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Cambridge Fall Fair warns vendors of Facebook scam

Cambridge Fall Fair warns vendors of Facebook scams selling fake table fees ahead of next week’s event, urging caution and official sign-ups only.

Cambridge Fall Fair Issues Scam Alert to Vendors

Fair organizers raise alarm

The Cambridge Fall Fair is warning vendors about fraudulent Facebook accounts posing as event organizers and attempting to collect false table fees. Fair president Chris Chapelle said scammers are targeting small businesses in advance of the fair’s return on September 4.

How the scam works

According to Chapelle, impostors create Facebook profiles claiming to represent the fair, offering vendors tables for a fee and requesting e-transfers to illegitimate email addresses. “They ask for your business name, what you’re selling, and then provide a price and payment instructions,” he explained.

Catching the fraudsters

To protect vendors, Chapelle personally engages with these fake accounts, posing as a vendor to confirm the scheme before exposing it. “At that point I send back and say, ‘you’re not part of the fair. This is a scam. How do you sleep at night?’” he told CBC News. Two such scammers have been identified and reported this year.

Official process for vendors

Chapelle emphasized that only one official email address and one authorized contact handle vendor registrations. Any payments made outside this channel will not be recognized. Vendors who fall victim to scams and arrive at the fairgrounds on September 4 will unfortunately be turned away if not on the verified vendor list.

Community impact and prevention

The Cambridge Fall Fair, running for more than 180 years, has seen online scams emerge in the past four years. Chapelle noted that the team is tightening security measures and actively warning the public through official social media posts. He urged vendors to rely solely on the fair’s website for sign-up details.

Event details

This year’s fair will take place from September 4 to 7 at Dickson Park in Galt, featuring live concerts, food vendors, and midway rides. Organizers say they remain committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable event while protecting vendors from fraud.

For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.

Edmonton police officer admits to assault in LRT case

Edmonton Sgt. Michael Bates pleads guilty to assaulting a man at a downtown LRT station. Court grants conditional discharge, leaving no conviction.

Officer Pleads Guilty to Assault in LRT Incident

An Edmonton police officer has admitted to assaulting a man found sleeping in a downtown LRT station. Sgt. Michael Bates, an 18-year member of the Edmonton Police Service (EPS), pleaded guilty Monday in Edmonton Court of Justice. The court granted him a conditional discharge, meaning no criminal conviction will remain on his record.

Details of the January 2024 Encounter

According to an agreed statement of facts, Bates and three EPS constables encountered Tristan McAdam asleep inside Corona Station on the evening of January 20, 2024. The officers woke McAdam, who appeared intoxicated, and instructed him to leave. Court documents noted an exchange of profanities between Bates and McAdam before the man began gathering his belongings. As McAdam walked away, Bates tackled him and struck him twice in the head.

Internal Complaint Led to Charges

Following the incident, McAdam was briefly detained and taken to the Herb Jamieson Centre, though he suffered no reported injuries. The assault charge arose not from a public complaint but from concerns raised by the officers on duty with Bates. Crown prosecutor Tom Buglas confirmed McAdam himself played no role in the proceedings, as he could not be located.

Rare Case Outside Watchdog Oversight

Bates was charged in November 2024 after an internal EPS investigation. This path to charges is unusual, as most cases involving police misconduct in Alberta are handled through the provincial watchdog, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT). At the time of his charge, Bates was reassigned from front-line patrol duties to a non-supervisory position. EPS confirmed he currently serves in an investigative role.

Court Accepts Conditional Discharge

Justice Peter Ayotte accepted a joint submission from Crown and defence lawyers for a conditional discharge. Bates must abide by a six-month no-contact order with the victim and continue psychological counselling. Defence counsel Mike Danyluik argued the incident was a “momentary, uncharacteristic response,” citing personal and medical stressors. Bates, recognized in 2019 with an EPS medal of valour for aiding in a plane crash rescue, has no prior disciplinary record.

Judge Highlights Public Trust

In delivering the sentence, Justice Ayotte underscored the weight of public confidence in police officers. “The public places great trust in a policeman,” he remarked. Bates apologized to his fellow officers but chose not to address the court directly.

