The Toronto Blue Jays will turn back to Brandon Valenzuela at catcher on Friday.
Toronto got Alejandro Kirk back from the injured list, and he took over as the starter catcher, which led to Brandon Valenzuela being the backup. However, Valenzuela is still playing a good amount, as he’s back starting on Friday in the second game of a four-game series against the Texas Rangers.
The Blue Jays lineup on Friday is as follows:
- G. Springer DH
- N. Lukes RF
- V. Guerrero Jr. 1B
- K. Okamoto 3B
- D. Varsho CF
- E. Clement 2B
- J. Sánchez LF
- B. Valenzuela C
- A. Giménez SS
Valenzuela is batting eighth and starting at catcher. Although he didn’t start on Thursday in the series opener against Texas, he did come in and pinch hit in the bottom of the ninth, but he struck out looking to end the game.
Valenzuela is hitting .250 with 7 home runs and 19 RBIs this season, as he’s been a surprise impact bat for Toronto. He got a chance to take over as the starter when Kirk got injured, and he outplayed Tyler Heineman.
Blue Jays Struggling as Deadline Approaches
Toronto made it to the World Series last season, but the Blue Jays have been struggling this year.
The Blue Jays are 39-42, but despite being under .500, Toronto is holding onto a Wild Card spot. However, manager John Schneider said the first half has been frustrating.
“It’s been a grind, it’s been a challenge,” Schneider said of the first half of the season. “I really think our best baseball is in front of us, in terms of getting healthy and guys turning the corner to perform.”
The Blue Jays trailed 6-0, but Toronto did score five unanswered and had a chance to tie the game in the ninth. However, Schneider believes the team can build off that success.
“That was the most engaged I’ve seen him in a while,” the skipper responded. “I know the results weren’t there today, but there were some really good signs from Vladimir today. The last at-bat results in a strikeout, but that’s the intensity and the engagement we want every at-bat.
“And not only that, but I just love the way we didn’t quit. You get down 6-0 with Kev on the mound, it’s easy to roll over and say, ‘OK, we’re going to lose.’ But scratch and clawing for three and then, Oak, the homer in the ninth off their closer, who’s been pretty dominant, hopefully builds some momentum into tomorrow.”
The Blue Jays have lost three straight games.
Ernie Clement Named to All-Star Game
Clement has become a fan-favorite in Toronto, and he was named the AL’s starting second baseman.
Clement led all American League players with 3,232,932 votes in Phase 1 to earn the starting job.
“It’s a really cool honour,” Clement said. “I feel the love from Canada and all the Blue Jays fans. It means a lot.”
Clement is hitting .294 with 7 home runs and 28 RBIs this season for Toronto. He’s a contact-first hitter who also plays well defensively.
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