Springer and Scherzer showcased their veteran poise during the Blue Jays’ crucial moments.

After yesterday’s exhausting and messy defeat, further complicated by Tommy Pham’s post-bench-clearing social media activity, the Blue Jays put all that behind them with a perfectly timed 7-3 win over the Pirates today.

With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sidelined by injury, the Blue Jays did what great teams do: they leaned on their veterans when it mattered most. This season hasn’t been filled with much drama, distraction, or bad news, so even these brief disruptions serve as valuable tests. After all, even in the playoffs, tough days are inevitable.

“You just have to believe in yourself,” said George Springer. “As a team, you know you’re stronger than you were the night before. We know there are things we can improve on—you learn from those, then move forward.”

Springer led the way today—as expected. In this comeback season for the 35-year-old veteran, Springer has evolved from a pleasant surprise to a revitalized star his teammates rely on in challenging times. Guerrero may be the Blue Jays’ best player and Bo Bichette is next in line to be the face of the franchise, but Springer embodies the Blue Jays’ identity more than anyone. He’s excellent, always comes through in the clutch, runs like lightning, and never fails to amaze.

In Springer’s first at-bat of the night, he was hit by a high and inside pitch from Mitch Keller, instantly reigniting some of the previous night’s tension—when Pham had thrown his bat at home plate after a walk, causing both benches to clear. However, nothing escalated, and when Springer came up next, he hit his 20th home run of the season—a 423-foot shot deep to center field.

Since returning from the concussion injured list, where he spent just over two weeks, Springer has recorded a hit in each of his four games—a huge relief. This season has felt like a fairy tale for Springer, but any injury or poorly timed setback could have derailed his momentum. Yet, Springer is making it clear that 2025 is more than just a late-career hot streak. This is still classic Springer, and these are exactly the moments the Blue Jays brought him and his playoff experience to Toronto to shine.

“He sets the tone,” said Toronto manager John Schneider. “Whether it’s hitting a home run, grinding out an at-bat, advancing on a passed ball, scoring from first, or stealing a base, he epitomizes what we’re trying to do. I have the utmost respect for how he handles everything and how his teammates respond to him.”

On the mound was Max Scherzer. He’s six years older than Springer, but the Blue Jays clubhouse seems to have discovered a fountain of youth.

Scherzer is fully back. He threw 104 pitches over six innings, allowing just one run, and at this stage, he’s not just showing flashes of his talent—he’s demonstrating it every time he takes the mound. In his last four starts, Scherzer has pitched at least six innings each time, posting a 1.80 ERA over 25 innings for the Blue Jays.

From now until the end of September, all conversations about the Blue Jays must focus on October. When the Blue Jays signed Scherzer to that one-year, $15.5 million deal, the dream was to see him pitching in the postseason. Scherzer’s journey through his nagging thumb issue has been long and complicated, but in an unexpected way, it might have left him with a full tank for the most important games.

“I just love it. This is what you play for. This is what you live for—to be in this position and compete for a playoff spot,” Scherzer said. “Our team has been outstanding in all aspects, from the starters to the hitters, relievers, and defense. Everyone has contributed. It’s not a one-man show. It’s a collective effort. This is the most fun. This is the best part.”

The Blue Jays’ climb to the top of the AL East is no fluke. As of August 19, they’ve already matched last year’s win total of 74. A year ago, bad stretches would turn into bad weeks and even worse months. This season, those rough patches disappear overnight.