
Ease Tulowitzki back into the lineup at designated hitter.
We don’t know for sure how long Kendrys Morales is going to be out, but chances are he’ll spend the minimum on the disabled list if history repeats itself this year. With that, the Blue Jays need to fill the DH role, something that Jose Bautista occupied on Wednesday night.
One option to keep Goins in the lineup and take advantage of his defensive abilities is to place Tulo at DH until Morales returns, riding the hot hand at shortstop and easing the 5 time All-Star back into the lineup from his hamstring issues. It should be beneficial for both parties, even if it’s a short term solution.
As the season continues, Tulowitzki’s bat is important to keep around, so it might make sense to start Goins at short on a semi-regular basis, at least a little more than they have in the past. Again, Tulo could slot into DH, especially with Morales having shown himself to be somewhat capable at first base, at least for the odd game here and there.
Ryan Goins knew he was the hero the second he hit that ball!!!!! Incredible win #BlueJays #LetsRise #Jays @rgoins17 pic.twitter.com/tO7T8KYUZ9
— Lorraine McMillanG (human of Otis the parrot) (@bluejaylover49) May 11, 2017
Goins’ glove has always played at the major league level but it’s been his bat that’s been a detriment. With the way he’s been swinging the stick with regular playing time, it would be a shame in some ways to relegate him back to a seldom used role player. Which brings us to option two…