The Toronto Blue Jays took the first game against the Philadelphia Phillies by a dramatic 5-4 score. The rain-delayed contest featured the debut of Matt Waldron at the expense of Chase Lee.
This victory came after the team had lost an 11th-inning grinder to the Chicago Cubs and a 10th-inning series finale against the Houston Astros.
Toronto Blue Jays Demote 27-Year-Old Pitcher
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 05: Alejandro Kirk #30 and Chase Lee #52 of the Toronto Blue Jays react after a win against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on August 05, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
However, prior to the first game against the Phillies, the Blue Jays sent down Chase Lee.
The MLB.com transactions log for the Blue Jays reads: “Toronto Blue Jays optioned RHP Chase Lee to Buffalo Bisons.”
The Blue Jays optioned Lee to activate the newly acquired Waldron, who was active during Friday night’s game against the Phillies. The organization made the announcement prior to the start of the game.
Lee is a 27-year-old relief pitcher. The 6-foot, 170-pound right-handed hurler was originally drafted in 2021 by the Texas Rangers in the sixth round.
Chase Lee’s 2026 Season With the Toronto Blue Jays Organization
Lee has played five games with the big club this year. In those games, he has recorded two strikeouts and one save.
Additionally, he owns a 5.06 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP.
Lee has spent the majority of his time with the organization in the minors. Playing exclusively in Triple-A with the Buffalo Bisons, he has posted a much better stat line.
In 35 games, he has thrown 40 strikeouts, two holds, and five saves while recording a 2.20 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. Lee has pitched 45 innings.
Matt Waldron, the New Addition
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 7: Matt Waldron #64 of the Toronto Blue Jays throws a pitch in the eighth inning during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on August 7, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Blue Jays won 5-4. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
Waldron was claimed off waivers from the San Diego Padres on August 5th, 2026.
It is the 29-year-old’s fourth season playing in the MLB. Prior to being claimed by Toronto, the 6-foot-2, 185-pound hurler had only ever played for the Padres.
For the 2026 season, he has recorded 29 strikeouts and one hold in 11 games. Waldron has started three games, pitching a total of 33.2 innings.
The Toronto Blue Jays & the MLB Standings
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 7: Jose Soriano #40 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch in the first inning during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on August 7, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
The Blue Jays are in tough at this stage of the season.
They would love to get into the playoffs, but that is no easy task. Toronto currently holds a 55-62 win-loss record.
The Blue Jays sit in last place in the AL East Division.
The Tampa Bay Rays lead the AL East. Additionally, the Blue Jays would need to leapfrog one of the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, or Baltimore Orioles to enter playoff position.
The easiest thing for them is likely to push past the Orioles. Toronto is 3.5 games back of a Wild Card position while the Orioles are two games back.
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