The Toronto Blue Jays will be saying goodbye to a few outfielders at the trade deadline
Photo credit: AP Photo / Scott Audette
The Toronto Blue Jays began the season with six outfielders on the roster, but due to injuries and roster changes, that number has grown to nine players covering the three outfield positions.
How the situation unfolds remains a point of intrigue as the July 31 trade deadline approaches. The Blue Jays' outfield could serve as both a position of depth to trade and a spot they may look to strengthen before the deadline.
Blue Jays' crowded outfield causes concern ahead of the trade deadline.
Shi Davidi from Sportsnet writes that if the roster is fully healthy, Daulton Varsho is the clear choice to start in center field, with either Anthony Santander or George Springer taking a corner outfield spot while the other likely fills the designated hitter role.
Addison Barger, when not playing third base, typically slots into right field, but when he's covering the infield, it opens up more flexibility in one of the corner outfield positions.
"Alan Roden, scratched Thursday due to right knee inflammation that has him day-to-day, got some early-season run in left, but Nathan Lukes has been getting more regular reps, with more plate appearances than any outfielder outside of Springer, Santander and Barger.
Myles Straw, who sprained his ankle Tuesday but is progressing well according to John Schneider, is next up in terms of playing time and offers a right-handed complement to the mix, with Davis Schneider playing the role of lefty masher.
Will Robertson, called up to cover for Lukes, is the most recent addition." -Davidi
Myles Straw, who sprained his ankle Tuesday but is progressing well according to John Schneider, is next up in terms of playing time and offers a right-handed complement to the mix, with Davis Schneider playing the role of lefty masher.
Will Robertson, called up to cover for Lukes, is the most recent addition." -Davidi
That leaves Jonatan Clase, the 23-year-old switch-hitter, who made a statement Thursday by launching his second home run of the season, a 408-foot blast to right field with an exit velocity of 106.1mph.
"Once Lukes is back, there will be fewer opportunities for others, with the eventual returns of Varsho and Santander looming on the mix.
The Blue Jays may at some point choose to recalibrate the roster with another infielder and Will Wagner, who hurt his foot after being demoted, back with triple-A Buffalo and beginning to find his swing.
Hard-hitting prospect Orelvis Martinez, also with the Bisons, has started taking groundballs at first base to explore another possible pathway for him to the roster, if his bat locks in." -Davidi
The Blue Jays may at some point choose to recalibrate the roster with another infielder and Will Wagner, who hurt his foot after being demoted, back with triple-A Buffalo and beginning to find his swing.
Hard-hitting prospect Orelvis Martinez, also with the Bisons, has started taking groundballs at first base to explore another possible pathway for him to the roster, if his bat locks in." -Davidi
Now is the moment for all the outfielders to stake their claim and secure their roles.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 23 | 2797 ANSWERS The Toronto Blue Jays will be saying goodbye to a few outfielders at the trade deadline Which Blue Jays player are you most looking forward to returning? | ||
| Daulton Varsho | 2299 | 82.2 % |
| Anthony Santander | 357 | 12.8 % |
| Nathan Lukes | 141 | 5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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