For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.

Court Rejects WestJet Appeal in $1K Passenger Payout

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A federal court dismissed WestJet’s appeal over a $1,000 passenger compensation ruling, reinforcing airline accountability for flight cancellations in Canada.

Federal Court Upholds Passenger Compensation Ruling

The Federal Court of Appeal has dismissed a challenge brought by WestJet against an order to compensate a passenger for a cancelled flight, marking a significant moment for airline accountability in Canada. The ruling, issued Monday, upheld the Canadian Transportation Agency’s (CTA) directive requiring WestJet to pay $1,000 in compensation.

Case Originating from 2021 Flight Cancellation

The case stems from July 2021, when passenger Owen Lareau’s flight from Regina to Ottawa was cancelled, forcing him to endure a 21-hour delay. The CTA determined WestJet failed to prove the cancellation met conditions that would exempt the airline from compensation under Canadian air passenger protection rules.

WestJet’s Argument on Safety Grounds

WestJet argued the cancellation was caused by a first officer calling in sick an hour before departure, a circumstance the airline said was a matter of safety. The carrier maintained this exempted it from paying compensation. However, the three-judge panel ruled the airline provided “insufficient evidence” to demonstrate the cancellation was unavoidable or properly mitigated.

Court’s Findings on Contingency Planning

In its written decision, the court noted that the CTA was entitled to conclude WestJet did not present enough proof of reasonable contingency measures to manage the disruption. The panel found no reviewable error in the regulator’s determination, effectively rejecting WestJet’s attempt to overturn the compensation order.

Broader Implications for Airlines

The outcome could have wider consequences across Canada’s aviation sector. The CTA, a quasi-judicial tribunal, has seen several airlines challenge compensation orders since the introduction of federal air passenger protection regulations. Air Canada, which intervened in the Lareau case, has also pursued legal challenges over similar rulings.

What This Means for Travellers

Under existing CTA regulations, airlines must compensate passengers in certain circumstances involving delays or cancellations, unless the carrier can clearly establish the disruption was beyond its control. Monday’s decision strengthens the precedent that airlines must present substantial evidence when invoking exemptions.

For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.

RCMP recovers stolen ATV after wildfire looting in CBN

RCMP recovers stolen ATV and property after looting during Kingston wildfire evacuations in Conception Bay North. Investigation ongoing.

Stolen Property Discovered Amid Wildfire Evacuations

The RCMP has confirmed the recovery of stolen property, including an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), following reports of looting in Conception Bay North during last week’s wildfire evacuations.

Reports Filed as Wildfire Displacement Continues

Police said they received three separate reports of theft after residents were forced to evacuate due to the Kingston wildfire. The looting was reported in Ochre Pit Cove, where some homes were left unattended for days as crews battled the fire.

Residents Face Uncertainty Returning Home

Eric and Karen Parsons, residents of Ochre Pit Cove, discovered their home had been broken into during the evacuation. Among the missing items was an ATV, later confirmed to be one of the stolen vehicles recovered by RCMP. The couple said the discovery added further stress to an already difficult situation.

RCMP Focused on Returning Property

RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey told CBC News that investigators are working to identify stolen items and return them to rightful owners. “The investigation continues at this time,” O’Donaghey said, noting that frustration among evacuees is understandable as many remain unsure about the safety of their homes and belongings.

Safety Concerns Delay Full Access

Authorities stressed that wildfire conditions remain dangerous, making it difficult for residents to immediately return and assess losses. O’Donaghey emphasized that police and emergency crews are working together to restore access as soon as it is safe.

Ongoing Investigation

While some property has been recovered, RCMP has not confirmed whether suspects have been identified. Police urged anyone with information on the thefts to come forward as investigations continue.

For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.

Brampton man drowns in Grand River after bridge jump

A 29-year-old Brampton man drowned after jumping off a bridge into the Grand River in Elora, prompting renewed water safety warnings from police.

Tragedy Strikes at Elora’s Grand River

A 29-year-old man from Brampton drowned on Sunday evening after jumping off a bridge into the Grand River in Elora, Ontario. The incident has prompted police and safety advocates to renew calls for caution around waterways as summer activities continue.

