The AL East is shaping up to be fiercely competitive this season, with even the 8-8 Toronto Blue Jays finding themselves in last place as of Monday’s games. Remarkably, this record mirrors that of the Texas Rangers, who currently sit atop the AL West standings.
However, in the East, this record only lands you in the cellar. While the Blue Jays haven’t been a complete disaster, it’s evident they could use some reinforcements.
Their latest roster move, welcoming back their regular catcher, has the potential to ignite a turnaround.
Danny Jansen, Toronto’s starting catcher, had been sidelined since March 29 due to a right wrist fracture, with the injury dating back to March 25.
His absence not only deprived the team of a potent hitter but also a leader behind the plate, crucial for guiding the pitching staff through games.
While Alejandro Kirk has displayed promise, Jansen solidified his role as the Jays’ primary catcher last season with impressive performances.
In the past two seasons, Jansen has showcased his power with 32 home runs, an impressive feat for a catcher.
His offensive prowess is further evidenced by his strong .786 OPS in 2023 and an even better .855 mark in the previous year, placing him above the league average for starting catchers.
In contrast, Kirk, while showing potential, struggled to match Jansen’s offensive production, posting a .692 OPS last year and a paltry .429 in the 14 games he’s played this season.
Fortunately, Jansen’s injury, located at the base of his right wrist, was relatively minor, allowing for a swift return to action. His comeback will undoubtedly be welcomed by the Blue Jays, as they look to bolster their lineup and climb out of the cellar in the fiercely competitive AL East.
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