Veteran Runner Targets Redemption

Canadian distance star Moh Ahmed will line up in both the 5,000 and 10,000 metres at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, aiming to end a six-year medal drought. The 34-year-old from St. Catharines, Ont., has spent the past five weeks recovering from a calf strain suffered at July’s national championships.

Training Through Setbacks

Ahmed pulled up 400 metres from the finish in Ottawa, later diagnosed with a strained left calf. Since then, he has undergone intensive rehab in Oregon, including manual therapy, dry needling, massage, and treadmill sessions designed to reduce impact while maintaining mileage. Coach Jerry Schumacher said Ahmed has returned to hard track workouts and “is rounding into good form.”

Experience Over Races

This will be Ahmed’s seventh world championships, though he enters with limited competition this season. His last completed race was more than a year ago at the Diamond League in Rome. Schumacher remains confident, noting Ahmed’s ability to peak without frequent racing: “He has vast experience at this level, and that gives him confidence.”

Medal Goals in Tokyo

Ahmed’s last world medal came in 2019 when he earned bronze in the 5,000m. He narrowly missed the podium at the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing fourth in the 10,000m despite a strong late surge. With Canada fielding one of its deepest track teams ever, Ahmed’s return could provide a major boost to the nation’s medal hopes.

Canadian Marathoner Sidelined

While Ahmed prepares for his double, fellow Canadian Malindi Elmore has withdrawn from the women’s marathon. The 45-year-old from Kelowna, B.C., has been sidelined with posterior tibial tendonitis in her right foot, cutting her training short. Elmore now plans to rebuild fitness for the Valencia Marathon in December.

Looking Ahead

Ahmed is expected to begin coaching with the Niagara Olympic Club after the championships, but he has not indicated any immediate plans to leave track competition. Meanwhile, Natasha Wodak will represent Canada in the women’s marathon in Tokyo. With Ahmed’s comeback and Canada’s strong roster, the championships promise high drama on the track from Sept. 13–21.

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Season Ends Early for Key Reliever

The Toronto Blue Jays confirmed Friday that reliever Yimi Garcia will miss the rest of the 2025 season due to surgery on his right elbow. The procedure is designed to clean up scar tissue, with the club expecting him to be fully recovered for spring training.

Details Behind the Decision

Garcia, 33, had been a steady presence in Toronto’s bullpen, posting a 3.86 ERA with 25 strikeouts over 21 innings this year. Manager John Schneider acknowledged the loss, calling it “tough for him, tough for us,” but expressed optimism about Garcia’s readiness for next season.

Santander Returns to Baseball Activities

While losing Garcia is a blow, Toronto received encouraging news on Anthony Santander. The veteran slugger, sidelined since May 29 with a shoulder injury, joined his teammates in full pre-game drills Friday. He took batting practice, ran the bases, and worked in the outfield, signalling progress toward a September return.

Where Santander Stands Now

Santander, who signed a five-year, US$92.5 million contract in the offseason, struggled before his injury, hitting just .179 with six home runs. He is expected to complete a conditioning stint in the minor leagues before rejoining the Blue Jays’ lineup later this season.

Why It Matters for Toronto’s Offense

The 30-year-old’s return could complicate Toronto’s designated hitter rotation. George Springer has excelled in the role during Santander’s absence, batting .303 with 24 home runs and 67 RBIs. Schneider indicated that both players may split time between the outfield and DH, ensuring flexibility as the Blue Jays push through the final stretch.

Looking Ahead

Toronto continues a key series against the Milwaukee Brewers this weekend before heading to Cincinnati to face the Reds. Santander is expected to travel with the team, while Garcia begins his recovery process. For the Blue Jays, the balance between overcoming setbacks and regaining offensive firepower could shape their postseason outlook.

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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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