Joey Loperfido has a huge opportunity to be a late addition to the post-season roster

With the Blue Jays losing one of their key pieces in the lineup, it's Loperfido's time to prove his worth
Toronto Blue Jays v Los Angeles Dodgers
Toronto Blue Jays v Los Angeles Dodgers | Kevork Djansezian/GettyImages

The Toronto Blue Jays received brutal news Tuesday afternoon when the team announced their star shortstop, Bo Bichette, landed on the 10-day IL with a left knee sprain after Sunday's collision with the New York Yankees' catcher Austin Wells. If there had to be any consolation to the Bichette news , it's the return of outfielder Joey Loperfido who has been a surprise in 2025. The 26-year-old outfielder returns for his second stint with Toronto this season and needs to make the best of it.

In 81 at-bats with the Blue Jays, Loperfido slashed .358/.409/.915 with three home runs and ten RBIs. Loperfido made a strong impact in 30 games before being sent back down to Triple-A Buffalo amid the return of George Springer from the 7-day IL.

Joey Loperfido must prove he's ready for October baseball

These next few games are crucial for Loperfido in proving why he deserves a spot on the playoff roster when the regular season wraps up.

For starters, you can never go wrong with another left-handed bat in the lineup. Loperfido would join Nathan Lukes as a left-handed option off the bench. Assuming guys like Daulto Varsho and Addison Barger would be in the starting lineup for a playoff matchup, Loperfido gives manager John Schneider flexibility in pinch-hit situations.

Then there's the mysterious case of outfielder Anthony Santander. The biggest offseason acquisition continues to recover from his shoulder injury sustained back in May. Santander once again suffered another setback after feeling some lower back tightness during his swings and had his rehab assignment delayed for a game or two.

The Blue Jays are hopeful to get Santander back with the big league club to close out September. It's a very safe concern to wonder if he'll be back in top shape. Is that a gamble Toronto should take come playoff time? Probably not. If the Blue Jays need another outfielder, then Loperfido should be one of the frontrunners to take charge.

Lopefido has proved in a short amount of time that his bat is a bat you want in the lineup. It's up to Joey remind the Blue Jays and their fans of that over the next few weeks.

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