Jose Bautista’s early struggles shouldn’t surprise anyone

7 HR, 22 RBI, .310 BA, .360 OBP, .644 SLG These are all numbers you would expect from Jose Bautista after 22 games, except that’s the line for Edwin Encarnacion. The Toronto Blue Jays DH is carrying the Jays on his back while the rest of the team sorts out their struggles. Last year Bautista batted over .360 with nine home runs and 15 RBI in the month of April. His slugging percentage nearly topped .800. Oh how things have changed. The heart and soul of this Blue Jays offense, is mired in a slump, the likes that fans in Toronto haven’t seen before out of their superstar; three home runs, 10 RBI, .190 BA, .333 OPS and .329 SLG. The numbers you see are very uncharacteristic for the two-time defending home run champion. While unusual, it shouldn’t be any surprise. This year’s crop of pitchers are definitely pitching Bautista differently than last year. Their game plan has changed and his patience and timing are being put to the test right before our eyes. Bautista is ...