Texas’ late-game bullpen woes have overshadowed a solid Jacob deGrom start and left the Rangers mired in a rough stretch as they slide under .500. Three straight late-inning meltowns by high-leverage arms, including Coulombe and Maton, have undone a 3-0 lead after deGrom’s five scoreless innings, with Higashioka delivering a three-run blast for Toronto. Bochy’s juggling of the bullpen — and his plan to reintroduce deGrom and softer entry points for Garcia — underscores a broader season-long struggle: Texas’ bottom-five offense must find a spark in the final 40 games. The Jays rallied with a Kirk two-run shot and Barger's RBI single, turning a potential Texas win into a heartbreaking loss as the series opened at Rogers Centre. Houston remains atop the West, while the Rangers chase the difficult path to a postseason spot, needing sharper bullpen performance and more timely offense in a seven-game stretch that could define their roster leverage down the stretch.

Beyond the bullpen chaos, the Rangers leaned on deGrom’s best start in weeks, but the damage came from running out of late-inning answers. The club’s offseason bullpen depth had carried them for much of the season, but injuries and timing have pinched the back end. Milner’s usage and Garcia’s return plan loom large as Bochy navigates a crowded bullpen with Chris Martin sidelined by a calf setback. The Jays’ late rally underscored how quickly momentum can swing in a 6-5 loss, forcing Texas to recalibrate its closing and setup roles as they push toward a daunting remaining schedule.

Kevin Kiermaier returns to the Toronto Blue Jays as a special assistant and outfield specialist after a successful stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers, culminating in a World Series title. Embracing his new role, he is eager to mentor younger players while leveraging his extensive experience and defensive prowess, bolstered by four Gold Glove awards during his career.

Toronto's coaching staff, including manager John Schneider, is thrilled about Kiermaier's impact on player development, particularly in the outfield. Known for his instincts and athleticism, Kiermaier aims to share his knowledge while enjoying this new chapter, as he reflects on a fulfilling baseball journey.

Kevin Kiermaier's return to the Toronto Blue Jays marks a significant transition in his career as he embraces a new role as a special assistant focusing on outfield development. Having capped off his 12-year MLB career with a World Series title alongside the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kiermaier's extensive experience and accolades, including four Gold Gloves, position him as a vital asset for the Blue Jays. His return was met with warm reunions with former teammates and excitement from the coaching staff.

Now, as he engages with younger players and contributes his defensive acumen, Kiermaier aims to pass on his knowledge and love for the game. Manager John Schneider and GM Ross Atkins both praised his expertise in outfield play, emphasizing his potential influence on the team's development. Kiermaier himself expressed a heartfelt connection to mentoring players, relishing the opportunity to guide the next generation. This new chapter not only showcases his dedication to the sport but also highlights his enduring passion for baseball.

The Toronto Star has curated an impressive collection of sports photographs from the past year, showcasing some of the most memorable moments captured by their photographers. Among the highlights is a stunning image of Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz making a remarkable save against the Detroit Red Wings, where he caught the puck in his bare hand during a game on November 8. This moment exemplifies the skill and agility of professional athletes, and the unique perspective of the photographer made it all the more striking.

Another notable photograph features the Toronto Sceptres' victory over the Boston Fleet in the PWHL, where Hannah Miller scored the decisive goal in a 3-1 win. The shot captures the excitement of the new season, complete with fresh uniforms and vibrant energy at the Coca-Cola Coliseum, marking an important moment for women's hockey.

Beyond the action on the field, the emotional connection between athletes and fans is beautifully illustrated in a photograph of Olympic champion Summer McIntosh during a meet and greet with young swimmers. The joy captured as she receives a rose from young fans showcases the impact athletes have on their communities.

The collection also includes a candid shot of Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier, who missed a fly ball from Juan Soto, leading to an RBI double. This moment highlights the unpredictability of sports and the challenges players face in high-pressure situations.

Additionally, the return of Fred VanVleet to Toronto is marked by a touching image of him and Scottie Barnes, symbolizing the bond and growth of players within the franchise. The NHL All-Star Game also provided a memorable moment with Auston Matthews being introduced to a cheering crowd, embodying the dreams of young hockey players.

Photographers also captured the essence of Toronto's weather with images of athletes embracing outdoor sports despite unseasonably warm conditions. A shot of Max Robinson wing foiling at Cherry Beach reflects the adaptability of athletes in changing environments.

Finally, the collection includes a gripping photo from a Toronto Argonauts game, showing the defensive prowess of the team as linebacker Fraser Sopik takes down Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiver Josh Johnson. This image captures the intensity and physicality of Canadian football, illustrating the excitement of the sport.

The Toronto Blue Jays had a disappointing 2024 season, finishing with a 74-88 record and missing the playoffs. However, they excelled defensively, winning the American League Team Gold Glove Award for the second consecutive year. Daulton Varsho earned an individual Gold Glove, while Ernie Clement was nominated.

Despite their defensive prowess, the team struggled with injuries, particularly to Bo Bichette, who had a subpar season. Looking ahead to 2025, the Jays are aiming to bolster their roster through free agency, with potential targets including Juan Soto and Max Fried.