Source: Toronto Blue Jays call up to MLB the Dominican OF Steward Berroa #Toronto #BlueJays #StewardBerroa
The Blue Jays have reportedly called up outfield prospect Steward Berroa
Photo credit: Niall O'Donohoe - CsPlusBaseball
Jun 22, 2024, 23:00 EDTUpdated: Jun 22, 2024, 23:22 EDT
Another Buffalo Bison has reportedly joined the Blue Jays.
According to Mike Rodriguez, an MLB insider, the Blue Jays are calling up outfielder Steward Berroa.
This immediately raises concerns about Daulton Varsho, who had an awkward swing at the end of Saturday’s game, failing to run out a ground ball in some obvious discomfort.
Daulton Varsho appeared to be in some discomfort after grounding out in the 9th.
After the game, Sportsnet’s Hazel Mae reported that Varsho’s “back locked up on him and is feeling some sort of lower left back tightness”. Now, it’s unconfirmed that Varsho is heading to the Injured List, but it’s the most obvious move given what Berroa provides.
Daulton Varsho’s back locked up on him. He’s feeling some lower left back tightness. John Schneider will give him day off tomorrow.
If they are to lose Varsho, that’ll be quite problematic as he’s been one of their best players this season. Varsho, acquired at the end of 2022, is slashing .207/289/.426 with a team-leading 11 homers in 270 plate appearances. On top of that, he has a 10 BB% and a 104 wRC+. When factoring in his 13 Defensive Runs Saved and 9 Outs Above Average, Varsho has a 2 fWAR, just 0.1 less than last season’s total.
As for Berroa, the 25-year-old has always been an intriguing player inside the Jays organization, but he’s been terrific this season with the Bisons. He’s slashing .295/.380/.451 with seven homers, already matching his career high in just 222 plate appearances. On top of that, he has a good eye at the plate, walking 11.7% of the time while striking out 24.3% of the time.
The boys are raking.
On top of a surge in his offence, Berroa is a menace on the base paths, stealing 29 of 37 bases this season, the most in the organization, even more than Cam Eden. On top of that, Berroa’s speed allows him to chase down balls in the outfield.
It’ll be interesting to see if the bat can transfer to the big leagues, as he’s always been prone to striking out and never has had a season this good in his career. At worst, he can fill in nicely as a fourth outfielder who can steal a base or two and play solid outfield defence.
As always, you can follow me on Twitter @Ryley_L_D.
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