grand slam and seven RBIs in a 12-5 victory over the Yankees, and continued to deliver multiple home runs throughout the series. Addison Barger also contributed significantly with multiple home runs and clutch performances, including a walk-off single that extended the Blue Jays' winning streak. The Blue Jays' winning streak ended at 10 games following a 2-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox, just one shy of tying the franchise record.

Meanwhile, the Yankees saw strong offensive efforts from Aaron Judge, who hit his 34th home run of the season and reached 350 career home runs faster than any player in MLB history, and Giancarlo Stanton, who returned from injury and hit multiple home runs, including key pinch-hit and three-run shots. The Blue Jays currently hold a 3.5-game lead over the Yankees in the AL East as they head into their next series against the Oakland Athletics. Coverage of upcoming games continues on Sportsnet and other networks.

The Toronto Maple Leafs opened their summer development camp without top prospect Easton Cowan or fellow forward Landon Sim on the ice, opting to limit both players to off-ice work after heavy workloads during the 2024-25 season. Cowan, 20, logged more than 100 games while leading the London Knights to an Ontario Hockey League title and earning Memorial Cup MVP honours on 1 June. Assistant general manager of player development Hayley Wickenheiser said the decision allows Cowan to regain weight lost during the season and focus on strength training ahead of training camp in September.

Cowan enters camp viewed internally as a strong contender for an opening-night roster spot, particularly after the departures of Mitch Marner and Fraser Minten created forward vacancies. “I have the chance to get a job, and that’s up to me to show what I can do,” the 2023 first-round pick said. Wickenheiser added that Cowan’s NHL skills are clear but stressed puck management and conditioning as the final hurdles. “The money’s on him that he’ll be fit enough and prepared enough,” she said, adding that his readiness will be evident once main camp starts.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the star first baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays, has been named the American League starting first baseman for the MLB All-Star Game for the fourth time in five years. This marks his fifth career All-Star selection, bringing him halfway to surpassing his father, Vladimir Guerrero Sr., who was named to nine All-Star Games. Guerrero Jr. led all Phase 2 voting for the American League and is set to bat fifth in the lineup.

The All-Star Game starting lineup for the American League includes notable players such as Gleyber Torres at second base, Riley Greene in left field, Aaron Judge in right field, Cal Raleigh as catcher, Ryan O'Hearn as designated hitter, Junior Caminero at third base, Javier Báez in center field, Jacob Wilson at shortstop, and Tarik Skubal as the starting pitcher. The game is scheduled for Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on MLB on FOX. The pitching matchup features Tarik Skubal for the American League and Paul Skenes for the National League.

Brad Treliving, general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, emphasized the team's focus on acquiring a top-six forward following the departure of star player Mitch Marner. Despite having approximately $5 million in salary cap space, Treliving indicated that the team is prioritizing finding the right fit over immediate spending, with time remaining before the season begins. The Leafs recently acquired Nic Petan in a trade to address positional needs. Treliving also highlighted the potential of young forward Matthew Knies, who is seen as a promising talent committed to the team. The organization acknowledges that replacing a player of Marner's caliber will not happen quickly, and the strategy includes providing opportunities for young forwards to develop. Meanwhile, other NHL teams like the Nashville Predators have focused on strengthening their defense and promoting young forwards to their lineup.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was initially out of the Toronto Blue Jays lineup on June 27 after being hit on the right forearm by a pitch but returned to hit third after treatment and batting cage swings, finishing 2-for-4 with three runs and a walk in the subsequent game. Blue Jays manager John Schneider reported Guerrero was sore but improving without the need for additional imaging. Anthony Santander is dealing with a partial shoulder dislocation and has not resumed hitting, with the team uncertain on his recovery timeline.

Reliever Yimi Garcia is close to returning after a rehab appearance in Triple-A Buffalo. Bo Bichette was scratched from the lineup on June 30 due to right knee discomfort after stepping on a ball during batting practice; no tests are planned, and his condition is considered day-to-day. George Springer sustained a knee-to-neck collision but is expected to be fine and available for the next game, although he initially had difficulty breathing. Max Scherzer left a game early due to thumb fatigue, which is being managed on a day-to-day basis.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have reached a six-year, $46.5 million contract extension with restricted free-agent forward Matthew Knies, securing the 22-year-old through the 2030-31 season at an average annual value of $7.75 million.

Knies is coming off a breakthrough 2024-25 campaign in which he scored 29 goals and 58 points across 78 regular-season games while skating on the club’s top line. He added five goals in 13 playoff appearances as Toronto advanced to the second round.

