Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer (4) scores on a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. single against the Texas Rangers during eighth inning MLB baseball action in Toronto on Friday, June 26, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jon Blacker

By The Canadian Press

Struggling Jays hoping Sean Keys can provide offensive spark

Jun 26, 2026 | 8:17 PM

TORONTO — Needing an offensive spark as they enter the second half of the season, the Toronto Blue Jays are expected to promote power-hitting prospect Sean Keys from triple-A Buffalo on Saturday.

The anticipated move comes after the Blue Jays (39-43) dropped their fourth in a row, 5-4 to the Texas Rangers (40-42) on Friday as Toronto’s late-game comeback bid fell a run shy for the second straight evening.

The 23-year-old Keys has slammed 21 homers between Buffalo and double-A New Hampshire, hitting seven in 18 games with Buffalo and 14 in 49 outings with the latter.

“Good player,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. “The power is real. The offence has been really good. He’s been playing a little first and third and has definitely put himself on the radar for sure in terms of what he’s doing offensively, 21 homers is 21 homers and adjusting to a new level is real.”

But where will Keys fit in with the struggling Blue Jays?

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Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who knocked in two runs with a single in the eighth inning on Friday, occupies first base. Rookie Kazuma Okamato, who followed Guerrero’s big hit with a two-run homer for his team-leading 19th, is Toronto’s everyday third baseman. The Blue Jays could push designated hitter George Springer back into the outfield.

But these possibilities will be worked out as the Blue Jays look to improve at home against Canadian pitcher Can Quantrill, who will start for the Rangers in the third game of the four-game set on Saturday.

Toronto has started its 10-game homestand at 1-4, falling to .500 (22-22) at Rogers Centre.

“It was the same game as (Thursday) with the same bad ending,” said Schneider, referring to his team falling behind 6-0 after three innings in the series opener, only to lose 6-5, and five runs after three on Friday.

“I think for one, it’s tough to come back when you get down five. The guys are doing it and did it again tonight, which is a credit to the offence. Big swing from Vlad, big swing from Kaz, who seems to be riding a pretty good heater right now, and then just didn’t get one more big hit. It’s a tough ask to come back from five or come back from six.”

The Blue Jays lost outfielder Jesus Sanchez with a sprained right ankle. He awkwardly banged his foot at the base of the left-field wall while catching the final out in the seventh inning.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 26, 2026.

Tim Wharnsby, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Struggling Jays hoping Sean Keys can provide offensive spark

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