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Blue Jays: Potential options from the minors when the rosters expand

By Tyson Shushkewich

BUFFALO, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: Nate Pearson #24 of the Toronto Blue Jays looks to throw a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles at Sahlen Field on September 25, 2020 in Buffalo, New York. The Blue Jays are the home team due to the Canadian government"u2019s policy on COVID-19, which prevents them from playing in their home stadium in Canada. Blue Jays beat the Orioles 10 to 5. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: Nate Pearson #24 of the Toronto Blue Jays looks to throw a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles at Sahlen Field on September 25, 2020 in Buffalo, New York. The Blue Jays are the home team due to the Canadian government"u2019s policy on COVID-19, which prevents them from playing in their home stadium in Canada. Blue Jays beat the Orioles 10 to 5. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /
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Blue Jays
Jul 21, 2021; Buffalo, New York, USA; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen (9) hits a double during the third inning against the Boston Red Sox at Sahlen Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

Danny Jansen – Catcher

Currently on a rehab assignment down in AAA, Danny Jansen is most likely ready to return from his hamstring injury sometime over the next week or so, whether it be through the roster expansion or resulting in the demotion/designation of either Alejandro Kirk or Reese McGuire.

While his .176/.259/.336 slash line and .595 OPS are tough to look at, the Blue Jays front office likes having Jansen in the majors and while it may seem a bit silly to have three catchers on the major league roster, it is a move the club could make if they wanted to when rosters expand. Kirk would most likely receive more time as the designated hitter if the Blue Jays want to keep his bat in the lineup and have Jansen catch more behind the plate.

The September 1st roster expansion to 28 players provides a few different options for the Blue Jays who could look to bolster the club with some current minor league players.

The major roadblock for Jansen making the club is that both Kirk and McGuire are playing well enough that they are not really deserving a demotion right now. While the Blue Jays are not on a winning streak, the club may be smart to run with the more offensive weapons in the lineup given the recent dip in batting order productivity, which would mean Kirk and McGuire would stay in the big leagues.

Otto Lopez – INF

The Blue Jays #6 ranked prospect, Otto Lopez got his first taste of big-league action earlier this month against the Washington Nationals, appearing in one at-bat and striking out before being optioned back down to the minor leagues.

Fans didn’t really get a chance to see Lopez and what he can do, as the Dominican product is hitting well this season between AA and AAA, sporting a combined .314/.386/.434 slash line with three home runs, 47 RBI, 12 steals, and a .820 OPS. The righty batter does have versatility to play multiple infield positions as well as left and right field, something that could bode well for the Blue Jays when it comes to having more players being able to cover more areas.

Jarrod Dyson – OF

Picked up by the Blue Jays yesterday off the waiver wire, Jarrod Dyson is known for his speed on the basepaths. His career .244/.314/.333 slash line puts him in line to be a bench outfielder and he is apparently set to join the roster this weekend in Detroit.

With Josh Palacios also in the majors, one of the two will most likely be sent down when George Springer returns in the near future unless the injury keeps him sidelined for longer than expected.

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