The deal, completed days before the July 1 offer-sheet window opens, covers Knies’ age-23 to age-28 seasons and gives the Maple Leafs cost certainty on a player drafted 57th overall in 2021 who has quickly become a fixture on both the power play and penalty kill.

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. exited Thursday’s matinee in Cleveland after a pitch from Guardians right-hander Tanner Bibee struck him on the right forearm in the third inning. X-rays were negative, but the Blue Jays removed the 25-year-old before the bottom of the fourth. In apparent retaliation, Toronto starter Kevin Gausman hit Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez to open the next frame; both clubs were warned and Ramirez also left with a forearm contusion.

Guerrero was not in Toronto’s starting lineup for Friday’s series opener at Fenway Park. Manager John Schneider said the slugger is “sore, but all right,” needs no further imaging and will be evaluated day-to-day. Guerrero planned to test his grip in the batting cage during the game, while utility infielder Ernie Clement started at first base.

Guerrero is batting .287 with 11 home runs this season and remains central to a Blue Jays offense already dealing with injuries elsewhere on the roster. Toronto, which took two of three in Cleveland, opens a three-game weekend set against the Boston Red Sox before returning home next week.

John Tavares has signed a four-year contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $4.38 million and a total value of $17.52 million. The deal was confirmed by the Maple Leafs on June 27, 2025, ahead of Tavares hitting free agency. The contract represents a substantial pay cut compared to the open market, where Tavares was reportedly offered two-year deals worth $8 million annually. The extension is viewed as a hometown discount and provides the Maple Leafs with salary cap flexibility, allowing them to potentially retain other players such as Michael Knies. The agreement ensures Tavares will remain a key center for Toronto for the next four seasons.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have re-signed alternate captain John Tavares to a four-year, US$17.52 million contract extension, cementing the 34-year-old centre’s place with his hometown club through the 2028-29 NHL season. The agreement was announced Friday, four days before Tavares would have been eligible for unrestricted free agency.

The deal carries a US$4.38 million average annual value and features a full no-move clause for the first two seasons before converting to a five-team trade list, according to people familiar with the contract. Compensation is front-loaded: Tavares will earn US$1 million in salary and a US$4.5 million signing bonus in Year 1, with another US$1 million salary and US$4 million bonus in Year 2. Years 3 and 4 pay US$3.7 million and US$1.8 million, respectively, plus a US$2 million signing-bonus payment deferred until five years after the contract expires—a mechanism that will be outlawed under the NHL’s next collective bargaining agreement starting in 2026-27.

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Jim Clancy, a mainstay of the Toronto Blue Jays’ rotation during the franchise’s formative years, has died at the age of 69. The Blue Jays announced his passing on 14 July, without disclosing a cause of death.

Selected sixth overall in the 1976 MLB expansion draft, the right-hander debuted on 26 July 1977 and went on to spend 12 of his 15 big-league seasons with Toronto. Clancy earned his lone All-Star selection in 1982, finishing that year 16-14 with a 3.71 earned-run average and 139 strikeouts as the Blue Jays climbed out of the American League East basement for the first time.

Clancy helped anchor Toronto’s staff through its first division title in 1985 before signing with the Houston Astros in 1989 and later joining the Atlanta Braves’ bullpen, where he notched a World Series win in 1991. He retired with a 140-167 record, a 4.23 ERA and 1,422 strikeouts, ranking second in Blue Jays history in starts, innings pitched and complete games.

The Toronto Blue Jays used the eighth overall pick in the 2025 Major League Baseball draft to select JoJo Parker, an 18-year-old shortstop from Purvis High School in Mississippi. Parker is regarded as one of the top high-school position players in the class and becomes the highest-ever draft pick from his school.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound left-handed hitter batted .489 with 13 home runs, 64 runs scored and 35 RBIs in his senior season, while swiping 30 bases and leading Purvis to the Mississippi Class 4A state championship game. A two-way standout, Parker also posted an 8-2 record with a 2.77 ERA and 89 strikeouts over 55.2 innings.

Parker is committed to Mississippi State University, giving the Blue Jays a potential signability challenge; the No. 8 slot carries an assigned value of roughly $6.8 million. Toronto had been linked to several prep shortstops during the spring but ultimately opted for Parker’s athletic upside and advanced bat.

Drake made good on a plan he floated earlier this week by chartering a roughly $80 million private jet to fly U.S. livestreamers Adin Ross, members of the Nelk Boys and other content creators to London for the opening night of his three-day headline run at the Wireless Festival on 11 July.

