Blue Jays duo providing unexpected offensive production

The Toronto Blue Jays are receiving unexpected offensive production from a pair of defensive specialists in the wake of injuries to the entire left side of the Jays infield.

Defensive stalwarts Ryan Goins and Darwin Barney have been immersed into starting roles due to the injuries to Josh Donaldson and Troy Tulowitzki. Both players who are renowned for web gems have been nothing short of clutch with the lumber leading the Jays offensive attack on more than one occasion.

In back to back games Barney and Goins have delivered key home runs that propelled the Jays to victory. On Sunday afternoon Barney broke up a 1-1 tie with a solo home in the 8th inning off Tampa Bay Rays starter Alex Cobb. The Jays would win the contest and the series 2-1 versus their division rival.

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On Monday evening Goins took centre stage outshining the return of Edwin Encarnacion with a towering two-run blast in the 3rd inning off Indians starter Trevor Bauer. The Jays would take game one of the series with a 4-2 victory.

Goins has made some adjustments with his hands and his approach that appear to be paying dividends in the power department as his 3 round-trippers have been no doubters. Goins naturally credits the man he is replacing on the field for his resurgence.

Ryan Goins was has rejuvenated his stock since nearly being released however the Jays opted to send Melvin Upton packing in lieu of Goins. The light usually hitting infielder is batting .200 with 3 home runs in 65 at-bats, shockingly Goins has more home runs than slugger Jose Bautista thus far.

Darwin Barney is a former Gold Glove winner and a little more savvy with the stick than Goins. So far Barney has impressed batting .295 with 18 hits in 60 at-bats. Barney is a professional hitter and one of the few Jays hitters who can lay down a bunt consistently.

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Obviously, the Blue Jays cannot replace the production produced on a nightly basis by JD and Tulo but the unexpected duo has performed admirably and definitely held down the fort in their absence.