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Let’s start with some good news!
Marcus Stroman has been named the Blue Jays nominee for the 2017 Roberto Clemente Award. One player is nominated from each team. Last year’s winner was Curtis Granderson.
The award is given to the MLB player who “best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team”. It is voted on by baseball fans and members of the media.
If you follow Marcus on social media, it is evident why they selected him. He is out in the community a fair bit, and has also had a very nice year for the team. Stroman’s ERA of 3.08 is fourth best in the American League, and he ranks fifth in the league in innings pitched. Both the Blue Jays and the Jays Care pages posted some pretty great photos of Marcus out and about in the community.
Congratulations, Marcus!
John Lott took a deeper look at Michael Saunders’ battle back to the big leagues over at The Athletic. The article confirmed a theory that’s been floating around here - that Saunders was promised a return to the majors in 2017 should he sign a minor league deal with the Blue Jays. Apparently, there were several teams that were interested in signing him to a minor league deal, but his familiarity with the team in addition to the promise of big league time this year sealed the deal.
It sounds like John Gibbons personal leave of absence will continue, as he will be out until Friday. Let’s send good thoughts his way!
Expect that John Gibbons will return to the Blue Jays on Friday. The manager left the team on the weekend to tend to "personal business."
— Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) September 5, 2017
Some reports have been published today that the Boston Red Sox have admitted to using an Apple Watch to steal and relay pitching signals during their series against the Yankees.
To clarify. Farrell knew players were trying to steal signs. He did not know there were devices being used. "I would have shut that down."
— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) September 5, 2017
Something to keep an eye on.
Here’s our line-up for tonight. It’s interesting. Barney is batting 6th and Maile is batting 8th...
.@TeoscarH and @RichardUrena_ get the nod in Boston!
— Blue Jays (@BlueJays) September 5, 2017
Here is tonight's lineup pres. by @MajesticOnField. https://t.co/ANNQWLQyO2 pic.twitter.com/DECH6KYYQ7
Smoak is out as a pre-caution (the calf injury, and the foul off his foot yesterday), but is available to pinch hit if needed.
Estrada will oppose Eduardo Rodriguez, who has had a bit of a rough time in his nine starts since coming back from the disabled list. He has allowed at least four runs in five of those nine starts, accumulating an ERA of 5.47 over that time.