During the trans-Atlantic trip, Ross broadcast continuously for about seven hours to an online audience of millions, using SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network for connectivity at 40,000 feet. Viewers reported no lag, underscoring Starlink’s growing utility for real-time, high-bandwidth applications in aviation.

Read more

Toronto Blue Jays reliever Ryan Burr left Wednesday night’s game in the seventh inning with apparent discomfort in his right shoulder. Catcher Tyler Heineman motioned to the dugout after Burr missed with a 2-2 slider, prompting immediate removal.

Manager John Schneider said after the game that Burr will travel back to Toronto Wednesday night for an MRI. The right-hander had been activated from the injured list on July 5 after missing the season’s first three months with a shoulder issue.

The Toronto Blue Jays seized early control of their series opener in Chicago on Monday, building a 5–1 advantage over the White Sox behind a burst of power in the middle innings.

Rookie outfielder Joey Loperfido launched his first major-league home run and fellow call-up Nathan Lukes followed with his fifth of the season on the very next pitch in the fifth inning, turning a 1–1 tie into a 3–1 lead. One frame later, infielder Addison Barger added a two-run blast to provide additional cushion.

The game remains in progress at Guaranteed Rate Field.

Major League Baseball named Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer the American League Player of the Week after he powered the club to a perfect seven-game homestand. Springer hit .429 (12-for-28) with five home runs and 13 RBIs as Toronto swept four games from the New York Yankees and three from the Los Angeles Angels, extending its winning streak to eight and moving into first place in the AL East. It is the 35-year-old’s sixth career weekly honor and his first since 2021.

In the National League, Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch and Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler shared the award. Busch batted .565 (13-for-23) with four homers and seven RBIs, highlighted by a three-homer performance on July 4. Wheeler worked 17 innings over two starts, allowing one run on seven hits with 22 strikeouts and no walks, capped by a complete-game victory on July 6.

The weekly awards are the final set to be announced before the All-Star break, which begins July 13 in Atlanta.

Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk has been selected as a reserve for the American League in the 2025 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, marking his second career appearance after debuting in the midsummer showcase in 2022.

The 26-year-old enters the break hitting .301, the 11th-best average in the majors and second among catchers, alongside seven home runs and 41 runs batted in. Blue Jays manager John Schneider called the nod “so well deserved,” citing Kirk’s contributions on both offense and defense.

Kirk will join teammate Vladimir Guerrero Jr. when the All-Star Game is played on 15 July at Truist Park in Atlanta. He said the honour felt “very emotional” and noted that this year’s trip will be particularly meaningful because he will attend with his young daughter.

The Toronto Blue Jays edged the Los Angeles Angels 3–2 on Sunday at Rogers Centre, completing a three-game sweep and stretching their season-best winning streak to eight. Toronto improved to 52-38, maintaining first place in the American League East, while the Angels slipped to 43-46 after their third consecutive one-run loss.

Bo Bichette erased an early deficit with a leadoff home run in the fourth inning—his 12th of the year—and later scored the decisive run on Davis Schneider’s single down the left-field line in the sixth. Kevin Gausman struck out nine over 5⅔ innings, allowing two runs, and Jeff Hoffman notched his 22nd save. Angels starter Tyler Anderson was charged with three runs over five-plus innings, surrendering Bichette’s blast and Schneider’s RBI hit. Mike Trout opened the scoring with his 14th homer, but Los Angeles stranded 12 runners and finished 1-for-8 with men in scoring position.

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The Toronto Blue Jays have emerged as a dominant force in Major League Baseball, recently completing a four-game sweep of the New York Yankees to claim sole possession of first place in the American League East. The sweep included a standout performance by veteran George Springer, who hit multiple home runs, including a grand slam on Canada Day, and drove in a career-high seven RBIs in one game. Following the sweep, the Blue Jays extended their winning streak to a season-high ten games, marking their longest streak since 2015 and setting a new franchise record for most wins before the All-Star break at 54-38. The winning streak featured strong contributions across the lineup and effective pitching, including six innings from Chris Bassitt in a rain-shortened 6-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox. However, the streak ended with a narrow 2-1 loss to the White Sox, falling one win short of tying the franchise record for consecutive wins. Despite the loss, the Blue Jays remain atop the AL East with a 3.5-game lead and continue to be recognized for their improved defense, baserunning, and low strikeout rate, earning widespread support across Canada.

