Toronto Blue Jays Activate Veteran Slugger as Playoffs Loom

As the Toronto Blue Jays look to lock up a wild card spot and a trip to the playoffs this week, they've activated veteran slugger Brandon Belt from the injured list.

He had been out with lower back issues.

Per MLBTradeRumors:

Signed to a one-year, $9.3MM free agent deal last winter, Belt has hit .251/.369/.470 with 16 home runs over 382 plate appearances. The Blue Jays have used Belt mostly as a DH and rarely sent him to the plate against left-handed pitchers, but this platoon usage has perhaps contributed to Belt’s ability to stay healthy for the majority of the 2023 campaign. Belt has been one of the steadier contributors to a Toronto lineup that has struggled to consistently generate offense, so getting Belt back for the regular season’s final six games is a big help as the Jays try to lock up a wild card slot.

If Belt can get going, the Jays have one of the best lineups in the American League with him, George Springer, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and Daulton Varsho, among others.

Belt is in his 13th year in the big leagues - having spent 12 with the Giants before coming to Toronto. Lifetime, he's a .260 hitter with 191 home runs. The 35-year-old is a one-time All-Star and a two-time World Series champion.

The Blue Jays are taking on the New York Yankees on Friday night at Rogers Centre.

First pitch is set for 7:07 p.m. ET as Michael King (NYY) battles against Kevin Gausman (TOR).

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