Blue Jays’ Michael Saunders struggling to regain form in Buffalo

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Michael Saunders is living proof just how difficult major league baseball can truly be as the outfielder struggles to regain his previous form in Triple-A with the Buffalo Bisons.

The native of Victoria, British Columbia latched back on with the Toronto Blue Jays in late June after a disastrous 2017 season with the Philadelphia Phillies. Michael Saunders slashed .205/.257/.360 with 6 home runs and 51 strikeouts in 61 games proving Philadelphia is not always the “City of Brotherly Love.”

The Blue Jays were hopeful that a return to his home soil could rejuvenate Saunders offensively and that the 30-year old could provide the Jays some much-needed outfield depth for the second half. Unfortunately for everyone involved, that has not materialized as Saunders continues to search for answers at the plate.

In 13 games with the Bisons, Saunders has provided very little optimism batting .120 with only 6 hits and 13 strike outs in 50 at bats with the Blue Jays Triple-A affiliate. Saunders has hits in only 5 games with Buffalo and only one being of the extra base variety. One would have to think his release will be imminent if he continues to falter for the herd.

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In 2016, it appeared Saunders finally reached his potential however the first and second halves of the season were at completely opposite ends of the spectrum. In the first half of the season, Saunders batted .298 with 16 round trippers and a .923 OPS in the first 82 games leading into the All-Star break. Saunders would win the fan vote earning the final roster spot on the American League roster.

Following the midsummer classic, the remaining 58 games were not kind to Saunders as he batted .178 with 8 home runs and a deflated .638 OPS. The Jays would not offer Saunders a contract at the conclusion of the season and the outfielder would eventually sign with the Phillies on a one-year $9 million dollar pact.

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Here is hoping “Captain Canada” can figure it all out sooner than later but one would have to think the cards are stacked up against Saunders at this point in the game.