Toronto Blue Jays: Yangervis Solarte team MVP so far
By Thomas Hall
The Toronto Blue Jays needed someone to step up offensively while Josh Donaldson was absent from the lineup, and Yangervis Solarte has done just that.
Yangervis Solarte has been the Toronto Blue Jays’ best hitter so far this season. Before the injury to Josh Donaldson, it was his versatility that kept him in the lineup.
Ever since Donaldson went on the disable list back on Apr. 10, Solarte has hit seven home runs and 19 RBIs. These two statistics are also team highs.
Solarte has already out preformed all the expectations that were set for him at the beginning of the season. I think it’s safe to say Blue Jays fans have already fallen in love with him.
And with performances like the double-header against the Cleveland Indians, how could you not?
Four hours ago, it looked like Yangervis Solarte was coming out of this game after the worst face plant since Todd Stottlemyre. Blood, tears, and gashes littered the field. Instead, he goes 5-for-6 with a grand slam and six runs batted in.
— Ari Shapiro (@ari_shapiro) May 3, 2018
It’s not just hitting that makes Solarte the Blue Jays’ MVP. He also brings his energetic, joyful and cheerful personality to the team.
This takes a lot of the intense pressure off the other players. In turn, this has allowed the team to be successful.
Solarte is also a friendly reminder of a former Blue Jays player, Munenori Kawasaki. Kawasaki was a fan favorite for all of Blue Jays fans. Unlike Kawasaki, however, Solarte has claimed fans hearts because of both his personality and his performance on the field.
I want Solarte’s version of every story pic.twitter.com/63UhFiMLZN
— anne (@annesbaseball) May 3, 2018
With Donaldson now back in the lineup, the only spot for Solarte is second-base. That means young hitting phenom Lourdes Gurriel Jr. will fill-in for the injured Aledmys Díaz at shortstop.
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However, Devon Travis is eligible to return from the minors this week. As such, the Blue Jays will need to make a decision on whether to bring him back up.
Or, to continue to roll with Solarte’s hot-bat and leave Travis in the minors. If the Blue Jays call Travis back up, they will need to platoon Solarte all around the infield, so he can still get regular at-bats and continue to be the most consistent hitter on the team.
However the Blue Jays handle Travis returning to the lineup, there is no doubt Solarte has been their best player. They need to do everything they can to keep him in the lineup.
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Do you think Solarte has been the Blue Jays; best player so far? Share your comments below and with Thomas on Twitter.