Toronto’s bullpen has quietly stabilized, posting a 3.98 ERA (13th in MLB) entering Wednesday and a 1.67 ERA over 37 2/3 innings in 11 games, second only to Seattle. Louis Varland is the lone reliever with more than one run allowed in that span, signaling a potential usage nuance for late innings.

Toronto’s franchise arc is back on track too: a 3,850-3,850 all-time win-loss ledger was secured with a 6-5 win over Tampa Bay. Santander is in a seven-inning rehab stint in Buffalo, 0-for-4 in the latest game and 4-for-22 overall, a sign of progress toward a potential return as the playoff push looms.

Paredes could rejoin Houston in the next day or two after a right hamstring strain, likely as a designated hitter on an alternating schedule with cautious baserunning early.

Alvarez’s ankle sprain leaves a power gap, so Paredes’ return would bolster the order and bring back on-base presence, giving Houston more run-creating potential as they battle Seattle.