The Toronto Blue Jays are attempting to find a fit for Orelvis Martinez after latest report
Photo credit: MLB.com
After spending part of the 2024 season on suspension, Blue Jays hitter Orelvis Martinez Is attempting to find his way into the lineup on a full-time basis and the Blue Jays are working to try to make that happen.
Blue Jays top prospect Orelvis Martinez was suspended for using PEDs last season. Today, he's hit two baseballs at 109 mph, and 105.6 mph (the HR in this video). Yeahthat'll play just fine.
He has had a great start in grapefruit league and is showing the promise that many felt would come But the team is trying to find a fit defensively that does not seem to be as clear.
Blue Jays roster not friendly for Martinez on the field
Despite having some good offensive numbers, The Blue Jays simply do not have the space in the outfield for putting Martinez in play.
All outfield positions are locked in with Anthony Santander, Dalton Varsho and George Springer when all players are healthy. First base is occupied by Vladimir Guerrero Jr, shortstop is Bo Bichette and catcher is not the position he plays.
The team had acquired Andres Gimenez in December from the Cleveland guardians which would prevent Martinez from playing second base and he will be under team control till 2030.
Third base may be an option as Martinez has some experience
Given that third base has been an ongoing question mark around the Blue Jays and with the team unable to secure the services of Alex Bregman earlier last month.
All possibility that Martinez can find himself playing some third base much like what John Schneider stated last year when he was called up.
Some would argue that the designated hitter position would be a logical step to put him there but it's highly unlikely as no American League teams let alone any Major League Baseball teams have given that role to a rookie and would rather have an experienced player considering the value of the position.
The idea of getting another power bat into the lineup in a win-now season may seem appealing, but Martinez's route to everyday at-bats is cloudy with the Blue Jays right now. His best path at the moment seems to be at DH, which asks a lot of his bat while preventing a glove already shrouded in some uncertainty from developing further. Nick Ashbourne
In the meantime, the Blue Jays will continue their grapefruit league play as they will take on the Detroit Tigers on Monday March 3rd and play at Publix field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland FL. First pitch will be held at 1:05 PM eastern.
Source: Sportsnet
How could Orelvis Martinez fit into crowded Blue Jays lineup?
How could Orelvis Martinez fit into crowded Blue Jays lineup?
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