Blue Jays bench players providing some consistency in 2015

Jun 28, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Ezequiel Carrera (3) scores a run from as Texas Rangers Robinson Chirinos (61) waits for the ball in the fifth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

#5  –  OF Ezequiel Carrera

Carrera’s demotion wouldn’t cause me any lost sleep at this point, but much like Colabello, his addition was scoffed at this past offseason. Again, this is a lesson that there is no such thing as a bad Minor League addition. If they work, you get an impact on your MLB roster like we see with Carrera. If they fail, the big league club doesn’t feel a thing.

The speedy Carrera has made 140 plate appearances in 60 games, often entering as a late-inning defensive replacement when he Jays chase offense in left field with one of Chris Colabello or Danny Valencia. He started off hot, but has seen his numbers regress to a more expected level at .256 / .309 / .320.

One disappointment I’ve had with Carrera is his lack of impact on the bases. His speed was the primary attribute that I highlighted after his signing, and I pointed to his 43 stolen bases with AAA Columbus in 2013. This roster could still use a Rajai Davis style of player who can wreak havoc in the late innings, but Carrera has yet to uncork that part of his game. Defensively he has been a disappointment, but when compared to someone like Colabello, it’s easy to forget that.

Next: #4: The Glove begins to round out his game