Surprising Player Emerging as Leading Candidate For Toronto Blue Jays' Roster Spot
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The surprising Ernie Clement is reportedly the leader in the clubhouse when it comes to trying to earn a utility roster spot with the Toronto Blue Jays.
The following comes from the roster projections recently posted in 'The Athletic:'
The last two infield bench spots, however, are fluid and I’m not entirely confident in my picks. The utility job is a tight battle between Clement and (Santiago) Espinal with (Eduardo) Escobar, who signed a minor-league deal, in the mix, too.
Looking at spring results, Clement has a .967 OPS in five games and is leading the way. Complicating matters is that Clement does not have any minor-league options remaining and would have to pass through waivers if he’s optioned to Triple A. If he doesn’t make the team, the Blue Jays risk him getting claimed by another team
The 27-year-old New York native has appeared in games in each of the last three seasons with the Cleveland Guardians, Oakland Athletics, and Blue Jays. He's a .231 lifetime hitter but he hit .380 in 29 games for the Jays a season ago.
If he's able to beat out Espinal and Escobar, that would be significant considering that both are former All-Stars.
The Jays finished in third place last year in the American League East and were beaten in the wild card round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Twins. Toronto will open up the season on March 28 on the road at the Tampa Bay Rays and then will come home on April 8 for the home opener against the Mariners.
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