Blue Jays' Ernie Clement: Swats first spring homer
Rotowire
Clement went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run and a second run scored in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox.
Getting the start at third base and batting seventh in what might have been a preview of Toronto's Opening Day lineup, Clement turned on a Cooper Criswell offering in the second inning and drove it out to center field for his first homer of the spring. The 28-year-old infielder has gotten off to a hot start in camp, going 8-for-17 (.471) in seven appearances, but he'll likely need to improve on last season's .284 OBP if he's going to be anything more than a utility player in the majors over the long haul.
... See More... See Less
Blue Jays' Ernie Clement: Back in action Thursday
Rotowire
Clement (mouth) is in the lineup for Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox.
An errant fastball struck Clement in the face during Monday's exhibition against the Tigers, but he managed to avoid any fractures and was cleared of a concussion. The 28-year-old is now ready to resume his preparations for Opening Day, as he gears up to serve as the primary third baseman for Toronto in 2025.
... See More... See Less
Blue Jays' Ernie Clement: Could be in lineup Thursday
Rotowire
Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Wednesday that Clement (mouth) could be back in the lineup Thursday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.
Clement had to leave Monday's game against the Tigers after being hit in the face by a pitch, but he managed to escape with just a lip laceration and contusion and is feeling much better. He's expected to serve as Toronto's primary third baseman in 2025.
... See More... See Less
Blue Jays' Ernie Clement: No concussion or fractures
Rotowire
Clement did not suffer any fractures and is not dealing with any concussion symptoms as a result of a hit-by-pitch in the face during Monday's game against the Tigers, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports
It was a scary situation when Clement was struck by a 91.3 mph Ty Madden fastball, but the infielder has managed to escape with merely a lip laceration and contusion. Projected to be the Blue Jays' primary third baseman this season, Clement should be considered day-to-day.
... See More... See Less
Blue Jays' Ernie Clement: Exits after HBP in face
Rotowire
Clement was removed from Monday's game against the Tigers after being hit in the face by a pitch, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.
Clement was struck by a 91.3 mph fastball from Ty Madden and walked off the field with a trainer while holding a bloody towel to his face. The Blue Jays are saying for the time being that Clement is dealing with a lip laceration and contusion, although it's not clear whether he still needs to undergo additional testing. Clement is expected to open the season as Toronto's primary third baseman.
... See More... See Less
Blue Jays' Ernie Clement: Atop depth chart at third base
Rotowire
Clement is the favorite to begin the season as the Blue Jays' starting third baseman, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.
Toronto's affinity for utility players likely means Clement won't stay at the hot corner, however -- the 28-year-old saw 41 games at shortstop last season in addition to 96 at third base, and he has prior experience at second base and in left field as well. Clement slashed a passable .263/.284/.408 in 2024 with 12 homers and 12 steals over 452 plate appearances, but he'll be pushed for playing time by Will Wagner, Orelvis Martinez, Addison Barger and others as the Jays look for more offense from their lineup.
Blue Jays' Ernie Clement: Gets $1.975 million from Toronto
Rotowire
Clement agreed to a one-year, $1.975 million contract with the Blue Jays on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.
In his first full major-league season, Clement slashed .263/.284/.408 with 12 home runs and 51 RBI over 452 plate appearances while also swiping 12 bags. The 28-year-old doesn't have any minor-league options remaining, so he remains in a good position to open the season as either the primary third baseman or utility player.
Clement went 3-for-5 with a double, a run scored and an RBI in Sunday's loss to the Rays.
Batting second Sunday and getting another start at shortstop in the absence of Bo Bichette (finger), Clement continued a strong September that has seen him slash .292/.301/.389 in 18 games with a homer, two steals, four RBI and 10 runs. The 28-year-old infielder should retain a regular spot in the lineup over the final week of the season, and he's positioned himself for a prime role in the Blue Jays' 2025 plans.
... See More... See Less
Blue Jays' Ernie Clement: Sitting Saturday
Rotowire
Clement is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Rays.
Clement will get Saturday off after making nine consecutive starts for Toronto. In his place, Leo Jimenez will play shortstop while Davis Schneider plays the keystone. Clement is 11-for-38 (.289) across his last 10 games.
