Looks like Daulton Varsho is on his way back to the Toronto Blue Jays
Photo credit: Sportsnet
Varsho has been on the 10-day injured list since the start of the season, continuing his recovery from shoulder surgery he underwent last September.On Thursday, the Blue Jays received some positive news regarding Varsho's recovery.
Gold Glove outfielder Daulton Varsho is close to rejoining the Toronto Blue Jays, with a rehab stint in Single-A Dunedin set to begin in the next few days.
TSN.ca reports that Varsho played in 12 Spring Training games as a designated hitter, batting .242 with four home runs, but the Blue Jays opted to delay his activation until he was fully ready to handle duties in center field.
His upcoming return now raises questions for a Toronto roster that's carried six outfielders since Opening Day.
Here's what Blue Jays manager John Schneider has to say about how Varsho will affect their roster construction moving forward.
"I don't think multiple, but definitely one. Position, handedness, all of that stuff, it probably impacts one spot, not two." -Schneider
As a left-handed hitter, Varsho's return will likely prompt the Blue Jays to option one of the other lefties currently on the roster. With the team placing greater emphasis on offense than defense at this stage of the season, that focus could offer a clue as to which player might be the odd man out once Varsho is back in action.
"We've got to start hitting some homers and start separating the score a little bit. I'm confident that will happen, but overall, the approach has been good and the contact quality has been good, much better than where it was last year at this time." -Schneider
Varsho, 28, had a tough year at the plate last season, posting a .214 average with 18 home runs and a .293 on-base percentage. However, his defensive prowess is expected to secure him a regular spot in the field despite those offensive struggles.
The Blue Jays announced on Thursday that they've optioned Schneider to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.
TRENDING NOW
