With Jordan Luplow's promotion, the Blue Jays may have the right-handed bat they need

The Toronto Blue Jays have been linked to several right-handed power hitters in the lead-up to the August 1st trade deadline. Nelson Cruz is one slugger that has been linked to the club in recent days.

As exciting as it would be to add a high-profile player, the team may have just called up a player that could do similar damage. Jordan Luplow has been showing why he has a reputation for mashing lefty pitching and has been on a hot streak that could see him in the majors sooner than later.

In 60 at-bats against left-handed pitching, Luplow has hit .283 (17-60) with five home runs, 18 RBI, and a 1.004 OPS. That’s a small sample size, but it’s not unlike what the 29-year-old has done throughout his career. In 436 career ABs facing southpaws, Luplow has hit for a .830 OPS and 31 of his 45 homers. 

Luplow has heated up this month, hitting 12-41 (.293) with three home runs, 11 RBI, and a 1.029 OPS in July. He’s also shown an ability to lay off pitches outside the zone with nine walks and seven strikeouts during that stretch.

The Jays are in a unique position as the trade deadline quickly approaches. They’re expected to be buyers at the deadline, but with a roster full of untradeable contracts and a below-average farm system, this might not be the year for the team to make a big splash.

Alternatively, the team has promoted Luplow and sent Nathan Lukes back to Buffalo. The 13th position player of the Blue Jays has been a revolving door all season; Nathan Lukes, Luplow, Spencer Horwitz, and Clement all spent time there with little impact.

Jordan Luplow has proved to be a dangerous hitter against lefties. He could be used as an occasional outfielder/DH or as a power bat off-the-bench with a clearly defined role.

With the club’s limited ability to land a coveted piece via the trade market, Luplow, along with returning starter Hyun Jin Ryu and flame-throwing reliever Chad Green, could act as an incoming trade package and give the Jays the shot in the arm they need down the stretch.