Blue Jays Make Ernie Clement Move Before Tigers Game
The Toronto Blue Jays are struggling heavily to begin the 2026 MLB season. Entering the season with high expectations after a trip to the World Series in 2025, the Blue Jays have been one of the most disappointing teams in baseball throughout the early portion of the season. Entering Saturday's game against the Detroit Tigers at 19-25 and fourth in the American League East, Toronto must generate some momentum soon if the club wants to keep its playoff hopes alive.
The Blue Jays have been desperate for offensive consistency this season, as sluggish seasons from stars and seemingly never-ending injury issues have plagued the team.
The lack of production from stars such as first basemanVladimir Guerrero Jr. and designated hitter George Springer has left much of Toronto's offensive workload on other contributors throughout the lineup. Blue Jays veteran infielder Ernie Clement has stepped into an important role in the lineup. The 30-year-old has provided solid offensive production, as well as continuing to play the elite defense that made him a Gold Glove Award finalist in 2024 and 2025.
However, ahead of Saturday's matchup against Detroit, Clement was absent from Toronto's starting lineup, the team shared on X. 26-year-old Lenyn Sosa drew the start in his place. The absence appears to be a routine maintenance day for Clement, with no known injury concerns.
Back at it in Detroit! #BlueJays50pic.twitter.com/qSif6iyqPM
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) May 16, 2026
With an increased role in the lineup this year, Clement is batting .291 and holds one of the lowest strikeout rates in the Major Leagues at 7.8%. Clement's ability as a consistent contact hitter has been especially important for Toronto amid the club's uneven offensive production from several of its star players.
The Blue Jays will now look to gain ground in the AL East, as Toronto entered Saturday trailing the division-leading Tampa Bay Rays by 10.5 games. Toronto continues its series in Detroit on Saturday.
Related: Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Makes Personal Decision Before Rays Game
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This story was originally published May 16, 2026 at 12:18 PM.