Despite injuries, Pearce ‘loved’ time in Toronto
Boston outfielder frustrated by health struggles
BOSTON Steve Pearce describes his time in Toronto as bittersweet.
He enjoyed playing for the Blue Jays, but at the same time there was a real sense of frustration. Injuries kept the hard-hitting utility man from really showing Toronto fans what he could do — though he certainly put together some highlights, most notably his two walk-off grand slams last July 27 and July 30.
“I was hurt three times. Probably five if you count spring training,” said Pearce on Thursday, speaking to Toronto writers for the first time since he was traded to the Boston Red Sox on June 28. “I was always hurt and trying to find my footing. But all in all (my time there): Great friendships, great teammates. It was a great experience, I loved it over there.”
Pearce signed with the Jays before the 2017 season and missed almost the first half of the year with a right calf strain. This year he was placed on the DL on May 3 because of an oblique strain and returned on June 22, just a few days before being traded to Boston for minorleague shortstop Santiago Espinal.
“Not just Toronto, but (throughout) my career I had trouble with nagging injuries,” Pearce said. “It just seems half the time I’m behind the eight ball, trying to get my legs back underneath me, and being in spring training form in mid-season. I’m always trying to battle back.”
Pearce found out he had been traded to Boston while attending Josh Donaldson’s BASEBOWL charity after the Jays returned from a seven-day road trip. He said he got the news at about 9 p.m. as many of his teammates were leaving for the night.
“It was a sad time, everybody’s having so much fun together and I get the phone call and I’m traded,” Pearce said. “The guys that were still there, they were happy for me, but at the same time they were sad to see me go. It wasn’t the ideal time, being on the road so long and coming back for one day. And I met Boston on a nine-game road trip (in New York City), so it was kind of tough.”
Pearce, 35, grew up cheering for Boston despite being raised in Lakeland, Fla.
Pearce had two doubles, a homer and three RBIS for Boston entering Thursday ’s game against Toronto.
ON THE MOVE
Speedy outfielder Jonathan Davis has been promoted to the Buffalo Bisons (triple-a) from the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (double-a).
RHP Preston Guilmet was activated by the Bisons.
Outfielders Andrew Guillotte and Dalton Pompey (who was activated from the DL on Thursday) have been transferred to New Hampshire.
Davis, the No. 28 prospect in the Jays’ system according to MLB. com, is enjoying a breakout year for the Fisher Cats. He leads all Eastern League players with 68 runs scored and is tied for second with 92 hits ( just one off the lead).
He has also stolen 19 bases in 22 attempts (fourth in the EL).