Kazuma Okamoto helps Blue Jays rebound after dropping sixth straight series

Kazuma Okamoto represented the Toronto Blue Jays' final hope.

Facing Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Paul Sewald with two outs in the ninth inning Friday, the slow-starting rookie struck out swinging, ending in another loss.

Okamoto slumped back to the visitors' dugout, his batting average dipping to .188.

The Blue Jays, after starting 4-1, dropped their 11th game in 14 outings. They lost again Saturday at Chase Field, securing their sixth consecutive series loss.

 Okamoto's start did not come as advertised.

Neither did the Blue Jays' past three weeks.

Kazuma Okamoto keeping Blue Jays down

Expected to power their way into contention for an AL East pennant, the Blue Jays, sans Vladimir Guerrero Jr., struggled to produce consistent offense.

Okamoto emerged as an early scapegoat.

After signing a four-year, $60 million deal, the former NPB star's swing has yet to translate to the MLB. The 29-year-old third baseman had 22 strikeouts and whiffed on 35 percent of his swings during his opening 15 appearances.

Despite Saturday's loss, Okamoto went 2-for-4, generating his fourth multi-hit game of the season. With two hits and three RBI Sunday, he posted his first back-to-back MLB multi-hit outings.

His two-run double fueled an eight-run first inning. He also added a third-inning solo home run, powering the Blue Jays to a 10-4 victory, snapping a four-game losing streak.

Okamoto arrived in North America with a reputation as a power hitter, connecting on 41 homers for Yomiuri in 2023. His batting average is up to .221, but he has yet to deliver consistent impact.

That's not what was advertised.