The Toronto Blue Jays have placed outfielder Anthony Santander on the 60-day injured list due to a shoulder injury, with the team noting he is approximately a week away from resuming hitting but remains ineligible to return until the end of July. This move follows earlier indications that Santander might return before the All-Star break, but team officials have clarified there is no fundamental change in his status. Meanwhile, Daulton Varsho is progressing in his recovery from a hamstring injury, having run the bases and preparing for a rehab assignment. To fill the roster spot, the Blue Jays have called up right-handed pitcher Lazaro Estrada from Triple-A.

Estrada, 26, has a 4.75 ERA with 66 strikeouts and 21 walks over 60.2 innings this season as a starter in Triple-A. Known for his unique four-pitch mix including a high-riding fastball and effective secondary pitches that induce weak contact, Estrada is one of the longest-tenured arms in the Blue Jays system and was discovered in 2016 at a former Dominican Air Force base. Left-handed pitcher Justin Bruihl was optioned to Triple-A to clear space on the roster for Estrada.

The Toronto Blue Jays completed an 8-5 victory on Thursday to finish their first four-game home sweep of the New York Yankees, moving a game clear at the top of the American League East. Toronto has won 22 of its last 32 contests and, despite a modest run differential of roughly plus-9, now leads a Yankees club that still owns a triple-digit margin but has dropped 14 of 20.

The reversal has altered perceptions on and off the field. Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay said earlier in the week that “the Blue Jays are not a first-place team,” citing the statistical gap between the clubs. Sportsnet host Jamie Campbell answered on air with a broom and a reminder that “the standings prove it,” while Toronto manager John Schneider laughed off the criticism, noting his club’s ability to “find different ways to win.”

Read more

The Toronto Blue Jays have surged to the top of the American League East after a dominant stretch of games, including a four-game sweep of the New York Yankees and a season-high 10-game winning streak. George Springer played a pivotal role, notably on Canada Day with a grand slam and seven RBIs in a 12-5 victory over the Yankees, and continued to deliver multiple home runs throughout the series. Addison Barger also contributed significantly with multiple home runs and clutch performances, including a walk-off single that extended the Blue Jays' winning streak. The Blue Jays' winning streak ended at 10 games following a 2-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox, just one shy of tying the franchise record.

Meanwhile, the Yankees saw strong offensive efforts from Aaron Judge, who hit his 34th home run of the season and reached 350 career home runs faster than any player in MLB history, and Giancarlo Stanton, who returned from injury and hit multiple home runs, including key pinch-hit and three-run shots. The Blue Jays currently hold a 3.5-game lead over the Yankees in the AL East as they head into their next series against the Oakland Athletics. Coverage of upcoming games continues on Sportsnet and other networks.

The Toronto Maple Leafs opened their summer development camp without top prospect Easton Cowan or fellow forward Landon Sim on the ice, opting to limit both players to off-ice work after heavy workloads during the 2024-25 season. Cowan, 20, logged more than 100 games while leading the London Knights to an Ontario Hockey League title and earning Memorial Cup MVP honours on 1 June. Assistant general manager of player development Hayley Wickenheiser said the decision allows Cowan to regain weight lost during the season and focus on strength training ahead of training camp in September.

Cowan enters camp viewed internally as a strong contender for an opening-night roster spot, particularly after the departures of Mitch Marner and Fraser Minten created forward vacancies. “I have the chance to get a job, and that’s up to me to show what I can do,” the 2023 first-round pick said. Wickenheiser added that Cowan’s NHL skills are clear but stressed puck management and conditioning as the final hurdles. “The money’s on him that he’ll be fit enough and prepared enough,” she said, adding that his readiness will be evident once main camp starts.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the star first baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays, has been named the American League starting first baseman for the MLB All-Star Game for the fourth time in five years. This marks his fifth career All-Star selection, bringing him halfway to surpassing his father, Vladimir Guerrero Sr., who was named to nine All-Star Games. Guerrero Jr. led all Phase 2 voting for the American League and is set to bat fifth in the lineup.

The All-Star Game starting lineup for the American League includes notable players such as Gleyber Torres at second base, Riley Greene in left field, Aaron Judge in right field, Cal Raleigh as catcher, Ryan O'Hearn as designated hitter, Junior Caminero at third base, Javier Báez in center field, Jacob Wilson at shortstop, and Tarik Skubal as the starting pitcher. The game is scheduled for Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on MLB on FOX. The pitching matchup features Tarik Skubal for the American League and Paul Skenes for the National League.

