Toronto Blue Jays: Who Stays When Jose Reyes Comes Back?

Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

According to Shi Davidi, Toronto Blue Jays oft injured infielder, Jose Reyes, is set to start running on a treadmill and begin taking ground balls. The Blue Jays training staff and management will more than likely take a cautious approach with Reyes’ hamstring, as they should.  If all things go according to plan we can expect to see Reyes in the line-up sometime in mid-April.

Who will be the odd man out in the Jays infield?

Maicer Izturis isn’t going anywhere as  he has done a complete 180 from last year’s performance. Maicer is swinging a hot bat and has provided solid defense, making it easy for John Gibbons to pencil his name in the line-up. Ryan Goins has not shown any ability to hit, well anything, so far this year. Jonathan Diaz has not set the baseball world on fire, but has been having more productive at-bats than Goins. Both guys have provided solid defensive play and versatility, playing second base and shortstop. Goins and Diaz are similar players, but Diaz seems to be more advanced handling the bat and has more versatility (he can play the outfield also). Diaz is batting .200/.333/.267, with 2 walks, 5 strikeouts and 1 stolen base. Goins is batting 0.063/0.063/.125 with 1 walks, 5 strikeouts and zero stolen bases.

Another factor that is worth noting, one that everyone Toronto Blue Jays fans loves discussing, is player options. Goins has them and would not have to pass waivers if management decides to send him to Triple-A Buffalo. Likewise, Diaz has options available as well, so there is no worry about sneaking him through waivers at this stage. I previously made my feeling about Jonathan Diaz very clear in a piece I wrote in February. His performance has been exactly what I thought it would be; however, I have been impressed with his ability to work the count.

Although very early, I believe that Diaz has shown enough with the bat and with the glove to keep him in Toronto over Goins when Jose Reyes is activated from the DL. That allows Reyes and Izturis to play everyday, and have Diaz being a defensive replacement and  giving the everyday guys some rest.

So Jays fans, which all glove no bat infielder would you send to Buffalo?