Blue Jays: Outfield decisions coming soon for Charlie Montoyo

The Toronto Blue Jays have faced some early injuries and COVID issues in the outfield so far this season that has opened up some playing time for two minor league outfielders. Jonathan Davis has started multiple games and as well as being used in pinch-run situations while Josh Palacios made his MLB debut against the Angels last week and managed to get on base five times in the 15-1 victory on Saturday.

Manager Charlie Montoyo will have some decisions to make regarding the two young outfielders later this week when Teoscar Hernandez returns from the COVID injury list. It is unlikely both players will be able to stay on the active roster and one will have to be optioned to the alternate site.

This raises a tough question for Montoyo that can be seen as a good problem to have; which of his young outfielders should be sent down?

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Both players definitely bring big-league attributes that can benefit the Toronto Blue Jays. Davis has yet to get a hit so far this season but he has walked twice, proving to be a very good on-base threat for the Blue Jays that can come on to pinch run. Palacios is batting .400/.500/.900 through four games and 11 at-bats with one RBI and one walk according to mlb.com. The sample size is small for both players but the experience edge would go to Davis as he made his Major League debut in 2020.

They both run the bases well and both have great speed that will be beneficial off the bench and could be used late in games or in the odd start. It’s proving to be a difficult decision for Montoyo although with Palacios holding more offensive upside early in the season it looks like he could be the winner in this battle of who stays on the roster.

The offensive upside in addition to the left-handedness of Palacios could add something to the lineup Davis may not be able to. Time will tell as Hernandez is expected back in the next few days after his seven-day quarantine period ends. Overall, it’s a good problem to have for Montoyo as you can never go wrong with young speedy outfielders that have minor league options and are at your disposal.