Pillar sees 20-homer potential for all regulars in lineup

As Toronto Blue Jays centre-fielder Kevin Pillar relaxed in the clubhouse pre-game on Wednesday, he glanced around the room and was hit with an interesting thought.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if everyone in our lineup, every regular guy, has 20 plus home runs this year,” said the sixth-year Jay. “Home run numbers are up in general and I think we have strong guys. I think the ballparks we play in, especially in the East, are conducive for hitting home runs. And it’s just kind of the era we play in. Strike out numbers are going to be up, home runs are going to be up and fans are going to be happy about it.”

Pillar, who has got off to an excellent start this season following a strong spring training, believes the Jays have more pop up and down the lineup this season compared to years past when they relied on certain power hitters for much of the offence via the long ball — players such as Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion and Josh Donaldson.

Manager John Gibbons is counting on his entire lineup contributing to the offence in a big way this year after the club finished last in runs in the AL in 2017 (693 runs).

Heading into Wednesday’s tilt against the Chicago White Sox at the Rogers Centre, the Jays had hit homers in all six of their games to begin the season. Of the 10 home runs hit by Toronto batters, seven have come from different players.

Even with hard-hitting shortstop Troy Tulowitzki on the DL, eight current Blue Jays have recorded seasons in the majors with 20 home runs or more — including Donaldson, Tulowitzki, Justin Smoak, Curtis Granderson, Randal Grichuk, Russell Martin, Kendrys Morales and Steve Pearce. A couple Pillar, Aledmys Diaz, and Yangervis Solarte have come close. Solarte hit 18 last year in 128 games in San Diego. The record for most Jays with 20 or more homers in one season is seven.

“I don’t know. I think time will tell,” said Donaldson, when asked if he believes the Jays will get much more offensive production this year. “It’s hard to be able to judge that after five games, but this ballpark can definitely can help you in that department. I hope so.”

Pillar is hopeful that he’ll break the 20-homer barrier for the first time.

“I don’t have a specific number in mind,” said Pillar, who hit a careerhigh 16 last season. “I think getting in the 20s and beyond that would be great, but it’s not something where I go up there and consciously just try to hit home runs. I think if I just continue to hit the ball hard, then the homers will start to come.”

There is a certain dynamic change inside the Jays clubhouse this season.

“It does feel a little bit different,” said Pillar.

The big difference is not having Jose Bautista around.

“We’re so used to having him around,” said Pillar. “As long as I’ve been here, he’s been here. His locker was right here (near mine). It’s definitely kind of a little bit weird. We got used to all things that come with Jose. He had a big personality, good, bad, indifferent, whatever. He had a big personality and that was something we were used to having around here. It just kind of seems to be a changing of the guard a little bit without him being here. It’s kind of a new era for Blue Jays baseball.”

Bautista hit .203 with an OPS of .674 and 23 homers last year and the Jays declined his option. He is still looking for a job.

Diaz, who hurt his back launching a two-run home run on Tuesday, did not start on Wednesday but was available to come off the bench. He suffered back spasms. Gift Ngoepe played short in his place. Also available was outfielder Pearce, who had been out the last couple of days with a bug ... Donaldson believes the relatively low attendance at the Rogers Centre for the White Sox series this week is partly the result of Toronto fans turning their attention to the playoff-bound Raptors and Maple Leafs. “I don’t think (the Leafs) want to play my Lightning (in the playoffs),” added Donald- son, a native of Pensacola, Fla.