The Toronto Blue Jays dropped game one of the three-game series against the New York Yankees on Monday, 7-6, and third baseman Ernie Clement revealed to Sportsnet’s Hazel Mae a health development that will affect Tuesday’s lineup.
Clement spoke to Mae before Tuesday's game, saying that he had been dealing with strep throat.
'It started yesterday," Clement told Mae.
The 30-year-old from Rochester, New York, has become one of the most beloved Blue Jays players as of late. He set the MLB record with 30 hits during Toronto's run to the 2025 World Series and has carried that momentum into 2026.
This season, Clement is batting .283 with a .309 on-base percentage, a .406 slugging percentage, 16 RBI for a .714 OPS. Beyond the bat, he remains one of the better defensive infielders in the game, giving manager John Schneider the flexibility to move him around the diamond. Clement appeared in Monday's games, connecting on a three-run homer in the fourth inning.
The Blue Jays, at 21-26 and third in the American League East, have been dealing with roster challenges throughout the season. Stars like Jose Berrios, Shane Beibe, Max Scherzer and Alejadro Kirk are just a few among many who Toronto has lost to the injured list, with some still having a long way to go before returning to the team. Losing Clement even temporarily only deepens concerns for a team that has yet to find its footing.
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The Yankees enter the second game at 29-19 with one of the best records in the AL, making the series a measuring stick for Toronto. Starter Dylan Cease will take the mound for the Blue Jays as they look to even things before Wednesday's finale.
