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Toronto Blue Jays: Where Does Chris Colabello Fit in?

By Paul Taylor

Mar 23, 2016; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Chris Colabello (15) reacts after he is called out on a check swing by the first base umpire during the sixth inning of a game against the New York Mets at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2016; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Chris Colabello (15) reacts after he is called out on a check swing by the first base umpire during the sixth inning of a game against the New York Mets at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /
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With Chris Colabello’s 80-game suspension set to end on July 23rd, how will the Toronto Blue Jays handle the situation with the 32-year old?

Chris Colabello was undoubtedly one of the feel-good stories of the Toronto Blue Jays magical ride last season. A late bloomer who didn’t play in the majors until age 29, he had a career year virtually across the board, including a .321 batting average, 15 home runs and 54 RBIs.

Unfortunately for Colabello, his story took a turn for the worse back in April this year. Major League baseball suspended him for 80 games, after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.

Unsurprisingly, critics cited this as proof as to why the former Minnesota Twins’ player performed so well in 2015. From his point of view he was devastated, after receiving what he called “the scariest” phone call of his life.

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Colabello refused to accept the punishment lightly, taking part in an organized conference call with doctors, scientists and molecular biologists who are experts on steroid testing. In his defence, it should be pointed out he has never disputed the results, just how the banned substance (Turinabol) entered his system.

Regardless of what happened, the Framingham, Massachusetts native’s suspension is due to end on July 23rd. As such, it leads to the question of where he fits into the Blue Jays’ plans for the remainder of this season?

One person who is unsure of how to handle the situation, is Ross Atkins. The Blue Jays’ general manager discussed the matter on Saturday, with Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi.

Atkins said: “It’s complicated by what the alternatives will be, how he is performing, the fact that he had so much down time. Then, secondarily, what that means going forward for someone who is not going to be a part of our playoff roster.”

Even though Colabello won’t be part of any postseason action this year, Atkins was quick to add: “What I can tell you is that we are very glad that he is coming back into the fold, as an option, but there is nothing concrete.”

Toronto Blue Jays
Aug 12, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Chris Colabello (15) hits a three-run home run against Oakland Athletics in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

First things first though, before any decision is made, the Blue Jays needs to get the 32-year old ready for his return to action. He is currently taking part in a rehab assignment at High-A Dunedin.

Colabello got off to a good-enough start, going 1-for-3 in his first game, with a double and a walk. To date, he is batting .214 through four appearances, with one RBI, two runs, two doubles and two walks.

It is worth noting the first baseman/outfielder does have minor league options remaining. It will be interesting to see what the Blue Jays do with him on July 23rd.

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How do you think the Blue Jays will handle Colabello’s impending return? What would you personally do, if you were in their shoes? Let us know in the comments section below.

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