Emergency Response at Bissell Park

Wellington County OPP reported receiving a call at 6:30 p.m. after the man entered the river near Bissell Park and did not resurface. First responders rushed to the scene, pulled the man to shore, and attempted life-saving measures. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after.

Police Confirm No Foul Play

Const. Matthew Burton of the Wellington County OPP confirmed that the coroner ruled the case “not suspicious.” In a statement, he expressed condolences to the victim’s loved ones, calling drowning incidents “among the most difficult calls for first responders.”

A Recurring Summer Risk

This marks the second fatal incident this year in an area overseen by the Grand River Conservation Authority. The first occurred in June at the Elora Quarry. Police note that drowning accidents are a recurring issue during warmer months when recreational water use increases.

The Dangers of Jumping into Rivers

Authorities strongly discourage jumping from bridges or ledges into rivers due to hidden hazards. “It’s not safe,” Const. Burton said, warning of risks such as unseen rocks and strong currents. Injuries can range from broken limbs to spinal cord damage, with outcomes often severe or fatal.

Expert Warnings on Water Safety

Stephanie Cowle, director of knowledge translation at Parachute, a national injury prevention organization, echoed these concerns. She explained that water depth, speed, and unseen obstacles can make jumps unpredictable and highly dangerous. “We see life-altering injuries and fatalities from these activities,” she said.

Drowning Statistics in Canada

According to the 2024 National Drowning Report, more than 2,200 Canadians lost their lives in unintentional water-related incidents between 2015 and 2019. Over two-thirds occurred in rivers, lakes, and ponds — unsupervised environments where lifeguards are absent.

Safety Reminders for Late Summer

Both police and safety advocates stress the importance of preparation and caution before engaging in water activities. Recommendations include swimming with a companion, informing others of your location, and avoiding risky jumps. “The safest settings are supervised spaces with lifeguards,” Cowle emphasized, urging people to honestly assess their own swimming abilities.

For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.

SIU clears Windsor police in fatal Beer Store shooting

Ontario’s police watchdog rules Windsor officers acted lawfully in the 2024 fatal shooting of Jason West at a downtown Beer Store.

Watchdog Clears Officers of Wrongdoing

Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has cleared two Windsor police officers in the shooting death of Jason West, 57, outside a downtown Beer Store nearly a year ago. The decision, released Monday, found there were “no reasonable grounds” to believe the officers committed a criminal offence.

Incident at Goyeau Street Beer Store

The events unfolded on September 6, 2024, when police responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a man armed with knives and acting erratically near Goyeau Street. According to the SIU, West had threatened a Food Basics employee and was linked to a stabbing earlier that day. Officers confronted him as he attempted to enter the Beer Store, where he was carrying two knives.

Escalation Inside the Store

Investigators said officers repeatedly ordered West to drop his weapons. After attempts to subdue him with a conducted energy weapon failed, the situation escalated. West reportedly told officers to kill him as he advanced toward them. One officer opened fire when West moved toward the exit, and further shots were fired after he left the store still armed.

SIU Findings on Use of Force

In his report, SIU director Joseph Martino concluded that the officers’ actions were justified, citing the immediate risk posed by West’s possession of knives and his agitated state. “Though the evidence indicates [West] was not himself on the day in question, he remained a danger given the knives in his possession and his level of agitation,” Martino wrote. He added that officers acted in the interest of public safety and used force proportionate to the threat.

Remembering Jason West

Following West’s death, community members created a small memorial outside the Beer Store with flowers, stones, and tobacco. Friends described him as a kind-hearted man who endured significant struggles. Steven Mull, a close friend, noted West was Indigenous and a survivor of the Sixties Scoop. Others, including staff at Windsor’s Downtown Mission, remembered him as someone with a great spirit who had long battled mental illness and substance use.

Community Impact and Ongoing Reflection

The case has renewed conversations about mental health, policing, and public safety in Ontario. While the SIU has closed its investigation, West’s story highlights ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable individuals in urban communities.

