Jays expect improved outfield defence
In Tuesday ’s game against the New York Yankees in Dunedin, Blue Jays outfielder Randal Grichuk sprained his left wrist making a spectacular catch in right field.
“He probably won’t play for a couple of days. He’s like Kevin (Pillar) out there, very athletic. All out all the time,” said Toronto manager John Gibbons.
The Jays believe with the addition of Grichuk in right and Curtis Granderson in left (likely platooning with Steve Pearce), the outfield defence will be much better in Toronto than it was last season.
TELLEZ LEAVES CAMP
A week ago, first baseman Rowdy Tellez talked about how relieved he feels this season as his mom Lori seemed to be on the upswing in her fight with Stage 4 Melanoma.
His mom spent most of last year in the hospital and that certainly proved to be a distraction for the Blue Jays’ No. 1 prospect at first base.
Sadly, Tellez has had to leave camp this week to see his mom, who is ailing again.
Gibbons said he’s not sure how long Tellez will be gone, but said the big slugger can take as much time as he needs.
LONG LOOK AT NGOEPE
One player getting a long look at spring training is infielder Gift Ngoepe, whom the Jays acquired in a trade from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Nov. 20 for cash considerations and a player to be named later. The Jays have played seven Grapefruit League games and Ngoepe has seen action in six.
On the Jays’ middle infield depth chart, the South African-born player is probably No. 5, behind Troy Tulowitzki, Devon Travis, Yangervis Solarte and Aledmys Diaz. But Gibbons said the club will no doubt need Ngoepe’s services at times this season, given Tulowitzki and Travis have been injury prone.
“I love him, man. He’s done a great job, he’s got great hands, he can play anywhere out there,” said Gibbons. “Just watching him move around as an infielder, something jumps out at you. And you know I see something in his bat, too. He’s stronger than I thought he was going to be.”