Toronto opened September with a 5-4 loss at Cincinnati after rallying to take the lead in the ninth, only to see the bullpen stumble again. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. started a one-run top of the ninth with a bunt single, Bo Bichette delivered a towering four-hit day including a go-ahead homer, and Alejandro Kirk added an RBI hit. But the relievers couldn’t hold, leaving Toronto to chase a tighter AL East picture as Boston and New York press the margin.

Manager John Schneider signaled bullpen reshuffles ahead of the final stretch, hinting that rookie arms Braydon Fisher, Mason Fluharty and Ryan Borucki could eat more late-inning innings while closer usage remains unsettled. September’s stakes are high as the Jays try to fend off tightening rivals and keep pace down the stretch.