Deck McGuire had his second consecutive quality start, pondering the question will the Jays protect him for the upcoming rule 5 draft this winter?  Aaron Sanchez was dealing for Dunedin after leaving his last start early due to blister issues.  Drew Hutchinson and Kyle Drabek each pitched 3 innings for Buffalo.  Bluefield won both games in a double-header against Bristol.

Its Esmil Rogers, Thad Weber and Mickey Storey, with Brett Cecil as closer, taking on the Sawx tonight.  How will that turn out?  Rogers has been "off" for the past few starts and unless he finds his sinker in the back of his locker he might be in for a long night.

The Jays face John Lester and his 4.27 ERA.  Lester has been up and down this season.

A 4-4 Tuesday on the farm was lowlighted by a couple of strange losses — one involving the opposition winning with just one hit and another game was given away on a wild pitch during an intentional walk. The good news was Dunedin swept a doubleheader. Bluefield's double dipper was washed out. Lansing had the night off.

Todd Redmond is back to start. Thad Weber is back, maybe to start. Josh Johnson has gone on the DL. Will he pitch again for the Blue Jays?

The Jays pitching staff now includes Todd Redmond, Mickey Storey, Thad Weber and Brad Lincoln. Shades of 2012 anyone?

The most exciting play in baseball played a role in three of the affiliates four victories in a 4-3 Monday on the farm. Bluefield was rained out. New Hampshire and Vancouver had the day off.

An early start today, with Happ getting a surprise start. Oakland counters with Dan Straily.

After several strong performances by Marcus Stroman, he had a bad outing today for New Hampshire.  Kevin Pillar had another monster day after a slow start to August.  

Gustavo Pierre hit for the cycle in Dunedin's 7-6 win. He doubled, tripled, singled and homered in that order. His home run came with Dunedin down by a run in the seventh inning and tied the score. Franklin Barreto hit two home runs for the GCL Jays. Both home runs were to the opposite field. Barreto is 17 years old. Barreto is impressive.

Justin Germano was outstanding in leading the Bisons. Kevin Pillar had three hits to come out of his slump. New Hampshire lost in extra innings. Lansing lost a walk off game despite a very good start from Matt Boyd. Vancouver lost in nine. Bluefield were rained out.

Mark Buehrle vs. Sonny Grey. The Jays try and recover from yesterday's stinker. It wasn't just a loss for the Jays, Juan Perez has gone on the 60 day DL with a torn UCL. Mickey Storey has been recalled from the Bisons to provide relief support. There is no word yet as to whether Esmil Rogers is still part of the rotation.

In other news Drew Hutchison was activated off the 60 day DL as his rehab assignment ends on Monday. He was immediately optioned to Buffalo.

With Esmil Rogers struggling the Jays might need a starting pitcher. Drew Hutchison did not pitch well for Buffalo, he did not have his good command and he was hit around some. Deck McGuire said "don't forget about me", he pitched 8 innings and had great support from the hitters. Dunedin were rained out. Vancouver won behind more excellent pitching from Tom Robson.

Lansing, Bluefield and the GCL Jays each blew leads in the ninth inning. Lansing came back to win thanks to a walk off home run from Kevin Patterson, Bluefield did not. The GCL Jays lost in the last inning, it was more than a blown save, it was a blown save that spiralled into a loss. Vancouver took a tied game to the ninth and lost. Daniel Norris pitched well for Lansing. The GCL Jays lost not one but a doubleheader.

The boys are back in town after a day off. Oakland are in town for four games including a Monday day game. Once Oakland leave town the Red Sox show up for the first of 10 straight games against the AL East.

The A's are in a mini slump, they have lost six of seven.

Moises Sierra had himself a bit of a day as Buffalo swept a doubleheader with Scranton/WB. Kyle Drabek was solid for New Hampshire, but failed to record a strikeout. Dunedin continues to struggle and Lansing, despite mounting a late charge fell to West Michigan. An undermanned Vancouver lost and Bluefield rallied in the ninth to beat a local rival. Our GCL and DSL squads both won today. The affiliates were 5-4.

Sean Nolin was brilliant in an afternoon start for New Hampshire, as he pitched six innings, giving up 1 run with 13 strikeouts.  Aaron Sanchez left his Dunedin start in the first inning due to an unknown injury, and Dunedin gave up 19 runs after his exit.  Buffalo, and Vancouver had the night off.

The affiliates went just 3-4 on Tuesday night. Buffalo won a slugfest, Bluefield split a doubleheader and the boys in the Dominican won a game in overtime. Vancouver and Dunedin had the night off. Well, some of Vancouver had the night off as eight members of the Canadians played in the Northwest League All-Star game down I-5 in Everett.

All eyes will be on Josh Johnson.

King Felix starts for the Mariners.