Goins given another chance to seize second-base job
Demoted after slow start to season, infielder able to turn it around at Triple-A
TORONTO -- Ryan Goins has a second chance to secure his spot in the Blue Jays' lineup after he was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday afternoon.
Goins was promoted alongside right-handers Esmil Rogers and Aaron Sanchez. Left-hander Brad Mills was designated for assignment, while catcher Erik Kratz and outfielder Darin Mastroianni were optioned to the Minors.
The 26-year-old Goins began the year as Toronto's starting second baseman, but lost the job because of his prolonged offensive struggles. In 24 games, he hit .150 (9-for-60) with a .203 on-base percentage and a .420 OPS.
"I don't really know what happened, I thought what I was doing was good and I thought things were going to work," Goins said. "In Spring Training, I felt like I was making strides and then you get to the season and you're not hitting, not exactly pressing, but you can kind of feel it that you're the guy in the lineup that wasn't getting the job done and they brought guys in that were getting it done."
Goins got the start at second base Tuesday night and Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said Goins can expect to receive a lot of playing time in the immediate future. The ripple effect of that decision could mean that Juan Francisco will get less playing time with Munenori Kawasaki moving to third.
In 79 games for Buffalo, Goins hit .285 with 16 extra-base hits and a .676 OPS. He'll likely split time at second with utilityman Steve Tolleson.
"I feel like I'm the same guy, same player, just a little more battle tested," Goins said. "Going down and having to pick myself back up and playing good enough to get back up here."