The Toronto Blue Jays will have to put Thursday’s ugly loss behind them quickly. After winning the first three games of their four-game series against the Boston Red Sox, Toronto was shut out 7-0 in the finale, managing only two hits as Payton Tolle dominated for eight innings.
Now the Blue Jays turn their attention to another important divisional matchups as the New York Yankees arrive at Rogers Centre on Friday for a three-game series. The Blue Jays will need their regular contributors available as they continue their push toward the postseason.
One of those players has been Ernie Clement, who took a concerning hit during Thursday’s defeat.
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Clement fouled a ball off his shin during Toronto’s 7-0 loss to Boston and remained in the game despite limping. Manager John Schneider noted that the team would see how Clement felt to determine his availability for the series opener.
On Friday, the Blue Jays announced their lineup to face the Yankees, with Clement starting again at second baseman, easing concerns to both player and club. However, he was demoted to last in the batting order after batting second on Thursday.
It is positive news for a player who has already missed time this season. Clement dealt with a left hip issue in June, sitting out multiple games before returning to the lineup.
Clement is hitting .280/.306/.403 with nine home runs, 42 RBIs, 50 runs and five stolen bases in 461 plate appearances. He also produced a two-RBI performance in Toronto’s 6-4 win over Boston on Wednesday.
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The Blue Jays will open the series Friday night with Shane Bieber scheduled to face Gerrit Cole. First pitch is set for 7:15 p.m. ET at Rogers Centre.
