TORONTO. – Veteran pitcher Patrick Corbin delivered a true exhibition from the mound to guide the Toronto Blue Jays to a 5-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, prevailing in the expected duel against rookie phenom Paul Skenes.
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Although much of the attention was focused on Skenes and his powerful fastball, it was Corbin who dominated the scene with a six-inning outing and one earned run, accompanied by seven strikeouts and no walks.
The 36-year-old lefty controlled the game with intelligence and precision, limiting solid contact and demonstrating that experience can still prevail over the speed and power of the new figures.
Toronto found in Corbin an unexpectedly key piece for its rotation, especially amid the physical problems that have affected the pitching staff during the season.
On offense, Dominican Jesús Sánchez continued to show positive signs by connecting two doubles against Skenes, consolidating his offensive recovery and strengthening his aspirations to remain a regular piece in the Blue Jays’ lineup.
Astros avoid a major injury with Yordan Álvarez
Meanwhile, in Chicago, the Houston Astros received a sigh of relief after the scare with Cuban Yordan Álvarez, who left Saturday’s game against the Cubs due to back spasms.
The slugger felt discomfort before his at-bat in the sixth inning and the coaching staff decided to remove him from the game as a precaution to avoid aggravating the situation.
Álvarez explained that he experienced stiffness in his right scapula and difficulties moving his arm, although the team considers that it is not a serious injury.
The Cuban slugger will rest this Sunday, in what will be his first day off of the season after starting as a starter in Houston’s first 53 games.
Despite the incident, the Astros remain optimistic after avoiding another significant loss in a season marked by multiple injuries within the roster.
Álvarez continues to be one of the most dominant offensive figures in the American League, with a .300 average, 15 home runs, and 31 RBIs in the 2026 season.
