Belt Returns At Perfect Time For Blue Jays' Playoff Push

The Blue Jays get Brandon Belt's bat and experience back at the perfect time for October baseball and the playoff push.

Since Brandon Belt's last game, the Blue Jays are 7-5. They've weathered a series sweep to the Rangers, clawed back up the Wild-Card standings, and now sit a few days away from clinching a postseason ticket.

But, Belt's return from the injured list couldn't come at a better time. With ample postseason experience and arguably the best lefty bat in Toronto's lineup, the 35-year-old veteran will be a big part of the Blue Jays' final six games this season — and however many that follow.

Despite playing just 97 games in 2023, Belt sits sixth on the team in homers and leads all non-Davis Schneider batters in OPS. In the 25 games before injuring his back, Belt knocked eight homers, hit .267, and rocked an MVP-caliber .987 OPS.

"I think since probably May, he's been as consistent as anybody when it comes to hitting right-handed pitching," manager John Schneider said. "So excited to have him back and just kind of the quality of at-bat that he brings."

Belt's southpaw bat could be especially valuable for the Blue Jays' playoff chances, if he can quickly find his timing after coming off the IL. The veteran 1B/DH has primarily played against right-handed pitching for the Jays this season, and they're lined up to see plenty of that in early October. 

As things currently sit, the Jays have an 88% chance of playing the Rays in the Wild-Card round of the postseason and an 11% chance of matching up against the Twins. Both Tampa and Minnesota have starting rotations comprised of exclusively right-handers and both teams' closers are both righties, as well.

So, expect Belt to receive everyday playing time if the Blue Jays get to the postseason, a spot he's very familiar with. Belt has 127 postseason at-bats across three playoff runs, playing into the World Series (and winning the thing) in 2012 and 2014 with the Giants.

"His experiences I think, you know, speak for themselves," Schneider said. "I think him and George [Springer] have kind of really been there and done that."

So, as the leaves start to fall and the calendar flips to October, there's no better time for Belt to return to the Blue Jays lineup. He may not be the biggest name in Toronto's lineup, but he brings the lefty thump and big-game experience that could determine how long the Jays keep playing.