Leo

Jimenez

Loperfido had a chance to compete for a spot on the Toronot’s Opening Day roster, but he struggled badly in Grapefruit League action, hitting just .207 (6-for-29) with zero homers and two RBI. He’ll continue to hone his craft at the Triple-A level until another opportunity arises.

Jimenez will get Friday night’s game off, and 2024 first-round pick Arun Nimmala will instead get the start at shortstop.

Ernie Clement will slide over to shortstop to replace Jimenez in the field and Addison Barger will play third base and hit seventh. It’s unclear how long Jimenez might be out for.

Jiménez was hit in the foot for the fifth time in seven games, and it’s at least in part due to him being hit in the foot earlier in the month. Blue Jays manager John Schneider said the foot is still “pretty sore” and that the team is being careful with the 23-year-old as the season comes to a close. It’s also worth noting that Ernie Clement has been one of Toronto’s best offensive players, so that has a little something to do with Jiménez lack of consistent time, as well.

This seems like a routine day off for Clement, who has been one of the best hitters in the Blue Jays’ lineup since the All-Star break. Leo Jimenez will play shortstop and bat eighth.

Ernie Clement played shortstop in his place the last two days. Typically, he’d slide back to third base now. However, he’s getting the night off, resulting in Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s seventh start at the hot corner this season.

Jiménez was removed from Saturday’s game with soreness in his right knee, and it’s not a big surprise to see him get Sunday off. The 23-year-old will sit while Ernie Clement gets a start at shortstop and hit second.

Jiménez was lifted from Saturday’s rain-soaked contest, presumably out of an abundance of caution, after getting hurt in his lone plate appearance of the contest. The 23-year-old prospect has been ice-cold at the dish of late, batting ..200 (17-for-85) with two homers over his last 30 games.

OK Jiménez, we see you. All three of his doubles were hit in the air and harder than 97 MPH and his first looked like it was going to sneak over the fence down the left field line. Jiménez has started in 20 out of 25 games and Bo Bichette is still yet to start a rehab assignment, so he’ll have some more opportunities at shortstop in the short term.

It sounds like the 26-year-old shortstop is going to require longer than just a minimum stint on the injured list this time around, as the Blue Jays want to make sure that he gets right before bringing him back. That should give Leo Jimenez an opportunity to establish himself with an everyday role for the time being.