The AL East is so competitive this year that the 8-8 Toronto Blue Jays entered Monday’s action in last place.
That’s the record of the Texas Rangers, who lead the AL West.
In the East, however, all it will give you is the cellar.
The Jays haven’t been a disaster, but they clearly need more help.
That’s why the most recent roster move they made has the potential to spark a turnaround: they just got a regular back.
“Danny Jansen activated by Blue Jays today,” MLB insider Jon Morosi tweeted.
Danny Jansen activated by Blue Jays today.
Jansen was placed on the 10-day injured list on March 29, retroactive to March 25, with a right wrist fracture.
He is Toronto’s starting catcher so they lost not only a valuable hitter, but also the man in charge of leading the pitching staff most nights.
Alejandro Kirk has shown potential over the years, but Jansen developed into the Jays’ starter and cemented that role last year with some really strong performances.
In the last two campaigns combined, Jansen has hit 32 home runs.
That, for a catcher, is a very solid output.
If you also consider his strong .786 OPS in 2023, and his .855 mark the year before, he is clearly a better hitter than the average starting catcher around baseball.
Kirk, for reference, had a .692 OPS last year and is at .429 in 14 games this season.
Since the fracture was small and it was at the base of his right wrist, Jansen was able to come back relatively quickly.
The Jays will welcome him with open arms.