Blue Jays mulling left-field options this spring
Blue Jays' Spring Training is well underway, but questions still remain about what the club plans to do in left field.There are plenty of options with upwards of five candidates, including one in Steve Pearce who can also be used at first base. The problem is identifying which player gives
Blue Jays' Spring Training is well underway, but questions still remain about what the club plans to do in left field.
There are plenty of options with upwards of five candidates, including one in Steve Pearce who can also be used at first base. The problem is identifying which player gives Toronto its best shot in the lineup and in the field.
Here's a closer look at who's in the mix and what's at stake in the weeks ahead:
Pearce: He has spent most of his career as a part-time player, but the Blue Jays are considering him for a much bigger role. Pearce is still a candidate to start at first base against lefties, but he also might get the nod in left versus righties. Injuries have played a role in Pearce's lack of a full season, but he has a career .728 OPS against right-handed pitching and an .852 OPS against southpaws over 1,639 career at-bats. Pearce has yet to make his debut this spring following last year's right elbow surgery, but he will be ready for Opening Day.
Melvin Upton Jr.: Upton is trying to win an everyday job this spring, but he seems likely to maintain last year's platoon role. Upton is a candidate to start in left field against lefties, and he could also enter games as a pinch-runner or defensive replacement. Upton hit 20 home runs last season, so there is some clear upside in the bat, but he has a career .708 OPS versus righties compared to a .760 OPS for lefties.
Outside help: The Blue Jays have been linked to free agent
Gregor Chisholm has covered the Blue Jays for MLB.com since 2011. Follow him on Twitter @gregorMLB and Facebook, and listen to his podcast.