The Toronto Blue Jays have amazing news for fans as their beginning center fielder, Daulton Varsho, is formally back in action after investing a month on the hurt list. Today, the group revealed that Varsho has actually been restored from the 10-day hurt list where he was recovering from a surgery last September, which fixed a torn rotator cuff. In a tactical change, the Jays have actually decided to send out infielder Will Wagner to Triple-A Buffalo to include Varsho’s return. Additionally, the group has actually triggered right-handed pitcher Casey Lawrence, who they just recently got from the Mariners, while optioning right-hander Paxton Schultz to Buffalo.

Despite Varsho’s lack, the Blue Jays have actually remarkably mastered their center field position this season, showcasing strong efficiency from their gamers. Collectively, Toronto’s center fielders have actually accomplished an outstanding slash line of .311/.392/.478. Players like Myles Straw, Nathan Lukes, and George Springer have all contributed substantially while covering center field responsibilities. Conversely, the left field position has actually had a hard time significantly, with a miserable slash line of .180/.262/.247. In specific, Alan Roden, Anthony Santander, and Davis Schneider have actually dealt with obstacles when handling left field duties in the lineup.

With Varsho’s return, he is anticipated to recover his area as the routine center fielder. Known for his extraordinary protective abilities, Varsho has actually developed himself as one of the premier outfield protectors in the video game, boasting exceptional data such as 39 Defensive Runs Saved and 25 Outs Above Average over simply 1824 innings in center field. His excellent protective metrics in corner outfield positions are likewise notable. The mix of Varsho in center and Springer in ideal field will enable the Blue Jays to turn gamers such as Roden, Lukes, Santander, Straw, and Addison Barger in left field, boosting their outfield characteristics.

In addition to Varsho’s return, there might be a chance for Addison Barger to see increased playing time at 3rd base following the optioning of Will Wagner to Triple-A. Wagner had actually been sharing the 3rd base responsibilities with Ernie Clement, however both gamers have actually struggled offensively. Wagner has actually had 68 plate looks this season, leading to an underwhelming slash line of .186/.284/.220. While his strikeout rate is around league average and his walk rate of 11.8% is good, Wagner has actually dealt with making strong contact and has actually often struck ground balls, restricting his efficiency at the plate.

Though Wagner’s efficiency has actually been frustrating compared to in 2015’s excellent launching of .305/.337/.451 and this spring’s .256/.341/.410, he will likely have future chances to show himself, whether as a routine at 3rd base or in a utility function. For now, the 26-year-old second-generation gamer will intend to restore his kind in the minors and work towards a go back to the big leagues.

As the season advances, Toronto’s 3rd basemen have actually jointly handled a simple .204/.255/.235 batting line, ranking them at the bottom of the league with a 42 wRC+ which is connected with the Milwaukee Brewers for the worst in the majors. Tonight, Ernie Clement will begin at 3rd base versus Red Sox left-handed pitcher Chris Sale. With Wagner sent out down, it is possible that Barger may be thought about as a left-handed choice to enhance Clement. Although Clement’s total efficiency has actually been below average with a .219/.261/.266 slash, he has actually been especially efficient versus left-handed pitching, publishing an outstanding .421/.500/.579 line in 25 plate looks.

If the Blue Jays desire to check out various alternatives at 3rd base, they might think about moving Vladimir Guerrero Jr. over for periodic looks, comparable to the 12 video games he played there in 2015. However, this would develop a space in the very first base position that would require to be resolved. Ultimately, the Blue Jays are trying to find among their internal infield gamers to step up and contribute offensively. Along with Wagner, Clement, and Barger, previous leading possibility Orelvis Martinez has actually had a tough start in Buffalo, where he has actually put together a .154/.247/.292 line with a striking 39.7% strikeout rate in 73 plate looks. Despite this rough spot, Martinez has actually revealed indications of enhancement just recently, going 8-for-29 with a crowning achievement and 3 doubles in his last 8 video games, attaining a beneficial .276/.364/.483 batting line.