Toronto Blue Jays offense is simply offensive at start of year

TORONTO, ON- MARCH 31 - Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Justin Smoak (14) tosses his bat after missing a pitch in the eleventh inning as the Toronto Blue Jays fall to the Detroit Tigers 4-3 in 11 innings at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. March 31, 2019. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON- MARCH 31 - Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Justin Smoak (14) tosses his bat after missing a pitch in the eleventh inning as the Toronto Blue Jays fall to the Detroit Tigers 4-3 in 11 innings at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. March 31, 2019. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

The regular season is underway, but the Toronto Blue Jays offense may not have gotten the message.

It is not uncommon for pitching to be ahead of hitting early in the season, particularly as Spring Training games get underway. However, as the regular season begins, offense has usually caught up, with batters having found their timing once again.

The Toronto Blue Jays have failed to get that memo. Through eight games, the Blue Jays have already been no hit through six innings four times, coming within two outs of being on the receiving end of a no hitter from the Indians.

To be fair, the Blue Jaus depth chart is not the same as what it will look like in another month or so. Vladimir Guerrero Jr.will be up in the majors by then, and Anthony Alford could join him. The Blue Jays have also decided to embrace the rebuild, trading Kendrys Morales and Kevin Pillar in the past week.

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As a whole, the Blue Jays offense has struggled this season. Through those eight games, they have produced a combined .190/.276/.324 batting line, which may not be that much of a surprise considering how many times they have failed to get a hit in the first six innings.

That Toronto is currently 3-5 is a testament to their pitching. As bad as the Blue Jays offense has been, the opposition has been held to a .192/.276/.292 batting line, scoring just 21 runs. If the bats awaken from their early season slumber, and the pitching staff continues to impress, the Blue Jays rebuild could take a major step forward.

Obviously, this offensive malaise will not last all year. Reinforcements will be coming, likely by the end of the month when Guerrero is healthy. Other bats, such as Alford and Bo Bichette, could be on the way soon as well. Likewise, Justin Smoak and Danny Jansen are not likely to struggle this much all year.

The Toronto Blue Jays offense has been offensive through the first eight games of the season. Eventually, the bats have to wake up.