Grichuk getting back into swing of things
DUNEDIN, FLA.— Randal Grichuk eased his way back into hitting on Sunday, doing some light work in the cage.
The Blue Jays hope it was a small step for the outfielder, one of Toronto’s biggest off-season acquisitions, who has been struggling with rib-cage soreness of late. Manager John Gibbons said he is not sure if Grichuk’s rehab will extend into the season, but was encouraged by the possibility of him taking batting practice Monday if all went well Sunday.
“The season’s not too far off, we’ve got to be smart about it,” Gibbons said. “Today will be a big day for him, because swinging the bat’s the big issue.”
The rib-cage problem is the second issue to sideline Grichuk this spring; he sprained his left wrist during a game in late February. The 26-year-old has just 17 at-bats so far.
With 11 days to go before Toronto takes on the New York Yankees to open the season, time is of the essence for the right fielder. But the Blue Jays also have a backup plan with Teoscar Hernandez, who has hit .333 this spring.
“Shoot, I love the way (Hernandez is) playing,” Gibbons said. “He’s talented.” OVER .500: Starter J.A. Happ threw 84 pitches over six innings Sunday, allowing four hits and striking out five in a 5-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Jays are now12-11for the spring.
Happ gave up a solo run to Starling Marte in his final inning, which put the Pirates up 1-0. Justin Smoak, who has recovered from a wrist sprain earlier in the week, responded with a two-run homer in the seventh. Catcher Patrick Cantwell added a two-run single in the eighth. NOT SO FAST: Gibbons may be on the same page as Marcus Stroman in hoping the righthander will be ready for the fourth game of the regular season, but he wasn’t so sure about the pitcher’s other desires.
Stroman said he wanted to see infield prospects Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette in the big leagues. Gibbons figured he should broach the subject with the players already filling those jobs. “Did he talk to (Josh) Donaldson and those guys about that yet?”