Another day, another win for the Blue Jays.
On Monday afternoon, they took on the Tampa Bay Rays, defeating the American League East Divisional rivals by a score of 9-2. With the win, their record moves to 7-9 along with a tie.
Let’s take a look at some things worth mentioning.
Ernie Clement has got to make this team, as he went deep for the second time in as many days. On top of that, he hit a single that drove in a run. In total, he went 2-4 with 3 RBI, and is batting .400 now, along with a 1.143 OPS.
Clement is out of options, meaning that if the Jays wish to keep him, he has to make the roster. If they send him down to the minor leagues, he’ll have to be designated for assignment where he’ll surely be picked up.
Davis Schneider also had a great game, going 2-4 with a home run and a double. Moreover, he reached on a Ray error, nabbing two extra bags on that play. It’s been a quiet spring training for Schneider, hitting just two homers and batting .217. Still, there’s a good chance he makes the Opening Day roster.
Danny Jansen hit his first home run of Spring Training and went 1-4 with 2 RBIs. Blue Jays catchers have had a terrific spring, with Alejandro Kirk hitting his third home run on Sunday, while Brian Serven hit his second home run of the spring during the split squad game on Sunday.
Cavan Biggio reached base in three of his four plate appearances, walking once and hitting two doubles off a tough pitcher in Zach Eflin. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that he and Schneider will platoon at second base.
Nathan Lukes also went two for four, maintaining his .500 batting average with over 20 plate appearances. With a great spring thus far, Lukes is increasing his chances of making the opening day roster.
Mitch White had another start on Monday and it went okay. He finished with a line of 3 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, working out of trouble multiple times in his outing. Sadly, there is no stat cast for this game.
Nate Pearson had a good outing, striking out one batter in one inning of work. Again, there’s no stat cast for this game, but he’s dropped his ERA to 7.71. There’s a good chance he starts the season in Triple-A, as he has options remaining.
Mason Fluharty has pitched terrifically this Spring Training, as he went 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K in Monday’s game, maintaining his 0 ERA. He’s pitched 5.2 innings, striking out nine batters while walking two. He’s in the same boat as Hagen Danner, Connor Cooke, and T.J. Brock as relievers who could find their way to the major leagues this season.
The Blue Jays return to action on Tuesday at 1:07 PM ET, as they’ll host the New York Yankees in Dunedin. José Berríos is expected to start the game, while the Yankees starter is to be determined.
More must-reads: