Blue Jays: Some surprises among team WAR leaders

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BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 18: Randal Grichuk #15 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates a two run home run in the third inning during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 18, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

#8-10

If I’m making a top ten list here, then we actually have to include 11 players since there are two tied at #10 with 0.4 bWAR thus far.

That would be a pair of veterans in Matt Shoemaker and Randal Grichuk. Unfortunately, both are currently banged up as of this writing, as Shoemaker as placed on the 10-day Injured List with shoulder inflammation, and Grichuk left the game on Monday with lower back tightness, something he’s already dealt with this season. Dan Shulman indicated on Monday’s broadcast that the move was precautionary, and hopefully the hot-hitting outfielder won’t have to miss any more time.

On the season Grichuk has shown improvement at the plate, slashing .297/.340/.582 with seven home runs, five doubles and 19 RBI. He’s had greatly improved plate discipline, and lately he’s been one of the hottest hitters in the American League. As for Shoemaker, it’s unfortunate that he’s back on the sidelines dealing with another injury, especially because it looked like he was starting to put things together. Through five starts he had posted a 4.91 ERA and a 1.013 WHIP across 25.2 innings.

At #9 comes another tie (so I guess that takes up the eighth spot as well) between a pair of inexperienced arms in Anthony Kay and Thomas Hatch, both of whom have been worth 0.5 bWAR so far. They’ve each made a smooth transition to the bullpen despite being far more familiar in a starting role, but that’s life trying to play professional baseball during a pandemic.

With the recent injuries to Shoemaker, Trent Thornton, and Nate Pearson, don’t be surprised if one or both of Kay and Hatch end up in the rotation. They’ve earned the opportunity.