IT’S LOOKING LIKE TEOSCAR HERNANDEZ IS HERE TO STAY
When the Blue Jays start getting guys back from the disabled list (Josh Donaldson, Troy Tulowitzki), there will be some tough decisions to be made.
But it’s becoming pretty clear that one of those decisions will not involve sending outfielder Teoscar Hernandez back to the minors.
Ever since joining the Jays as a September call-up last year, Hernandez has done nothing but shine, in the outfield and at the plate. In Toronto’s 7-2 win over the Texas Rangers on Wednesday, the 25-year-old hit his fourth homer of the season. He has now hit 12 home runs in his first
40 games as a Jay — tied for second most in team history.
Tony Batista hit 13 in his first
40 and Troy Glaus hit 12. As well, each of Hernandez’s last five hits have gone for extra bases (three doubles, one triple and one homer) and he has reached base safely in 13 of his 14 games this season.
“We saw a pretty good player last year, but I think he’s a better player because he’s got a better idea of the strike zone now,” said Jays manager John Gibbons. “Who knows what happens, but he’s got a chance to be an elite player in this game because he does things so easily. He uses the whole field and he’s got as much power as anybody you’re ever going to find.”
Hernandez said he is not out — at least not anymore — to show the Jays what he can do.
“Nah, nah, I’m not showing anything to anybody,” he said. “I’m just going out there, have some fun, try to do my best.”
Kevin Pillar said the additions of Hernandez and rookie infielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., have brought new energy to the Jays this year.
“It’s been exciting,” he said. “And I think that’s what has allowed us to get off to a good start. I feel like in years past, we were really relying on certain guys in our lineup to come up with the big hit or come up with the big home run to get us back in the game. (Now) we’re seeing contributions up and down this lineup from guys that weren’t even here at the beginning of the season and that’s recipe for being successful in this league.”