Danny Jansen #9 of the Toronto Blue Jays
The AL East presents itself as fiercely competitive this season, with even the 8-8 Toronto Blue Jays currently occupying last place as of Monday’s games. Surprisingly, this record mirrors that of the Texas Rangers, who currently lead the AL West standings.
However, in the East, such a record places you at the bottom. While the Blue Jays haven’t faced complete disaster, it’s clear they could benefit from some reinforcements.
Their latest roster move, which sees the return of their regular catcher, has the potential to spark a turnaround.
Danny Jansen, Toronto’s starting catcher, had been sidelined since March 29 due to a right wrist fracture sustained on March 25.
His absence not only deprived the team of a potent hitter but also of a leader behind the plate, vital for guiding the pitching staff through games.
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While Alejandro Kirk has shown promise, Jansen cemented his role as the Jays’ primary catcher last season with impressive performances.
Over the past two seasons, Jansen has demonstrated his power with 32 home runs, a notable achievement for a catcher.
His offensive capabilities are further underscored by his strong .786 OPS in 2023 and an even better .855 mark the year before, placing him above the league average for starting catchers.
In contrast, Kirk, while displaying potential, struggled to match Jansen’s offensive output, posting a .692 OPS last year and a meager .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 embraced by the Blue Jays as they aim to strengthen their lineup and rise from the bottom of the fiercely competitive AL East.
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