Post by: Tyler Therien
to San Francisco Giants for utility infielder and relief pitching
Photo credits: Getty Images
The Toronto Blue Jays have seen better days. On Monday, April 1, in a series opener at home against the Baltimore Orioles, the team surrendered five runs in the first two innings (no April Fooling) While they managed to rally back later in the game – after Orioles manager Brandon Hyde pulled pitcher David Hess, who was pitching a no-hitter into the 7th inning – the final score was 6-5 for the O’s. Quite a comeback but too little, too late.
The Jays traded another one of their franchise players following the game. Kevin Pillar was moved to the San Francisco Giants for infielder Alan Hansen, as well as Juan De Paula and Derek Law, two relief pitchers. This, coupled with the recent departure of Kendrys Morales, should give Jays fans an uncertain sense as to who will remain on the team come the July 31st trade deadline. Already being discussed is the likelihood of Justin Smoak being traded.
H. Ryan – “I like Montoyo. I think that — yes — I think that they will invest when the time comes. But they are definitely, fully invested in this rebuild, obviously given (by) the deal with Pillar, and the forthcoming trades involving Smoak, I presume, and maybe Sanchez, maybe Stroman. I hope not, I hope they get one of them, at least one of them gets an extension, as a veteran force in the starting rotation. Because Shoemaker is not going to be here forever — he has a one-year contract.
The Jays won one of the three games at home against Baltimore. They split the opening series against the Detroit Tigers, two games a piece. As of today, they are down three games to zero to the Cleveland Indians, with game four being today and the present score 3-0 for Cleveland, with the Indians at bat in the bottom of the sixth.
Today’s lineup features starters that many Jays fans have yet to see play. With Justin Smoak sitting, Rowdy Tellez is starting at first base. The newly acquired Alen Hansen is starting at second (over Lourdes Gurriel Jr.). Richard Urena, who played some 2B and SS last year for the club, is starting at third base over Brandon Drury. Finally, Teoscar Hernandez is slotted at DH, which opens up room for the Jays to start Socrates Brito at right field.
Take Me Out To The Blue Jays Game 