Latest news with #MichaelStefanic
CTV News
6 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Blue Jays reinstate Gimenez and Heineman before series opener against Phillies
Toronto Blue Jays infielder Andres Gimenez (0) rounds second base after sliding during a baseball game against the Houston Astros on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays are reinstating second baseman Andres Gimenez and catcher Tyler Heineman after stints on the injured list. Both players will be active for tonight's game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Rogers Centre. The team is also designating infielder Michael Stefanic and catcher Ali Sanchez for assignment. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2025. The Canadian Press
New York Times
09-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Blue Jays place Andrés Giménez on IL with quad strain
The Toronto Blue Jays' infield lost a defensive centrepiece as Andrés Giménez was placed on the injured list with a right quad strain. Giménez was removed from Wednesday's game in Anaheim after running out a bunt single in the seventh inning. The team recalled infielder Michael Stefanic on Friday in his place and designated Dillon Tate for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster. Advertisement Giménez's fielding has been as advertised since the Blue Jays acquired him in a winter trade with the Guardians that sent Spencer Horwitz to Cleveland. The second baseman has been worth two outs above average, per Baseball Savant, ranking in the 90th percentile at his position. Replacing that defence at second base, in the short term, will be impossible. But Giménez's IL stint is an opportunity for Toronto to get more at the plate from the position. The Blue Jays hoped Giménez's bat would rebound after declining offensive seasons in 2023 and 2024. The infielder's OPS dropped from .837 to .638 from 2022 to 2024, and that fall continued into this season, as Giménez hit just .195 with a .577 OPS before his injury. While Stefanic has an OPS under .600 in 90 MLB games, he was the Buffalo Bisons' leader in batting average (.315) before his promotion. The 29-year-old also walked more than he struck out in Triple A this year. Giménez's injury should also open up more regular time for Addison Barger, who has a high offensive ceiling with the fastest bat speed on the roster. Ultimately, Toronto's second base job belongs to Giménez if healthy. When the second baseman rejoins the Blue Jays, his elite defence earns him everyday playing time as Toronto attempts to get more out of his bat.
