Toronto Blue Jays will reportedly call up prospect Anthony Alford
With a suspension to Kevin Pillar and injuries plaguing the Toronto Blue Jays, they are reportedly calling up top outfield prospect Anthony Alford. as they get set to face the Baltimore Orioles.
It was only a week ago that Anthony Alford was named the 34th ranked prospect in baseball. Now the Toronto Blue Jays‘ third round pick from 2012 is reportedly getting get the call to the majors. The outfield prospect has been playing for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, the Blue Jays’ double-A affiliate hitting three home runs, 11 RBI with a slash line of .325/.411/.455 in 33 games.
With Kevin Pillar serving his suspension, and his replacement Darrell Ceciliani suffering a partially dislocated shoulder in the series finale against the Atlanta Braves, the Blue Jays needed reinforcements. They already called up Dwight Smith Jr. to replace the recently injured Steve Pearce and Dalton Pompey is just starting his road back from a concussion.
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While it is not ideal to call up a double-A prospect, Alford has taken big steps in his development.The 22-year old suffered a scary neck injury last season after he collided with shortstop prospect Richard Urena in a game with the Dunedin Blue Jays. In his first season back, Alford has taken a more patient approach at the plate striking out at a 17% percent rate where in the past he was closer to 30%. That is something that will help him as he gets his first look at the major league level.
Baseball Census looked at Alford’s performance at the Arizona Fall League which helped salvaged his 2016 because as he displayed stellar foot speed, bat speed and a more patient approach on the plate. He has a good combination of speed, range, and power at the plate that can give the Blue Jays an adequate replacement until Pillar returns. Whether he can impress enough to stick around longer will be up to management.
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It is important to note that the team travels to the National League again bext week to take on the Milwaukee Brewers. It would be tough to expect Alford to contribute right away but with the way that Ezequiel Carrera has played in an everyday role, it will help to have a more reliable option defensively. It is still uncertain whether he will be starting as the Blue Jays open their series against the Baltimore Orioles.