The Toronto Blue Jays fell in Monday’s game versus the Tampa Bay Bays by a score of 7-1. Though the Blue Jays picked up eight hits, they left seven on base and hit only 1-for-5 with runners in scoring position.
That inability to hit with RISP has burned the team all year long. They have taken 846 plate appearances in such situations this season, posting a .240 batting average and .701 OPS. When they won the American League in 2025, they hit .292 with an .810 OPS with RISP.
While the offense has collectively fallen off, utility infielder Ernie Clement has been one of the few to step up this year. In 97 games, mostly at second base, he is slashing .298/.322/.429 (.751 OPS) with eight home runs and 32 RBIs.
He has been one of the team’s best hitters this season, and on Tuesday it was announced that he will be hitting third in tonight’s game versus the Rays.
The Blue Jays have been shuffling the lineup around a lot during this poor stretch in July. Clement had previously been leading off. This new lineup has outfielder Nathan Lukes leading off, his 15th game doing so in 2026.
For Clement, it will be his third game hitting in the 3-hole this season. He is 1-for-7 so far. All of this lineup shuffling has heavily affected Clement, as he has started five or more games at six of the nine positions in the order.
The reason for the charge is seen in the 30-year-old’s recent performance dating back to July 7. He is 13 for his last 38, compiling an OPS of .828. Toronto would like him to have the best chance possible at using these numbers to drive in runners.
The Blue Jays are currently 46-54, last place in the American League East. They are 11 ½ games behind the Rays for first place and five and half back of the last wild card spot.
The trade deadline is Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. ET. These next 12 games, all versus teams above .500, will determine what the team decides to do. Clement is not likely to be traded, seeing as he was a 2026 All-Star and is under contract through 2028.
