Blue Jays: Randal Grichuk injury could open the door for Teoscar Hernandez

TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 24: Teoscar Hernandez
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 24: Teoscar Hernandez

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Randal Grichuk and his nagging rib injury have the 26-year old in jeopardy of breaking camp with the team which could open up the door for Teoscar Hernandez to head north with the Jays.

Randal Grichuk has not had the spring he had anticipated for when the Blue Jays acquired the young outfielder from the St. Louis Cardinals earlier in the offseason. Grichuk has battled a sprained wrist and the latest a rib injury that has forced him out of Grapefruit League action since the injury occurred on March 09th.

Initially, Grichuk was thought to be day to day but he has now missed nearly two weeks of action which during the regular season would have resulted in a DL trip. The former first-rounder has only 19 plate appearances this spring and desperately needs to see some game action.

According to Gregor Chisolm of MLB.com the outfielder took swings yesterday and could be in the lineup today when the Jays host the Philadelphia Phillies.

More from Toronto Blue Jays News

The most obvious replacement for Grichuk, if he isn’t ready for Opening Day, will be Teoscar Hernandez. The 25-year old has done everything in his power to make the club out of Dunedin hitting .359/.381/.667 with three home runs in 42 plate appearances. The Achilles Heel is still the strikeout as Hernadez has whiffed 14 times already this spring.

With Anthony Alford on the shelf for the next six weeks rehabbing a hamstring injury, Hernandez will be the man called upon if an outfielder cant answer the bell in time for the beginning of the season.

The Jays also released Ezequiel Carrera who was claimed by the Atlanta Braves as his skillset became redundant after the signing of Curtis Granderson.

Next: Blue Jays: Spring Training Notes and News

The final week of spring training will be crucial for Grichuk and the fate of Hernandez who is sandwiched in an outfield logjam.