The Blue Jays activated first baseman/DH Brandon Belt from the 10-day injured list today, returning the veteran slugger to action after a 15-day absence due to lower back spasms. Toronto also called up right-hander Jay Jackson from Triple-A, while optioning right-hander Nate Pearson and first baseman Spencer Horwitz to the Florida Complex League (since the Triple-A season is over).
Apart from this two-week stint and an earlier 10-day absence due to a hamstring injury, it has been a pretty healthy season for Belt, which is a nice outcome given his long injury history. Recurring knee problems have plagued Belt in recent years, and surgery on his right knee prematurely ended Belt’s 2022 season and even had him wondering if retirement was in the cards. However, Belt decided to continue playing on his surgically-repaired knee, a decision that has paid off well for both the 35-year-old and the Jays.
Signed to a one-year, $9.3MM free agent deal last winter, Belt has hit .251/.369/.470 with 16 home runs over 382 plate appearances. The Blue Jays have used Belt mostly as a DH and rarely sent him to the plate against left-handed pitchers, but this platoon usage has perhaps contributed to Belt’s ability to stay healthy for the majority of the 2023 campaign. Belt has been one of the steadier contributors to a Toronto lineup that has struggled to consistently generate offense, so getting Belt back for the regular season’s final six games is a big help as the Jays try to lock up a wild card slot.
It’s sad this IL stint probably cost him the MVP award.
Yeah, he was neck and neck with Josh Donaldson before he got hurt
Not really… considering how the IL is his best friend every year
Is it me or is Brandon Belt the same batter every single season. 17Hr, 40-60Rbi hits either .250s or .270s has a good OPS+ but is unreliable to stay healthy. If I recall correctly (which I often don’t) his power spike was 2020-21. Anyways good luck Brando!
Belt’s HR average for a 162 game season is 22 homers, his spike was in 2021 when he hit 29 home runs
Jaysfan- but he’s never played a full 162. His only two full seasons are 2013 and 2016 (150g and 156 games respectively) and he hit 17HR in each season.
Co, That is why it is an average and not actual numbers, his 29 HR. season raised that average. I was not saying he played in 162 games.
Jaysfan, I get it, nothing against your comment at all. I just always think that’s such a silly stat, especially when a guy has never played 162 games. Or, only once hit over that number in an actual season. For example, if you take out that 29 HR season for Belt, his 162 game average drops to like, what 20Hr? Something he accomplished in his career only once.
His spike is on the IL. I wouldn’t sign this guy unless he’s dirt cheap because he spends too much time on the IL
how considerate of you, saving your hypothetical owner some money
Belt has a great eye for the strike zone.
In the future, MLB will use ex players like him to oversee the robot umps.
Your 17 is being generous. I always had hope he could be better if he could just stay healthy but that was never going to happen. Belts HR average per year is 14.6 191hrs/13seasons. More accurate then the 162g ave since he has only played in 125+ games in 5 of 13 seasons
Is it just me, or does it seem like they call up Jay Jackson every time anyone is activated off the IL?
Well 62 they did not call him up when Chapman was activated from the IL
Fair enough
Another better option than Jose Abreu
Ha! Great user name too.
Pearson is going back down. I’m wondering if this guy’s future is going to be a AAAA bullpen arm. Good to have Belt back.
Jays brought the lumber last night. Need to stick with the best 9 bats. To the Varsho apologists you need to sit this one out if you’re justifying his place in the starting lineup. Last night proved the Jays need to play the very best offensive lineup possible.