The Blue Jays announced that outfielder Kevin Kiermaier has been placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to August 7, due to a right elbow laceration. Fellow outfielder Nathan Lukes was recalled in a corresponding move.
Kiermaier collided with the center field wall in Fenway Park on Sunday while making a catch. He required eight stitches, per Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet, though manager John Schneider said there were no structural concerns and that Kiermaier was considered day-to-day. Now it seems the club will give him an extra week-plus to rest his arm and get into game shape.
He’s having yet another excellent defensive season, having earned 13 Defensive Runs Saved and eight Outs Above Average on the year, as well as a mark of 4.1 from Ultimate Zone Rating. His bat is also above average, as he’s slashing .274/.336/.415 on the year for a 109 wRC+. That’s been a bit frontloaded, as he hit .319/.365/.521 through the end of May but just .222/.303/.294 since the start of June. Nonetheless, it’s been a strong season overall for the 33-year-old.
With Kiermaier out, the club will likely rely on Daulton Varsho as the everyday center fielder. He’s hitting just .218/.280/.367 this season though has shown some recent signs of life. He’s hit .320/.370/.600 since July 30, though in a small sample of just nine games. Even with the tepid offense, he’s provided 19 DRS, 6.1 UZR and 5 OAA, along with 12 steals, though the Jays would surely love for his bat to stay hot for an extended stretch.
With Varsho in center and George Springer in right, left field could be covered by some combination of Lukes, Whit Merrifield, Davis Schneider and Cavan Biggio. Lukes has hit just .190/.280/.333 through his first 25 major league plate appearances but has a strong .333/.414/.564 line in Triple-A this year. He’s mostly played the corners but has seen some time in center in the minors, allowing him to serve as Varsho’s backup, though Merrifield and Biggio also have some experience there.
That’s a little surprising. Seemed like a somewhat minor cut. Hopefully it’s not something too much worse.
Apparently it took 8 stitches to close, so they’ll need to give KK some time.
8 stitches on the elbow of his throwing arm, each time he tries to throw a ball those stitches will probably tear.
So who had July 8th in the pool?
What’s July 8th?
Everyone expected Kiermier to eventually land on the IL
Glad his hip is holding up at least.
Byron Buxton before Byron Buxton became Byron Buxton.
(yes, I’m aware KK can’t hit)
This guy can never have a healthy season, Such a great defender and decent bat too.
Hate to see this as KK plays really hard and is fun to watch. He never takes anything for granted and is always hustling down the line or to run down a ball in the outfield.
Always gets the most from his talent. Heal quickly!
Nice to see Varsho have a decent week at the plate, but there’s a few other guys who really need to get it going with the bat. This team has been inept with risp and its an embarrassment. Need to figure it out asap