Blue Jays News and Notes: Mayza, Axford, Bautista and more
![TORONTO, ON - MARCH 29: John Axford](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_752,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fjaysjournal-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F04-2F939880954-new-york-yankees-v-toronto-blue-jays-jpg-850x560-ad8bf152328f5361d94c8bbbc403c612.jpg)
Toronto Blue Jays news and notes for Tuesday, April 24th with updates on Tim Mayza, John Axford, Jose Bautista and more.
Mayza Called Back Up
The Blue Jays have called reliever Tim Mayza back up to the big club as John Axford has been placed on bereavement leave for the next 3-7 games. Mayza was just down to Buffalo on Friday when designated hitter Kendrys Morales was activated from the disabled list. The 26-year old has one scoreless inning under his belt thus far this season with the big club.
Axford who will be away from the team for the better part of a week has been impressive so far making 10 relief appearances to the tune of a respectable 2.70 earned run average while surrendering three runs. Thoughts and prayers go out to John and his family for their loss.
#BlueJays place John Axford on bereavement list. Tim Mayza up from triple-A Buffalo to cover.
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) April 24, 2018
Bautista To Be Everyday Third Baseman For Braves
According to the Braves manager, Jose Bautista will be the team’s everyday third baseman once promoted from Triple-A. Thus far Joey Bats has two hits in 15 plate appearances between their Florida and Gwinnett affiliates.
Jose Bautista flashing the leather!
— Dan Fetes (@danfetes) April 23, 2018
The diving stop starts the 5-4-3 double play in the 3rd inning for @GoStripers #Braves @News_8
(@KevinMcAlpin @mlbbowman @DOBrienAJC) pic.twitter.com/niVgkNvhjO
Diaz The Fleetest Afoot
According to Statcast Aledmys Diaz had the best sprint speed on the squad covering 28.6 feet per second. Teoscar Hernandez, Kevin Pillar, and Randal Grichuk were milliseconds behind Diaz. The shortstop ranked 42nd in the majors with that time while Justin Smoak was the slowest of all Jays sprinting at 23.7 feet per second. Twins outfielder Byron Buxton was the fastest in the league with an impressive time of 30.5.
Per @statcast's sprint speed metric, these are #BlueJays' fastest runners:
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) April 19, 2018
Aledmys Diaz 28.6 ft/sec
Teoscar Hernandez 28.2 ft/sec
Kevin Pillar 28.2 ft/sec
Randal Grichuk 27.9 ft/sec
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Pitching Match-Ups For Series With Boston
The Jays have arguably their biggest test of the season as they host the league-leading Boston Red Sox for three games at home.
Game 1: Rick Porcello (1.40 ERA) versus J.A. Happ (4.50 ERA)
Game 2: Eduardo Rodriguez (3.45 ERA) versus Aaron Sanchez (3.86 ERA)
Game 3: Chris Sale (1.86 ERA) versus Marco Estrada (5.32 ERA)
The Jays will miss their old friend David Price in this series, Price has gotten off to an impressive start going 2-2 with a 2.93 earned run average.
Next: Blue Jays can make a big statement against the Red Sox
That concludes another edition of your news and notes, remember first pitch is at 7:07 pm tonight down at the Rogers Centre.