Jays giving Hernandez room to grow

One of the knocks against Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Teoscar Hernandez is he is supposedly average defensively, though with a strong arm and good speed.

But you have to cut the 24-yearold some slack. Hernandez is still learning how to play all the outfield positions and, frankly, is still learning the nuances of the sport.

Though he’s from the baseball hotbed of the Dominican Republic, Hernandez grew up playing basketball and volleyball and only started pursuing baseball seriously when he was signed as an international free agent by the Houston Astros in 2011 for all of $20,000.

Hernandez, six foot two and 180 pounds, signed with the Astros as an infielder.

“I played shortstop before I signed (with Houston),” Hernandez said this week.

But it’s his athleticism and power potential that intrigues the Toronto front office and that’s why he is getting a close look as a September call-up.

Hernandez is slotted as the organization’s fifth-rated prospect, behind third baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 2B/SS Bo Bichette, outfielder Anthony Alford and shortstop Logan Warmoth.

“Anywhere they want me to play I’ll do my best and work hard,” he said.

“Right now, my favourite position is centre. But I don’t care if they put me in left or right.”

Hernandez acknowledged he probably has a better opportunity of staying in the big leagues in Toronto than he would have in playoff-bound Houston.

Various scouting sites suggest Hernandez is capable of hitting 2025 home runs a season and could play right field with his strong arm.

With the likelihood that Jose Bautista will not be back next season, the Jays may be hoping Hernandez improves enough to become a regular next season.