Latest update on Ernie Clement injury, Guerrero at third base
Photo credit: https://x.com/Mathers991
Toronto Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement is doing well and will be in the lineup versus the Boston Red Sox today.
A wild pitch thrown by Tigers right-hander Ty Madden left Ernie Clement with a bruised and cut lip Monday, but all things considered the prognosis looks good for the Blue Jays third baseman a couple days later.
"Ernie is doing well,» said Blue Jays manager John Schneider. «He dodged a bullet, literally. Well, not literally, but pretty close to literally. Just a little bit of swelling, but he's a hockey player at heart, so he's doing well.»
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. took Clement's place at third base in Wednesday's starting lineup, and while that's not expected to be a normal occurrence for this edition of the Blue Jays, the added flexibility only helps.
Guerrero has made five starts at first base and one start as designated hitter in Spring Training this year.
The 25-year-old slugger has primarily played first base since the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, but played third base coming up through the minor leagues.
Guerrero struggled at third in 94 starts in his debut season in 2019, committing 17 errors for a .936 fielding percentage - far below the league-average fielding percentage at the position of .957.
In an effort to allow for more lineup flexibility a season ago, Guerrero made 11 starts at third base. He indicated that he was interested in more playing time at third moving forward.
«I signed as a third baseman, so it is my favorite position but I'm the kind of person and player who thinks that if you can play both corners, first and third the right way, that will give your manager and your team more options," Guerrero said in June last year after making his first start of the season at the hot corner.
"Regardless of if third is my favourite position, I'll be prepared. First or third, wherever the team needs me.»
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