Blue Jays to recall Matt Dominguez

The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly set to recall 1B/3B Matt Dominguez from the triple-A Buffalo Bisons in time for Monday’s game against the Chicago White Sox, according to from Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.

Starter Drew Hutchison will be optioned back to triple-A in an accompanying move.

The 26-year-old Dominguez has gotten off to a very strong start with the Bisons, with hits in nine of his past ten games and a .421 average over that span. For the season, the former first round pick (12th overall) of the Florida Marlins is hitting .311 / .333 / .475 with two home runs and 14 runs batted in.

Dominguez’s ability in the field helped to set him apart from fellow first baseman Jesus Montero, who could have fit into a more natural platoon with Justin Smoak at the Major League level. Prior to Monday’s game, however, manager John Gibbons expressed that the team was looking for some defensive versatility at third base with their next call-up.

Beyond his excellent glove, Dominguez has posted some strong power numbers early in his career. After being traded to the Houston Astros with former Blue Jays pitcher Rob Rasmussen for Carlos Lee, Dominguez had seasons of 21 and 16 home runs in 2013 and 2014. Those stats were largely offset by high strikeout totals and low on-base percentages, however.

With Chris Colabello suspended for 80 games, Dominguez will be given an opportunity to run with his roster spot longterm, potentially seeing time as a designated hitter while allowing for Josh Donaldson and Edwin Encarnacion to DH while playing in the field.