Atkins sees some signs of improvement

The Blue Jays hit the one-quarter mark of the season in rough shape. More losses than wins, second-worst in the majors in scoring, and three weeks removed from their last two-game win streak.

- MIKE WILNER

They've already been no-hit once and, in a loss to Tampa Bay on Friday, Rays left-hander Tyler Alexander, a 29-year-old who had never pitched into the eighth inning in his career, took a perfect game into the eighth against them.

Looking for big changes? Don't hold your breath.

Ross Atkins met the media before Saturday's game and reiterated his faith and confidence in the ball club he has put together. But while the message was positive, the general manager, now in his ninth season at the helm, indicated his patience is wearing thin.

"Obviously we're not where we'd like to be," Atkins said of his 19-25 club, one that hasn't won a series since taking two of three games in San Diego almost a month ago. "We have seen some encouraging things of late that have not resulted in wins... We feel with time and the talent that's on the team, we can certainly see righting the ship. However, that needs to start pretty soon."

Among those encouraging things?