Brad Treliving, general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, emphasized the team's focus on acquiring a top-six forward following the departure of star player Mitch Marner. Despite having approximately $5 million in salary cap space, Treliving indicated that the team is prioritizing finding the right fit over immediate spending, with time remaining before the season begins. The Leafs recently acquired Nic Petan in a trade to address positional needs. Treliving also highlighted the potential of young forward Matthew Knies, who is seen as a promising talent committed to the team. The organization acknowledges that replacing a player of Marner's caliber will not happen quickly, and the strategy includes providing opportunities for young forwards to develop. Meanwhile, other NHL teams like the Nashville Predators have focused on strengthening their defense and promoting young forwards to their lineup.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was initially out of the Toronto Blue Jays lineup on June 27 after being hit on the right forearm by a pitch but returned to hit third after treatment and batting cage swings, finishing 2-for-4 with three runs and a walk in the subsequent game. Blue Jays manager John Schneider reported Guerrero was sore but improving without the need for additional imaging. Anthony Santander is dealing with a partial shoulder dislocation and has not resumed hitting, with the team uncertain on his recovery timeline.

Reliever Yimi Garcia is close to returning after a rehab appearance in Triple-A Buffalo. Bo Bichette was scratched from the lineup on June 30 due to right knee discomfort after stepping on a ball during batting practice; no tests are planned, and his condition is considered day-to-day. George Springer sustained a knee-to-neck collision but is expected to be fine and available for the next game, although he initially had difficulty breathing. Max Scherzer left a game early due to thumb fatigue, which is being managed on a day-to-day basis.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have reached a six-year, $46.5 million contract extension with restricted free-agent forward Matthew Knies, securing the 22-year-old through the 2030-31 season at an average annual value of $7.75 million.

Knies is coming off a breakthrough 2024-25 campaign in which he scored 29 goals and 58 points across 78 regular-season games while skating on the club’s top line. He added five goals in 13 playoff appearances as Toronto advanced to the second round.

The deal, completed days before the July 1 offer-sheet window opens, covers Knies’ age-23 to age-28 seasons and gives the Maple Leafs cost certainty on a player drafted 57th overall in 2021 who has quickly become a fixture on both the power play and penalty kill.

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. exited Thursday’s matinee in Cleveland after a pitch from Guardians right-hander Tanner Bibee struck him on the right forearm in the third inning. X-rays were negative, but the Blue Jays removed the 25-year-old before the bottom of the fourth. In apparent retaliation, Toronto starter Kevin Gausman hit Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez to open the next frame; both clubs were warned and Ramirez also left with a forearm contusion.

Guerrero was not in Toronto’s starting lineup for Friday’s series opener at Fenway Park. Manager John Schneider said the slugger is “sore, but all right,” needs no further imaging and will be evaluated day-to-day. Guerrero planned to test his grip in the batting cage during the game, while utility infielder Ernie Clement started at first base.

Guerrero is batting .287 with 11 home runs this season and remains central to a Blue Jays offense already dealing with injuries elsewhere on the roster. Toronto, which took two of three in Cleveland, opens a three-game weekend set against the Boston Red Sox before returning home next week.

John Tavares has signed a four-year contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $4.38 million and a total value of $17.52 million. The deal was confirmed by the Maple Leafs on June 27, 2025, ahead of Tavares hitting free agency. The contract represents a substantial pay cut compared to the open market, where Tavares was reportedly offered two-year deals worth $8 million annually. The extension is viewed as a hometown discount and provides the Maple Leafs with salary cap flexibility, allowing them to potentially retain other players such as Michael Knies. The agreement ensures Tavares will remain a key center for Toronto for the next four seasons.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have re-signed alternate captain John Tavares to a four-year, US$17.52 million contract extension, cementing the 34-year-old centre’s place with his hometown club through the 2028-29 NHL season. The agreement was announced Friday, four days before Tavares would have been eligible for unrestricted free agency.

The deal carries a US$4.38 million average annual value and features a full no-move clause for the first two seasons before converting to a five-team trade list, according to people familiar with the contract. Compensation is front-loaded: Tavares will earn US$1 million in salary and a US$4.5 million signing bonus in Year 1, with another US$1 million salary and US$4 million bonus in Year 2. Years 3 and 4 pay US$3.7 million and US$1.8 million, respectively, plus a US$2 million signing-bonus payment deferred until five years after the contract expires—a mechanism that will be outlawed under the NHL’s next collective bargaining agreement starting in 2026-27.

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