Daulton Varsho’s return speaks volumes for the Toronto Blue Jays and presents how the outfield situation will transform. The Blue Jays had roster flexibility to start the season with several different outfielders. They have George Springer, Nathan Lukes, Addison Barger, Davis Schneider, Alan Roden, and Myles Straw. But Schneider was optioned to AAA Buffalo following his poor offense (1-for-15 (.067)). With the way Roden has been performing, earning his first major league home run against the Braves on April 15, he deserves to be in the lineup consistently.
But Varsho, expected to return at the end of April, will alter the lineup. The defensive gem is progressing well with his shoulder rehab and has been working with special assistant Kevin Kiermaier. Varsho underwent rotator cuff surgery on his shoulder in the offseason. Varsho will start with the next step in his rehab with his first rehab assignment this weekend.
Aside from the top-notch defense we are used to seeing from Varsho, fans are yearning for his offense. With the Blue Jays starting to heat up offensively with home runs, this is where Varsho’s bat will be important. The Blue Jays have had no problems producing hits but have shown inconsistencies with RISP. If Varsho can capitalize on a more consistent basis this season with runners on base, it will really open up the Blue Jays offense. Varsho has been known to be a solid hitter with RISP, so this will be tested with him this season. Varsho has already shown early signs of his power in camp, hitting four home runs with his adjusted stance at the plate.
How Varsho’s Return Changes Roster
Some people are not sold on the fact that the 2024 Gold Glover will have an offensive breakout year. But if he belts home runs like he did in spring training (4), he’ll silence the critics. With his high-caliber defense and bat, Varsho’s return will be significant this season for the Blue Jays. The Blue Jays have already demonstrated improved defense in the infield with three-time Gold Glover Andres Gimenez nabbing several base-stealers. The Blue Jays have missed Varsho’s defense in the outfield, but Lukes and Straw have done a good job defensively. But with Varsho returning, this means that the outfield will be altered. The trio in the outfield will likely be Varsho, Straw, and Springer. Straw can play all outfield positions. Representing his versatility with either left or right field, with Varsho in center and Springer in left or right field.
The Blue Jays also have younger guys like Jonatan Clase, who has performed well in AAA Buffalo this season (.378 batting average, six stolen bases. He would deserve a call-up, but with Varsho’s return, it will get delayed unless there’s another injury. It will be interesting to see what John Schneider does with the lineup. Also, with the Blue Jays already sending down Schneider, what will the result be for Lukes and Barger?
Barger must perform well until Varsho returns to remain in the majors. Straw has been productive at the plate early this season with a .355 batting average and a home run. The end of April is soon approaching, and the Blue Jays have more decisions to make when Varsho returns.
Main Photo Credits: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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