For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.

Southwest Airlines Updates Policy for Plus-Size Travelers

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Southwest Airlines Updates Plus-Size Traveler Policy

Southwest Airlines is implementing a new policy for plus-size travelers, requiring advance purchase of an extra seat if passengers cannot fit within standard armrests. The changes, effective January 27, coincide with the airline’s shift to assigned seating.

“To ensure space, we are communicating to customers who previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking,” Southwest said in a statement Monday.

How the New Policy Works

Previously, plus-size passengers could either pay for an extra seat in advance with a potential refund or request a free seat at the airport. Under the updated rules, refunds remain possible but are no longer guaranteed.

Passengers who fail to secure an extra seat in advance must buy one at the airport. If the flight is fully booked, travelers will be rebooked on a later flight. Refunds are available only if both tickets were purchased in the same booking class and the request is made within 90 days.

Impacts on Travelers

Jason Vaughn, an Orlando-based travel agent who reviews travel for plus-size passengers on Fat Travel Tested, said the policy will affect travelers of all sizes.

“The current policy eased anxiety for plus-size people while ensuring all passengers had plenty of space,” Vaughn said. “This change may make flying worse for everybody.”

He added that Southwest’s evolving policies risk alienating loyal passengers. “They have no idea who their customer is anymore. The airline seems to have lost its identity,” he said.

Southwest Airlines’ Recent Changes

The policy shift is part of broader adjustments, including the end of free bag flights in May, extra charges for more legroom, and the introduction of red-eye flights. The airline has faced pressure from activist investors to boost revenue and profits while navigating changing customer expectations.

Despite these challenges, Southwest maintains that advance seat purchases and potential refunds are designed to ensure passenger comfort and reduce in-flight seating conflicts.

With Southwest Airlines’ new policy, plus-size travelers and others will need to plan ahead to secure space on flights starting January 27.

Stay tuned to Maple Wire for updates on airline policies and travel news.

Winnipeg’s Millennium Library closes fourth floor over safety

Winnipeg’s Millennium Library fourth floor remains closed after safety concerns, leaving patrons waiting for non-fiction books and services.

Winnipeg’s Millennium Library Closes Fourth Floor Over Safety

Closure Impacts Library Visitors

The City of Winnipeg has temporarily shut down the fourth floor of the Millennium Library, restricting access to its non-fiction collection. The closure follows safety concerns tied to the building’s upper-level balcony, leaving many patrons waiting longer for books and services.

Tragic Incidents Prompt Decision

On August 6, a 40-year-old man died by suicide after climbing over the fourth-floor railing. Just last week, another person attempted to do the same. City officials say the incidents prompted an immediate review, resulting in the closure of the floor until further notice.

Access to Books and Services

While the non-fiction section remains off-limits, library staff are assisting visitors by retrieving books placed on hold. Signs posted throughout the building advise patrons to seek help on the first and second floors for book requests, computer bookings, and research support. The local history room, also located on the fourth floor, is currently closed.

Patrons Express Frustration

Some library users voiced frustration at the inconvenience. “I don’t really like the fourth floor being closed,” said patron Amber Fontaine. She explained that she now needs to request books and return days later to collect them. Others, like visitor Stephen Manviler, urged the city to consider long-term safety fixes such as installing protective barriers.

Past Safety Measures and Concerns

The Millennium Library has dealt with similar incidents before, including a fatal fall in 2017 and the installation of metal detectors following a deadly stabbing in 2022. Some patrons say they continue to feel safe due to security checks at the entrance, while others believe more preventative measures are needed inside.

Debate Over Community Support Space

Several residents also pointed to the closure of the library’s Community Connections space earlier this year. The program had previously offered on-site crisis support, but funding cuts ended its operations. Critics argue that reopening such services could help prevent future tragedies. City officials, however, have maintained that funding should come from the provincial government, as many of the services provided involved housing and health-related issues.

No Timeline for Reopening

According to Gord Delbridge, president of CUPE Local 500, which represents library staff, no timeline has been provided for when the fourth floor will reopen. City spokesperson Pam McKenzie confirmed efforts are underway to minimize disruptions and restore access safely, though the space will remain closed until further notice.

