The Toronto Blue Jays are playing under the most unique circumstances in all of MLB. Just like in 2020, the team cannot truly play at home because that would mean traveling back and forth between the United States and Canada. COVID restrictions have prevented that since the start of last season.
The Blue Jays opened the year in Florida and are now playing games in Buffalo. It would be easy to think this would derail a season, but the Blue Jays are 19-20 at “home” on the year. Talk about a resilient team, considering they haven’t played in their true home stadium since September 2019.
But good news appears to be on the horizon, as an ESPN report explains how the team is trending toward a return to Toronto at some point this season.
Blue Jays could head home soon
The key sticking point remains the fact not all MLB players are vaccinated, including those on the Blue Jays. That requires an exemption from the Canadian government, which is reportedly being discussed.
Toronto has a home series in Buffalo to open the second half, but starts another July 30. That could be a target date to return, as the next homestand after that doesn’t begin until August 20. A July 30 return would mean hosting the Kansas City Royals in the return to Toronto.
The ESPN report describes how there is no true timetable in place. Yet the homestand dates are obvious targets.
No one could have predicted what would happen in 2020 and it remains shocking the Blue Jays haven’t played at home since 2019. The Toronto Raptors also played this year in Florida, meaning Toronto sports fans have been rooting from afar for nearly two years now.
The first roar after a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. home run in Toronto may actually be deafening to those in attendance.