Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Ernie Clement has struggled during the second half of the season. Still, entering Wednesday, Toronto has full control over their destiny as they are right in the mix for the final American League wild card spot.
Clement began the year strong and earned the most votes of any American League player, earning a starting spot at the All-Star Game via the fan ballot.
Since the break though, the 30-year-old has posted just a .250 batting average, .282 on-base percentage and .601 OPS across 31 appearances.
While Clement offers plenty of value in other ways through his defensive versatility and speed on the basepaths, Toronto would benefit greatly if he got back on track at the plate.
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Unfortunately, Clement will not be able to rebound for Wednesday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
With the Blue Jays looking for their seventh consecutive series win, they will have to do so without him as he was removed from the lineup. Utility man Josh Smith got the nod at second base over Clement and will hit seventh in the lineup.
Speaking with Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet before the game, Clement revealed the reasoning behind his absence was illness. He woke up sick and will likely not be available even off the bench.
Fortunately it is not anything physical for Clement, and he will get a chance to rest and recover fully before potentially rejoining the lineup for Thursday’s series finale against the Rays.
