Halladay returns from DL tonight!

Roy Halladay is returning to the Blue Jays active roster tonight, determined to put the groin strain behind him and give the Blue Birds starting staff a much needed lift. Halladay's return couldn't have come at a better time because the Jays start a critical stretch of 9 games that sees Toronto duking it out against the Tampa Bay Rays (twice) and the New York Yankees.

Doc has been on the DL for the past couple of weeks but his 10 wins are still good enough for a share of the American League lead in victories. In each of his first 13 starts before the injury, Halladay lasted at least 7 innings, spinning three complete games. His return to health should provide a much needed break for a relief corps that has been taxed of late due to short outings by some of the rookie starters.

The Jays held their own, somewhat, despite the absence of their ace, sporting a 7-7 record. However, to challenge in the ultra competitive A.L. East, Toronto has to be better than that, and Halladay will provide the boost that the team needs. It all starts tonight against the defending American League champion Rays.

McDonald's base running mistake costly

Man do I feel bad for John McDonald. His costly base running mistake in the 9th inning sunk the Jays today, yet I feel no anger towards him. Instead, it's disappointing that of all the guys for it to happen to, why did it have to be Johnny Mac?

With McDonald on 2nd base down a run in the 9th with one out, the Jays attempted a double steal which would put McDonald on 3rd, 90 feet away from tying the contest. As Johnny Mac broke for 3rd, Phillies closer Brad Lidge twirled around and threw the ball to second base, rendering McDonald a dead duck. He was tagged out for the 2nd out of the frame and two pitches later Vernon Wells bounced out to short, ending the threat to send the Jays faithful home unhappy.

Except no one could be angry with McDonald. Because we love him.