For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.

WestJet Launches New Mexico Route from Calgary This Winter

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WestJet Expands Mexico Route Network

WestJet continues to grow its presence in Mexico, adding a new Mexico route from Calgary to Puerto Escondido. This marks the airline’s 15th Mexican destination and expands its winter schedule for travelers seeking sun and adventure.

“Delivering this hidden gem to WestJet’s network fulfills our promise to offer Canadians unforgettable and affordable getaways,” said John Weatherill, WestJet executive vice-president and chief commercial officer.

Puerto Escondido: A Surfing Paradise

The new route will run weekly starting in December, connecting Calgary with the Mexican surf town of Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. Travelers can trade snow for sun, enjoying beaches, authentic cuisine, world-class surfing, and the festive Mexican spirit.

“Puerto Escondido offers the perfect escape,” Weatherill added. “It’s a vibrant blend of culture, surf, and sunshine that Canadians will love.”

Strengthening WestJet’s Mexican Network

This addition increases WestJet’s non-stop Calgary-Mexico routes to 15. Earlier this year, Calgary flights to Guadalajara, Tepic (Riviera Nayarit), and Cozumel were added, and service to Mexico City was extended.

“With this new route, WestJet will grow sun destination seat capacity by eight percent compared with last winter,” the airline said.

Strong Demand and Local Support

Javier Garcia Bejos, CEO of Aeropuertos Mexicanos (AME), praised the decision:

“Puerto Escondido has strong demand from Canadian travelers. After years of showcasing its potential, we are confident this new route will be a great success.”

Flight Schedule and Details

Flights from Calgary to Puerto Escondido will depart weekly at 8:55 a.m., arriving at 3:55 p.m. Return flights leave Puerto Escondido at 4:45 p.m., landing in Calgary at 9:46 p.m.

After daylight time begins, Calgary departure and arrival times will shift one hour earlier.

With WestJet expanding its Mexican destinations, Canadians have even more opportunities to swap snow for sun this winter.

Stay tuned to Maple Wire for updates on WestJet routes and travel news.

Neurosurgeon Performs Rare Surgery to Aid Spinal Injury Recovery

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Father Hopes to Walk Daughter Down the Aisle

A rare surgery offers hope to a father with a spinal injury, enabling him to pursue his dream of walking his daughter down the aisle. Russell McKeehan, a former paramedic from Colorado, has spent decades battling life-altering injuries while maintaining resilience and hope.

“I decided to show my kids that even when dealt a bad hand, you can’t just give up,” McKeehan said.

A Life Marked by Tragedy

McKeehan’s challenges began 30 years ago when an ambulance accident left him with serious injuries. Over the years, he endured further medical setbacks, including a 2007 outpatient procedure that left him paralyzed from the neck down.

“I told them, ‘kill me now,’” McKeehan recalled. “I didn’t want to live. But thankfully, they didn’t let me give up.”

A Glimmer of Hope Through Rare Surgery

After a decade of recovery, McKeehan turned to Dr. Scott Falci, a neurosurgeon at HCA HealthONE Swedish, for a groundbreaking procedure. The rare surgery helped him regain movement in his arms and legs.

“It gave me the opportunity to put in the work again and see what could come back,” McKeehan said.

Setback and Resilience

Two years later, another accident caused severe injuries, rolling four times and breaking multiple bones. McKeehan faced enormous setbacks but remained determined.

“I want my daughter’s day to be about her, not me,” he said. “Walking her down the aisle would mean the world.”

Progress and Determination

McKeehan returned to Dr. Falci for a second surgery, one only 10% of patients receive. Twelve hours post-operation, he was already moving his arm and leg, defying expectations.

“He’s highly motivated and has been through a lot,” Falci said. “His self-determination is amazing.”

McKeehan’s daughter is set to marry in September, and he now faces the challenge with renewed positivity and hope. The rare surgery may allow him to fulfill this deeply personal dream, showcasing courage and resilience.

Stay tuned to Maple Wire for updates on McKeehan’s recovery and inspiring medical breakthroughs.

