As the Toronto Blue Jays prepare for the playoffs, manager John Schneider and his team are facing critical challenges. With only nine games left in the regular season, the focus has shifted from merely clinching a playoff spot to ensuring they are in peak form for the postseason.

The Blue Jays recently suffered a 4-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays, prompting a need for improvement before their upcoming three-game series against the Kansas City Royals. Despite a decent record over the past few weeks, the team recognizes the importance of refining their performance.

One pressing issue is player fatigue. Several players, including pitcher Chris Bassitt, have expressed concerns about weariness affecting their performance. The team is currently in the midst of a demanding stretch of 13 games in 13 days. Schneider has been effective in managing player rest throughout the season, but he now faces the challenge of balancing the need for rest with the urgency of securing a top playoff seed.

Another area of concern is the performance of star player Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Heading into the series against Kansas City, Guerrero has only two hits in his last 20 at-bats. This slump comes at a critical time, especially with teammate Bo Bichette sidelined due to injury. Schneider's relationship with Guerrero will be vital as he navigates the player's mental and physical state in the coming days.

The absence of Bichette raises questions about the team's offensive capabilities. While he is not expected to return for the regular season, there is hope he may be available for the playoffs. The Blue Jays will need to find ways to boost their offense, especially since they have hit only seven home runs in their last 13 games.

Despite the challenges, the Blue Jays are in a strong position to secure a playoff spot. They currently hold a three-game lead over the New York Yankees in the division standings. However, the team understands that simply making the playoffs is not enough; they aim to clinch the division title and secure a favorable seed.

As the playoffs draw near, the Blue Jays must focus on improving their performance and addressing these key areas to achieve their goals.