Blue Jays: Marcus Semien shines defensively in season debut

Marcus Semien flashed his elite defensive skills to rob Yankees second baseman D.J. LeMahieu of a hit that ended the fifth inning

Newly acquired Marcus Semien introduced himself to Blue Jays fans in spectacular fashion as he made a diving stop to take away a hit from reigning American League batting champion D.J. LeMahieu.

Semien, who has played the majority of his career as a shortstop, was signed by the Blue Jays to be their everyday second baseman. Any doubts about a position change for the 30-year-old were certainly put to rest after this play:

Semien was listed atop the Blue Jays batting order and posted an underwhelming 0-for-5 with two strikeouts in Thursday’s 3-2 victory in extra innings to the New York Yankees. Manager Charlie Montoyo and the front office view Semien as an integral part of the offence this season, and giving him the opportunity to lead off in the first game proves that considering the other options that Montoyo has at his disposal. It’s likely that Semien will move down in the order when George Springer returns from his oblique injury, but the expectation is that Semien should remain near the top of the lineup.

Semien is coming off a disappointing 2020 campaign with the Oakland Athletics where he posted a slash line of .223/.305/.374. The Blue Jays ultimately signed him to a rich prove-it deal for $18 million with the hope that he could reach the heights of his career 2019 season where he slashed .285/.369/.522 and finished in third place for AL MVP voting.

The season is only one day old and there is no reason to panic over the lack of offence. That being said, Blue Jays fans should look past the batting line from today’s game and be thrilled about having a reliable second baseman who is capable of stealing hits and earning his pitcher’s trust.