Slight improvements from Blue Jays bench makes for a tough situation when Bo Bichette returns

The Toronto Blue Jays have had a rough patch of injuries lately that has caused them to change their roster. Bo Bichette is getting closer to returning to the team after suffering a knee injury on the last day of July. Kevin Kiermaier is recovering from an elbow laceration at the expense of Fenway Park’s unforgiving outfield fence.  

Paul DeJong was brought in, and while he’s been a solid defender, he’s only collected three hits in 39 at-bats since joining the club. Nathan Lukes was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo, but as has been the case all season, his playing time is minimal. 

Davis Schneider was selected to join the Jays, and he put on an absolute show during a three-game sweep of the Red Sox. His two homers and nine hits set an MLB record for; a player in their first three career games. Predictably, Schneider has returned to earth since then with one hit in 12 ABs following the Beantown Tour de Force. 

The roster shakeup has given part-timers Cavan Biggio and Santiago Espinal a chance for more playing time, and both have responded well. Biggio has hit .280 (7/25) with a double and a homer in August. His two-run bomb and unassisted double play were the two biggest plays in Monday night’s 3-1 win in Cleveland.

Espinal’s defensive acumen and versatility are the most valuable aspects of his game, but he’s quietly put together the best offensive stretch of his season. Over his last 19 games, the utility infielder has hit .260 (12/46) with a home run, a pair of doubles, and seven RBI. 

Biggio and Espinal have done enough to stick around on the active roster, and it’s no lock that Schneider remains with the big-league squad. With September just around the corner, the rookie sensation may be demoted to Buffalo, only to rejoin the Blue Jays for the stretch run. 

It seems unlikely that DeJong would be designated for assignment once Bichette is eligible to return. However, considering his meager production at the plate, it wouldn’t be a shock.