The Toronto Blue Jays opened a six-game homestand by defeating the Chicago Cubs 5-1 at Rogers Centre, improving to 70-50 and maintaining their lead in the American League East. Utility infielder Ernie Clement broke the game open with a three-run homer in the fourth inning—his third straight game with a long ball—while Daulton Varsho added a late solo shot. José Berríos limited Chicago to two hits over 5⅓ innings, working around four walks before a bullpen trio of Mason Fluharty, Louis Varland and Jeff Hoffman closed out the victory. Hoffman retired the side in order in the ninth to secure the win before a crowd of more than 43,000. Toronto welcomed Gold Glove second baseman Andrés Giménez back from a five-week absence caused by a left-ankle sprain, designating infielder Buddy Kennedy for assignment to clear roster space. Chicago countered by reinstating catcher Miguel Amaya and right-hander Javier Assad from the 60-day injured list; Assad started the series opener and was charged with the loss as the Cubs fell to 67-51, two games behind Milwaukee in the NL Central. Off the field, Blue Jays president and chief executive officer Mark Shapiro told reporters he hopes to sign a contract extension, citing the club’s “toughness” and “cohesiveness” after a last-place finish a year ago. Team officials indicated there is mutual interest in keeping the architect of Toronto’s turnaround in place.