Sask. Nurses Warn of Unsafe Maternity Ward Conditions

Saskatchewan nurses warn of unsafe maternity care due to short-staffing, lack of resources, and rising patient risk in Regina and Saskatoon hospitals.

Nurses Raise Alarm Over Safety in Maternity Wards

The Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN) is sounding the alarm after publishing a series of letters from frontline staff describing unsafe and deteriorating conditions in maternity wards across Regina and Saskatoon. The letters cite staffing shortages, a lack of beds, outdated equipment, and growing burnout among nurses.

Concerns Voiced by Frontline Staff

One letter, written by a full-time registered nurse working in Saskatoon’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital (JPCH) neonatal intensive care unit, painted a dire picture. The nurse alleged that every shift is understaffed and warned families not to seek care at the facility due to safety risks. Similar accounts from Regina General Hospital describe patients waiting hours in hallways, delivering in triage beds, and being denied epidurals because of capacity pressures.

Union Calls for Immediate Action

SUN president Bryce Boynton said the situation requires urgent intervention, particularly around staffing. “We’re seeing people with more complex health issues but no increase in resources or support to provide those services,” Boynton said. “Burnout is increasing. Nurses are tired and struggling to deliver safe care without adequate supports.” Boynton added that the union has been overwhelmed with anonymous submissions to its “Your Voice” platform, which allows nurses to share workplace concerns without fear of reprisal.

Fear of Repercussions

Nurses submitting letters did so anonymously, citing fears of professional consequences if they spoke publicly. Boynton acknowledged that many are hesitant to come forward. “There’s embarrassment that this is what health care looks like now,” he said. “But these problems have been building for a long time.”

Health Authority Responds

In a statement, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) confirmed that JPCH experienced “extremely high” birth volumes in July, compounded by staff vacations and unexpected illnesses. The SHA emphasized that patient safety remains the top priority, with high-risk patients always prioritized for care. The authority added that birth numbers returned to normal levels in August.

Growing Pressure on the System

Despite the SHA’s reassurances, the nurses’ union maintains that without urgent action to address chronic understaffing and resource shortages, conditions in maternity wards will remain unsafe for both patients and staff. Boynton stressed that while demand for maternity care continues to grow, the system’s inability to keep pace is eroding trust and endangering lives.

For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.

Guerrero Jr. Returns to Jays Lineup After Hamstring Injury

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Vladimir Guerrero Jr. returns as designated hitter for the Blue Jays after a hamstring injury, boosting Toronto’s push in the AL East race.

Star Slugger Back in Action

Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. returned to the starting lineup Monday night against the Minnesota Twins after missing a week with a hamstring injury. The power-hitting first baseman, who has 21 home runs and 69 RBIs this season, was slotted as the designated hitter in the opener of a three-game series at Rogers Centre.

Why Guerrero Sat Out

Guerrero suffered the injury on August 18 during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. While stretching for a play at first base, he strained his left hamstring and was removed with inflammation. The Blue Jays opted for caution, keeping him out of the lineup until he was cleared through running drills and batting practice.

How the Jays Are Managing His Return

Manager John Schneider confirmed the team will take a measured approach, easing Guerrero back into action. “We want to kind of ease him back in a little bit,” Schneider said, noting that Guerrero could return to playing first base as early as Tuesday.

Key Role in Jays’ Playoff Push

The timing of Guerrero’s comeback is crucial. Toronto entered Monday with a five-game lead over the Boston Red Sox atop the American League East. His bat adds firepower as the Blue Jays look to solidify their division lead heading into September.

Testing the Waters Ahead of Full Return

Guerrero saw limited action on Sunday in Miami, making a pinch-hit appearance in the Jays’ 5–3 loss to the Marlins. Before rejoining the lineup fully, he completed batting practice and running sessions to ensure the hamstring was game-ready.

Roster Moves to Support the Stretch Run

Alongside Guerrero’s return, the Blue Jays announced pitching changes. Left-hander Justin Bruihl was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo, while right-hander Paxton Schultz was optioned to the minors, strengthening Toronto’s bullpen depth for the series.

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