Gurriel Jr. putting on the hits
At age 24, Toronto Blue Jays infielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. still has some growing up to do. But he’s making the most of his second extended stint in the big leagues.
At the plate, the young Cuban has been on fire taking a streak of five consecutive multi-hit games into Monday’s contest against the Minnesota Twins at Rogers Centre.
On the other hand, he remains a work in progress in the infield.
Gurriel has spent time at both shortstop and second base, which has heightened the learning curve. But manager John Gibbons said playing both positions is good for his development.
“We’re trying to take a look and see where he’s stronger,” Gibbons said. “That’s never easy. But guys have to do it sometimes to figure out who they are and what they are.
“He has a good feel and good instincts,’’ Gibbons adds. “It’s just something he has to do over and over.”
At the plate, the development has been significantly smoother for Gurriel, who happens to be the younger brother of Houston Astros first baseman Yuli.
Despite a stint on the disabled list, Gurriel returned to the Jays lineup Sunday and had a pair of singles in three plate appearances and is now riding an 11game hitting streak. During that stretch, the rookie is batting .400 (18-for-45.)
“From the first day I saw him, he’s always been a guy who puts the barrel, the good part of the bat, on the ball consistently,” Gibbons said.
“He can hit breaking balls. The key for him has been toning that strike zone a little and not get chasing outside the zone.”
Gibbons said the growing pains on defence are just part of the process.
“Some guys get to the big leagues and they’re polished, whether it’s offence or defence,” the manager said.
“Some guys get here and there’s things they need to work on. I think he’s got a chance to be a really good player.”
QUICK HITS
With the July 31 nonwaiver trade deadline rumour mill continuing to spin, add Jays outfielder Curtis Granderson into the mix. Reported to be among potential suitors for the veteran are the Philadelphia Phillies … Pitcher Marco Estrada will have to wait a day and switch teams for his rehab effort as he recovers from a strained glute. Estrada was scheduled to pitch in New Hampshire Monday but his flight was cancelled so instead will throw for Buffalo on Tuesday in Louisville, Ky.