The Toronto Blue Jays are getting creative as they look for ways to keep Kendrys Morales’ bat in the lineup.
It is safe to say that the Toronto Blue Jays have a quandary with their lineup. Josh Donaldson is a superlative player when in the lineup, but he is dealing with a dead arm, necessitating time as the Blue Jays designated hitter. The problem with putting Donaldson at the DH slot is that it takes power hitter Kendrys Morales out of the lineup, as he barely plays in the field at this point in his career. Although Yangervis Solarte is a solid fill in at third, he may well be needed to take over at second if Devon Travis continues to struggle.
With Toronto looking to keep as many weapons in the lineup as possible, they may have an interesting solution in mind. Given Donaldson’s injury, and the eventual problems involving interleague play, the Blue Jays have had Morales fielding grounders at third.
Kendrys Morales taking balls at third base. No doubt the #BlueJays will find a way to get his bat in the lineup every game this weekend, as they face three lefties. Perhaps third tonight with Donaldson DHing
— steve buffery (@Beezersun) April 6, 2018
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This would not be the first time that a team has found a way to put Morales on the diamond to keep his bat in the lineup. The Royals had Morales in right for five games in 2016, where he handled all eight of his chances flawlessly. Likewise, Morales has spent 398 games at first, although the majority of those appearances came earlier in his career. However, Morales has never played at third in his professional career.
The Blue Jays are also not the only team that has looked to find a way to keep one of their better hitters in the lineup. Given the Brewers overcrowded outfield, Ryan Braun had taken grounders at second during Spring Training. While it is unlikely that Milwaukee would put Braun at the keystone in a game, it is still intriguing that they would consider that a possible option.
This holds true with the Blue Jays and Morales. Justin Smoak has been a solid contributor to the lineup, but it makes far more sense to give him a day off to keep Morales in the lineup. It would also make sense to give Donaldson the occasional game at first to keep his bat in the lineup as well. Putting Morales at third, however, seems like a possible disaster waiting to happen.
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The Toronto Blue Jays are looking for ways to keep Kendrys Morales in the lineup. That may even include some time at the hot corner.