TORONTO – Al-Shabaab exists in Toronto, whether or not by alternative or necessity.
The Blue Jays promoted their No. 2 prospect, Orelvis Martinez (No. 68 in MLB), a proficient younger participant who has been knocking on the door all season. Lengthy thought of to have essentially the most energy on this group exterior of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the 22-year-old is the offensive facet of the lineup that’s in dire want of it.
Martinez replaces shortstop Bo Bichette, who’s out with a proper calf pressure due Saturday. The Blue Jays solely count on Bichette to wish a minimal keep on the IL, however Martinez will get his shot at making a primary impression along with his MLB debut. He joins the latest call-ups of Spencer Horowitz and Addison Barger because the Blue Jays develop their attain — and urge for food for danger — of their seek for offense.
“If he isn’t within the beginning lineup, I feel having his bat on the bench is useful,” head coach John Schneider stated. “It isn’t one thing he is used to, however he’ll need to get used to it slightly bit. There will certainly be video games he begins, whether or not that be [against] Left-handed or right-handed pitcher. I hope he continues to swing the way in which he has been swinging.
After hitting 30 and 28 house runs the previous two full seasons within the minor leagues, Martinez hit 16 house runs with an .867 OPS over 63 video games in Triple-A Buffalo this 12 months. Martinez acquired off to a highly regarded begin in April, and whereas it was quiet, he confirmed an adaptability that was virtually nonexistent earlier in his prospect days.
Hitter: Orelvis is all the other way up
Two years in the past, after Martinez hit a house run in a spring coaching recreation, Vladi in contrast him to “a younger Hanley Ramirez.” When requested about the identical comparability final spring, fellow Dominican star Edwin Encarnacion agreed… form of.
“He is acquired extra energy than Hanley. He simply must know his strike zone, however he’ll determine it out,” Encarnacion stated in February. For me, he has extra expertise than Hanley at that age. He is an important, nice participant. The great factor is that he likes to pay attention. He makes changes.”
Hyperbole isn’t removed from being a high prospect with “wow” instruments like Martinez and his energy, however that is the enjoyable of all of it. Increased expectations symbolize hope above all else. This might be a one-week present through which Martinez struggles or we may watch him slam the door and demand to bat forward of schedule.
Irrespective of how unlikely any prospect is to achieve the ceiling, Martinez represents the hope and potential upside this lineup wants.
How will all the things work?
That is the place we get to Martinez’s protection and the realities of the Blue Jays’ roster, neither subject as thrilling as his energy potential, however each are simply as necessary.
Martinez will play primarily second base with a 3rd possibility as nicely, and Schneider has not dominated out a DH recreation in proper discipline. Left-handed pitchers are notably beauty for Martinez, as he has put up a 1.067 OPS towards them this season in Triple-A.
For now, Martinez might want to hit sufficient to cowl his protection. He is making massive strides at second, however he isn’t precisely right here to be a late-game defensive substitute.
“There’s nonetheless going to be a studying curve defensively with the pace of the sport and issues like that, however clearly he can swing it. We’ll get him some video games for certain,” Schneider stated.
For now, Martinez’s window is tied to Bichette, who the Blue Jays hope can return from Illinois on June 25 when his 10 days are up. Accidents and performances elsewhere on this roster can change rapidly, and if Martinez catches hearth in his main league debut, he may power the Blue Jays into an uncomfortable choice as nicely, as they search for momentum anyplace they will get it.
