“It’s fun right now and I want to keep it going,” Rogers said.
Toronto slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was 3-for-4 and hit a two-run homer for his 16th game, but the struggling Blue Jays lost for the fourth time in five games, falling 10 games below .500 to tie their worst record of the season.
Guerrero hit a home run in three consecutive games for the second time this season, having also accomplished the feat from June 27-29.
Tigers right-hander Reese Olson left the game after two innings because of right shoulder soreness. He threw 30 pitches, 16 of which were strikes.
Olson allowed no runs in both innings, leaving one runner on base on a grounder for a double play, while allowing two hits (both singles) and one walk.
“He came off the mound after the second inning with his arm trembling and said he wasn’t feeling well,” Tigers manager AJ Hinch said. “He said his arm was sore, so we had to take him to the bench right away and get somebody up to pitch.”
Right-hander Alex Faedo (5-1) replaced Olson in the third inning and pitched two innings.
“Alex has come in and done a fantastic job,” Hinch said.
Olson did not speak to reporters after the game, but Hinch said he plans to return to Detroit to visit with the Tigers’ team doctor.
“It was tough losing him. I hope he’s OK,” catcher Rodgers said.
Right-hander Kenta Maeda gave up three runs in two innings. Left-hander Tyler Horton pitched the seventh and eighth innings, and right-hander Shelby Miller closed it out.
Detroit won 5-4 on Friday to win the season series against Toronto for the first time since 2018. The Tigers have won five of six meetings with the Blue Jays in 2024.
Kikuchi (4-9) gave up four runs and five hits over five-plus innings, extending his winless streak to seven games. He has not won since June 11 against Milwaukee.
“He played well again but just seemed to lose control at the end,” coach John Schneider said.
Detroit’s Javier Baez returned to the lineup after being sidelined in last Saturday’s win over the Dodgers and missing the final game before the All-Star break.
Baez finished the game with one hit for four at-bats and two strikeouts. He singled in the sixth inning and scored a run.
Ibáñez hit a double with two outs in the fifth inning, bringing in the first run of the game.
Kikuchi left the game in the sixth inning after the first three batters reached base, and Richards came on to pitch and gave up a 391-foot home run to Rogers.
Ibañez added one more run off a hit by Richards, then scored on a wild pitch by left-hander Brendon Little.
The Blue Jays placed shortstop Bo Bichette on the 10-day disabled list with a strained right calf and recalled Addison Berger from Triple-A Buffalo. Manager Schneider said Bichette’s strain is “moderate” and he’s expected to miss “several weeks.” The two-time All-Star left Friday’s game after the sixth inning, when he stopped midway through a sprint from home plate to first base.
Right-hander Kevin Gausman (7-8, 4.50 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Blue Jays as they look to avoid a sweep in the series finale on Sunday. Right-hander Kader Montero (1-2, 5.47 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Tigers.
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb