Toronto Blue Jays centre-fielder Kevin Kiermaier is not in Friday’s starting lineup against the Minnesota Twins after suffering a left wrist contusion during Thursday night’s 3-2 victory over the Houston Astros.
Kiermaier is currently listed as day-to-day, though manager John Schneider revealed pre-game that he would be available as a pinch runner or defensive replacement if the situation arises.
The 33-year-old took a 95.6 m.p.h. sinker off his left wrist from Houston Astros left-hander Framber Valdez during his only at-bat in the second inning. He tried to stay in the game initially, but after playing the field in the top half, the left-handed outfielder was removed in place of Daulton Varsho.
Afterwards, the Blue Jays centre-fielder was sent for precautionary X-rays, which returned negative.
Kiermaier, who signed a one-year deal worth $9 million over the off-season, has been tremendous in his first season with the Blue Jays – both offensively and defensively. He is hitting .296/.358/.481 with four home runs, 16 RBIs, a .362 wOBA and a 134 wRC+ over 52 games, worth 1.8 fWAR.
In centre field, the three-time Gold Glove Award winner has logged 421 innings, ranking tied with Varsho and Ramón Laureano for the most DRS (+10) among big-league outfielders. The 6-foot-1 centre-fielder also ranks in the 100th percentile in OAA (+7), outfielder’s jump (3.1 feet vs league AVG) and 98th in average arm strength (93.8 m.p.h.).
George Springer (rest) also isn’t starting for the Blue Jays on Friday, shifting Varsho to centre, with Whit Merrifield (left) and Cavan Biggio (right) playing the corners.
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