Blue Jays option Jonatan Clase, recall Leo Jimenez

Before Monday’s game, shortstop Bo Bichette was pulled from the Jays’ lineup due to right knee discomfort. With Jimenez being recalled, they’ll now have an additional shortstop on the roster while Bichette rests up.

Jimenez, 24, played with the Blue Jays in 2024 while Bichette had a lengthy stint on the Injured List. In 210 plate appearances, the shortstop slashed .229/.329/.358 with four home runs, giving him a 101 wRC+ and a 0.5 fWAR. Moreover, Jimenez drew 12 walks and 16 hit by pitches, one of my favourite stat lines in baseball history.

As for Jimenez’s defence, it was okay at shortstop. In 323.2 innings, the 24-year-old had 1 Defensive Runs Saved and -3 Outs Above Average.

Jimenez was injured to start the 2025 season after being optioned to the Bisons. He finally made his season debut in the middle of May on a rehab assignment, making his way up to Triple-A by the end of May. So far with the Bisons, Jimenez is slashing .271/.417/.333 with no home runs in 60 plate appearances, with a 15 BB% and an 18.3 K% for a 120 wRC+.

It hasn’t been a great season for Clase in the big leagues. In 112 plate appearances, the 23-year-old switch-hitter is slashing .210/.288/.300 with two home runs for a 69 wRC+. One of those home runs was one of the biggest hits of the year, a solo home run in the top of the ninth against the St. Louis Cardinals to tie the game.

Even with Daulton Varsho and Anthony Santander on the Injured List, the Blue Jays have more than enough players who can play in the outfield. That list includes George Springer, Nathan Lukes, Myles Straw, Davis Schneider, and Addison Barger. He’ll probably be back up at some point this season.