Blue Jays: What the lineup could look like without Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

Option #3- Thinking a bit outside the box

The most sensible option to fill any Gurriel Jr. absence would be to slide another experienced outfielder into his place, and the Blue Jays have a few of them. However, I’d argue that maybe some outside the box thinking would be worth exploring.

It’s not exactly a radical idea to use Cavan Biggio as an outfielder, a position he’s played as recently as this year, but lately he hasn’t spent much time out there. That said, I think there’s an argument that the Blue Jays’ best lineup without Gurriel Jr. might have Biggio in an outfield corner. Here’s what that would look like:

1- Springer (CF)
2- Vlad Jr. (1B)
3- Bichette (SS)
4- Hernandez (RF)
5- Kirk (C)
6- Biggio (LF)
7- Chapman (3B)
8- Jansen (C)
9- Santiago Espinal (2B)

This configuration adds Espinal to the picture, which is something that’s going to happen on a semi-regular basis either way. The infield defence is stronger for Espinal’s presence as well, which is no small factor either.

While Biggio is a capable outfielder, he has a pretty weak throwing arm from the position, especially compared to guys like Gurriel Jr. and Hernandez. I would be surprised if Biggio ever became a full-time outfielder, but as a short-term replacement to cover for an injury, such as the one we may be looking at for Gurriel Jr., he’s a more than solid option.

After I’ve said all of that, I’m still hoping that Gurriel Jr. bounces back quickly and makes this whole discussion pretty pointless. Hopefully that’ll be the case, but in the meantime I’m sure the Blue Jays coaching staff are reviewing their options and making all kinds of plans.