Toronto Blue Jays cap disappointing season with 5-1 victory over Reds

The Blue Jays briefly held the final wild-card spot earlier this month but a recent stretch of seven losses in nine games sealed their fate.

The weekend interleague series provided a potential farewell for players not under contract next season.

Scherzer (4-9), who’ll decide on future plans in the off-season, tipped his cap to the adoring sellout crowd of 42,131 at the start of the game. He allowed six hits and issued one walk.

Designated hitter George Springer, in the final season of a six-year deal, received a standing ovation when he led off in the first inning.

TAKEAWAYS

Blue Jays: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had the day off after an eventful week that included an apology for his comments in a recent podcast interview. He was criticized after saying his 14-year, US$500-million contract was for what he had already accomplished in his career, not for what he was projected to do.

Reds: Cincinnati (75-87) started the season at 20-11 but struggles in May sent the Reds into last place in the National League Central. They spent all but eight days after that month in the division basement.

KEY MOMENT

Springer got another standing ovation when he was replaced by pinch-runner Sean Keys in the third inning. The spectators rose out of their seats again when Scherzer was pulled in the eighth.

KEY STAT

It was the 61st sellout of the season at Rogers Centre.

COMING UP

If a new labour deal is in place, Toronto will kick off its 2027 regular season on March 25 at New York. The collective bargaining agreement between Major League Baseball and the players’ association expires Dec. 1.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 27, 2026.

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Toronto Blue Jays cap disappointing season with 5-1 victory over Reds

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