Guests: Blue Jays infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa, catcher Tyler Heineman
The Blue Jays had a rare losing week, but still carried a three-game lead in the American League East into Thursday's rubber match against the AL West-leading Houston Astros. Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Tyler Heineman both played huge roles in the Jays securing the first game of the series, and they both join us this week in Deep Left Field.
Kiner-Falefa, signed to a two-year deal before last season, traded to Pittsburgh at the 2024 trade deadline and re-acquired on waivers just before the September 1 playoff eligibility deadline, talks about how he fell in love with Toronto years ago and how happy he is to be rejoining the team for the stretch drive. With Bo Bichette sidelined with a knee injury, IKF is going to play a greater role than anticipated and he discusses that, as well as how much he loves hitting in Toronto.
Heineman couldn't have picked a better time to have a career year. As Alejandro Kirk's back-up, he is currently posting career highs in batting average, slugging percentage, home runs and even stolen bases. He's also throwing out base stealers at a higher rate than he ever has before. Tuesday night he picked up the first walk-off of his career.
All that plus a look back at The Week That Was and your emails on Episode 278 of Deep Left Field!