Toronto Blue Jays Ernie Clement speaks on his terrifying injury
Photo credit: JONATHAN DYER-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Blue Jays hopeful Ernie Clement reflected on what was a wild week in spring training as he shakes off a potential grisly injury earlier in the week.
During the game against the Detroit Tigers, Clement was hit by a 91 mile an hour pitch to his face by Tigers right hander Ty Madden. After a couple of days, he was back in the lineup where he began a decent showing in offence as he hit two home runs in less than three days.
Clement working through injury scare and happy to be back on the field
«I mean, it's definitely a scare when that kind of thing happens,» he told Sportsnet. «Getting back, I wanted to get back into the games as soon as possible. I feel like the more you think on it and relive it, that can cause some issues. So I just wanted to get back in there as soon as possible and obviously swinging at the first pitch there was kind of on brand. I wasn't going to wait around for sure. So it's just nice to be back out there.» Ernie Clement
Many of his teammates including Bo Bichette and starting pitcher Chris Bassitt gave high praise for him as they admire his tenacity after coming back from the injury scare.
«Dang, first at-bat back,» said Bichette, who took ground balls on the left side of the infield alongside Clement, Gimenez and Guerrero Jr. as part of Sunday's workout. «Pretty cool.» Bo Bichette
Clement also received a text from Madden the day after the scare and that he wished him well and clearly felt bad about it.
«He's not fazed,» said starter Chris Bassitt. «Ernie's wired a little different.» Chris Bassitt
Blue Jays looking forward to Clement'z game
As spring training is winding down and the Blue Jays are preparing for
opening day, the organization is excited to see what Clement will do this season after building off from a great season last year.
opening day, the organization is excited to see what Clement will do this season after building off from a great season last year.
He produced 3.4 wins above replacement for the Blue Jays in 2024, largely due to excellent defence at third base, and at the plate, he hit .263 with a .692 OPS. Ben Nicholson-Smith
Clement has stated he feels good and that he is ready to go it would like to see the season start now.
«It's a lot to build off,» Clement said. «Playing 140 games or so is something I hadn't done before, so I know physically what my body needs. I have a lot to work on for sure - offensively and defensively, so we're rolling here and I feel good. I'm ready to roll. I wish the season would start now.» Ernie Clement
The Blue Jays next game in Grapefruit League will be against the Minnesota Twins as first pitch will be thrown at 1:07 PM eastern at TD Ballpark.
Source: Sportsnet
Blue Jays' Ernie Clement reflects on wild week following HBP scare
Blue Jays' Ernie Clement reflects on wild week following HBP scare
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