Blue Jays: Cavan Biggio likely headed to COVID-19 injured list

According to General Manager Ross Atkins, Blue Jays second baseman Cavan Biggio is currently experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and is likely headed to the COVID-19 injured list.

After coming off of a disappointing 2021 MLB season, Biggio was looking to bounce back in a big way this year. However, things have not gone according to plan for the 27-year-old second baseman. In 13 games and 28 plate appearances, Biggio has a .043 average and .257 OPS. Moreover, Biggio is striking out at a career-high 35.7% rate.

Biggio’s struggles combined with Santiago Espinal’s strong start to the season has made it difficult for the Blue Jays to give their left-handed second baseman any consistent playing time and one has to wonder how much longer the team is willing to wait for improved production.

Perhaps this IL stint will give Biggio the opportunity to hit the reset button and figure things out in Triple-A Buffalo before re-joining the team. If the move is made official by the team, RHP Bowden Francis is expected to take Biggio’s place on the big league roster.

Francis, a 26-year-old starter, has never pitched at the MLB level.  Currently the 15th best Blue Jays prospect according to MLB Pipeline, Francis “doesn’t do much in a flashy manner but gets the job done consistently.” If added to the Blue Jays roster, the tall righty should be able to provide valuable pitching depth.

Other News and Notes from Ross Atkins

• Teoscar Hernández is expected to begin taking live batting practices in the next few days. If he feels good after the BP sessions, a return could be around the corner.
• Hyun-Jin Ryu and Nate Pearson will throw live BP sometime this week.
• Danny Jansen is progressing in his recovery but is still a step behind Teoscar Hernández. He is doing baseball activities but has not started swinging a bat yet.