Dan Shulman provides insight on why Blue Jays offense is down

The Toronto Blue Jays are scuffling right now. Through their first 29 games, they stand at 14-15 and in fourth place in the competitive American League East Division. What’s more, their offensive production has been strikingly poor. Toronto has scored only 103 runs through 29 games, the fewest runs scored in the AL East. Only the Oakland Athletics and Chicago White Sox have scored fewer runs this season. Not exactly the company you want to find yourself in.

So, why is this happening?

SportsNet commentator Dan Shulman, who American audiences may recognize from formerly voicing Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN or his college basketball coverage, stopped by Foul Territory this week. Shulman offered his own insight as to why he thinks the Blue Jays are struggling so much on offense.

According to the Blue Jays’ play-by-play voice, the answer might surround the park’s recent renovations.

Why are offensive number so down at Rogers Centre?@DShulman_ESPN breaks down the sudden change in ballpark factor that coincided with stadium renovations.

▶️ https://t.co/hJhalZFvxx pic.twitter.com/NDboOtkpay

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) April 29, 2024

“Rogers Centre … historically always played like a hitter’s park. Last year, they did Phase 1 of the renovation. And I don’t know if that changed offense in the park, but offensive numbers were way down,” Shulman explained. He said their park factor was “way down” last year following the renovations.

“I don’t know why that would happen,” Shulman said. “It’s not like it’s a pure open-air stadium with a low outfield deck. I have no idea why it would change so drastically, but if you looked at the Blue Jay hitting numbers, home, and road, they were noticeably different.”

Shulman noted Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette’s early slow starts, George Springer’s numbers have depreciated, and they’re all below their current standards. He also noted that Alejandro Kirk “didn’t hit at all” this year until a recent three-hit performance. He made sure to note the players who are hitting, but the heart of their lineup is an issue.

Whether it was self-inflicted is yet to really be uncovered.

[Foul Territory]