Daulton Varsho’s Grand Slam Propels Blue Jays Closer to AL East Title

BREAKING: Daulton Varsho delivered the biggest hit of the Toronto Blue Jays’ season with a clutch grand slam in the sixth inning, leading the team to a 6-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox on September 25, 2025. This win inches Toronto closer to securing the American League East title, reducing their magic number to three.

With the New York Yankees also winning their game against the Chicago White Sox, the division remains tightly contested. Any combination of Blue Jays wins and Yankees losses totaling three will clinch the title for Toronto, granting them a bye to the AL Division Series and home-field advantage.

“I think everybody wants to feel this pressure at the end of the season,” Varsho stated following the game. “You want to feel that because that means you’re in it.”

The Blue Jays, now at 91-68, are experiencing a rollercoaster finish to the season, having lost six of their last eight games. Varsho’s grand slam not only turned the tide but also reignited their playoff hopes after a tough stretch following their previous victory, an 8-5 win against Kansas City that secured a playoff berth.

“A lot of people didn’t pick us to win the division, and we exceeded everybody’s standards,” Varsho noted. “Now we’ve got to win a division. Let’s just keep going, keep playing the way that we’ve always played.”

In addition to Varsho’s heroics, George Springer contributed significantly with a two-run homer during the same inning. The Blue Jays’ bullpen showcased impressive resilience, as Louis Varland, typically a reliever, started the game and pitched two perfect innings, followed by standout performances from Eric Lauer, Yariel Rodriguez, Braydon Fisher, Seranthony Dominguez, Brendon Little, and Jeff Hoffman.

Toronto’s pitching strategy was tested as right-hander Jose Berrios was placed on the 15-day injured list due to right elbow inflammation, and fellow starter Chris Bassitt received a cortisone shot for back inflammation earlier in the week.

“It’s always tough in a bullpen game where you’re counting on a lot of guys to deliver,” Lauer said. “The fact that we were able to all go out there and do our jobs is huge.”

Looking ahead, the Blue Jays will face the Tampa Bay Rays in their final three-game series of the regular season, with Shane Bieber set to take the mound on Friday. Meanwhile, the Yankees will host the Baltimore Orioles in their upcoming series.

As the playoff race intensifies, all eyes will be on the Blue Jays as they strive to capitalize on this momentum and secure the AL East crown. Stay tuned for updates as this thrilling season continues to unfold.