Blue Jays Morning Brew: Sanchez, Pearce, Bautista and more

Your Toronto Blue Jays news and notes for Friday, June 16th, 2017.

Aaron Sanchez Close To Returning:

Blue Jays hurler Aaron Sanchez has been throwing long toss and could be headed for a rehab assignment later next week. An optimistic timeframe would be the end of June before the ace could conceivably return to action.

Once healthy the Jays will have to decide who remains in the rotation between Joe Biagini and Francisco Liriano, however, Biagini would be the safe bet to return to the bullpen.

Steve Pearce Set To Be Activated:

Steve Pearce suited up for the Bisons on Wednesday evening stroking a hit in three plate appearances for the herd. Pearce did not play last night as it is assumed he will be activated for Friday night’s contest versus the Chicago White Sox.

With the injury to Ezequiel Carrera, Pearce should figure to get most the reps in left field and should add some offensive clout to the lineup.

Bautista Pull-Happy Power:

Pretty interesting tweet from Daren Willman who is the Director of Baseball Research and Development for MLB.com showing all of Jose Bautista‘s home runs since 2015. I think it is fair to assume that Joey Bats is a pull hitter when swinging for the fences, although he does have one to right field. Definitely an interesting chart.

Jason Grilli Releases Book

Reliever Justin Grilli has released a book titled “Just My Game”, the book is available online while limited quantities are available.

Devon Travis Has Surgery

Second baseman Devon Travis has another surgery on his right knee to clean up the cartilage, however, it appears they did not have to repair anything once inside. Manager John Gibbons would only say “It will be awhile” when asked about a possible timeline for the return of “Devo”.

Jim Callis Has High Praise For Blue Jays Draft

Jim Callis from MLB PipeLine ranked the Blue Jays recent draft 5th out of all major league teams appreciating the selections the Jays brain trust made.

Kacy Clemens Set To Sign

Speaking of draft picks, it would appear that the son of Roger Clemens is set to sign with the Jays. Kacy Clemens is set for a physical in Dunedin and then will be immediately assigned to one of the Blue Jays affiliates. The first baseman was selected in the 8th round of the recent MLB Draft.

Next: Blue Jays should look at Neftali Feliz

That concludes another edition of the Morning Brew, stay tuned as the Blue Jays host the Chicago White Sox in game one at the Rogers Centre later tonight.