Left field woes continue for the Toronto Blue Jays
Who do the Blue Jays have left?
Steve Pearce
On May 14th, Steve Pearce left the game against the Seattle Mariners with a right calf strained and has been out since. His injury came at a time where Jays players were lining up to go to the DL within a span of a few weeks. Before his injury, he’s made 24 appearances in left field with a .974 fielding percentage and one error in the outfield.
Thankfully for fans, Pearce has returned to the lineup at home against the Chicago White Sox. He’s had a few rehab stints with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (four games going hitless in 15 at bats) and Buffalo (two games with two hits, two runs and a run batted in). With Carrera’s injury happening, the timing couldn’t be any better.
Dwight Smith Jr
Tuesday night saw the return of Dwight Smith Jr from Triple A Buffalo and had an impressive return.
Smith Jr went 3-for-4 in the Blue Jays 7-6 win over the Tampa Bay Rays including a stolen base. Not to mention, in his four starts, he’s batting .500. Might not mean much knowing he has very little experience in the majors but impressive as the team waits for Pearce’s return.
Despite only making 17 starts in left, and the rest of his 53 starts in right field, his defence remains perfect during that time. So far, he’s looking like a great replacement with his offence and defence clicking.
Chris Coghlan
Here’s a player who has the definition of utility written all over him.
Despite making most of his appearances at third base due to the injury of Josh Donaldson, Coghlan also has experience in left field.
The former National League Rookie of the Year (2009) has started six of his eight appearances in left field and also hasn’t hit an error in the process. Despite that he wouldn’t be one of the first options for the lineup, slashing .299/.267/.566, the option for left field is there.
Update: As I write this, Coghlan was placed on the DL with a left wrist contusion.
Darwin Barney
This is a name that many seem to forget. If anything, another player that can be attached to the word “utility” as well.
Barney is known to cover all over the infield, especially during the month of May with the many injuries that happened. However, Barney is also able to play in the outfield. Making four appearances, including one start, in left, Barney proves to be a last minute resort if things really bad.
Regardless, Barney will continue to be an infield back up and it’s preferred for most if he can continue to play the infield in case other injuries occur.
Next: Joe Smith and Roberto Osuna form new dynamic duo
There you have it. Did we miss anybody that can fill the position? Who is your preferred option in left field? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts with us.