Toronto Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement is having a special season. While the Blue Jays had an underwhelming first half, it had nothing to do with Clement's efforts.
He continued to offer manager John Schneider elite versatility across the infield while being a productive bat in the lineup. Across 93 games, the 30-year-old posted a .296 batting average, .318 on-base percentage, .751 OPS, eight home runs and 32 RBIs. He will enter the second half with the American League lead in doubles with 23.
For the first time in his six-year career, Clement will be busy during the All-Star break. He not only earned his first-ever All-Star selection, but was the first player to earn a spot on the American League roster after receiving the most votes of any AL player during Phase 1.
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Clement is on his way to Citizens Bank Park, where he will join his manager Schneider, who is managing the AL team after the Blue Jays won the AL pennant last year.
He is not the only Blue Jays player attending, as right-hander Dylan Cease will start the game for the American League and Louis Varland will be available out of the bullpen.
While speaking with the media onFor a player who spent years bouncing around organizations before finding a home in Toronto, earning a starting spot at the All-Star Game is a moment worth savoring.
Monday, one day before the event, Schneider revealed how the lineup will be structured for Tuesday's game. He announced that he has decided Clement will hit ninth in the order and play second base.
Clement should likely log two at-bats before eventually being replaced at second base by Travis Bazzana of the Cleveland Guardians.
For a player who spent years bouncing around organizations before finding a home in Toronto, earning a starting spot at the All-Star Game is a moment worth savoring.
