Grichuk stands ready to contribute
Blue Jays’ outfielder tweaks batting stance after early struggles
Randal Grichuk would like to be known as a stand-up guy. The Toronto Blue Jays outfielder put some work into that while rehabbing in the minors from a sprained right knee.
It’s not his reputation that Grichuk was worried about, however. It’s more what he’s doing mechanics-wise each time he steps to the plate that has changed.
“Being able to stand up more (in the batter’s box) is going to allow me to just kind of eliminate some of the holes and just be in a good position to hit,” Grichuk said. “Standing up taller will give me a lot cleaner bat path, staying above the ball and be able to hit down on the ball.
“Anybody who plays knows it’s hard to change up a swing, or a stance, in the middle of a season and know you have to go out and get four at-bats that night and try to perform. I always felt more comfortable squatting down low and it created some holes.”
Grichuk, activated Friday off the disabled list along with shortstop Aledmys Diaz, knew something had to change. In 25 games before he was hurt, Grichuk hit a paltry .106, going seven-for-66.
Not a great first impression for his new teammates in Toronto after Grichuk was acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals in January.
“It was frustrating getting off to the start that I did and not playing the way I know that I’m capable of, and then having to go on the DL kind of with that taste in my teammates’ minds and eyes and coaching staff,” he said.
It didn’t help that the Jays struggled as Grichuk, who hadn’t played since April 29 before starting on Friday night against the Tigers, watched from afar.
“I feel like I kind of paired well with these guys and seeing them struggle is not something you want to see anybody go through,” Grichuk said. “I felt helpless not being able to help. I’m glad I’m back, Diaz is back, and hopefully we can bring some energy. Still got a lot of baseball left and you’re never out of it.”
GOOD RIDDANCE, MAY
Jays manager John Gibbons couldn’t have been happier to see the calendar turn over to June, as the Jays suffered through a horrible month of May.
Not only did they win just nine of 28 games, they finished the month without consecutive victories. It marked the fourth time in team history the Jays went a month without back-toback wins, and the first since May 1979. The Jays also did not win consecutive games in July 1977 and September 1978. The most recent May the Jays had less than 10 victories was in 1981.
While injuries led to some players playing in abnormal positions at times, Gibbons wasn’t sure that was as large a factor in the Jays’ woes as the absence of closer Roberto Osuna, who is on administrative leave after being arrested and charged with assault onMay8.
“I don’t know if (guys playing out of position) was that big a deal,” Gibbons said. “I wouldn’t put that as what went wrong in May. I think the biggest (factor) was probably Osuna, more so than the position players.”
Any news on Osuna, who is scheduled to appear in court on June 18? “I haven’t heard a word,” Gibbons said. “I don’t think anybody knows.”
DIAMOND DUST
The Jays’ home game on July 8 against the New York Yankees has been moved to 8:05 p.m. from 1:07 p.m., as it will be ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball game. Tickets for the earlier start time will be honoured, and gates at the Rogers Centre will open at 6 p.m. … Pitcher Marcus Stroman (shoulder fatigue) is scheduled on Saturday to throw a bullpen session at the Jays’ minor-league facility in Florida, while shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (heel) has been jogging on flat ground this week and “been tolerating it well,” a Jays spokesman said. Steve Pearce (oblique strain) continues with rehab and is “progressing slowly.”
Anybody who plays knows it’s hard to change up a swing, or a stance, in the middle of a season.