Sean Keys will play some outfield in Triple-A Buffalo this week, John Schneider said.
It's uncharted territory for the corner infield prospect, who hasn't played outfield at any level before.
That kind of experiment usually means an organization is trying to widen a player's path to the majors.
The timing lines up with a monster stretch at the plate. Keys is hitting .375 with a .475 on-base percentage and a .679 slugging mark in August.
Six home runs in 21 games during that span is the kind of production that forces a front office to find him more room on the field.
That's exactly what this outfield look appears to be about, giving the Blue Jays more ways to get his bat into the lineup.
Corner infield spots are often crowded, especially on a roster already carrying established options at those positions.
Why versatility could speed up his path to Toronto
Adding outfield reps doesn't happen overnight. There's a real adjustment period even for athletic infielders learning new routes and angles.
But Keys already has a big-league cameo under his belt, giving him some experience with what a call-up actually looks like.
His first stint didn't go smoothly at the plate, and it sent him back to Buffalo. This kind of hot stretch, paired with new defensive value, changes his profile heading into any future opportunity.
Toronto has leaned on newcomers like Brett Bateman all season, proof that opportunity can open quickly for a player producing at the right time.
If Keys can handle even a passable version of outfield defense, it makes him a much easier fit whenever the next roster crunch hits.
Whether this experiment sticks, or Toronto decides his future is strictly at the infield corners, should become clearer over the next few weeks in Buffalo.
Should the Blue Jays call up Sean Keys given his huge August and new outfield versatility?
Also read on Blue Jays Insider :
Blue Jays announce plan for starting rotation and provide injury update on Trey Yesavage
