2018 Blue Jays Acquisitions Status Report

Now that we’re one week into the 2018 season and fans are already freaking out over disappointing performances by their favorite teams (looking at you, fellow Cubs fans!), I thought it would be worthwhile to take a look at how the Jays’ new faces, some of whom were discussed in a prior post, have opened the season. Please note this analysis will only include new additions to the 25-man roster. Stats, as always, are from Baseball Reference.

1. John Axford (RP, 2017 team – OAK): 0-0; 3 G, 2.1 IP; 3 H; 1 R; 1 ER; 0 HR; 3 BB; 2 SO; 3.86 ERA
2. Tyler Clippard (RP, 2017 teams – CHW, HOU): 1-0; 4 G; 4.0 IP; 2 H; 2 R; 2 ER; 2 HR; 1 BB; 6 SO; 4.50 ERA
3. Jaime García (SP, 2017 teams – MIN, NYY): 0-0; 1 G; 6.0 IP; 4 H; 1 R; 1 ER; 1 HR; 2 BB; 7 SO; 1.50 ERA
4. Seung-hwan Oh (RP, 2017 team – STL): 1-0; 3 G; 3.0 IP; 3 H; 1 R; 1 ER; 1 HR; 1 BB; 2 SO; 3.00 ERA
5. Yangervis Solarte (INF, 2017 team – SDP): 5 G; 22 PA; 5 H; 2 BB; 1 HR; 3 SO; .250/.318/.500
6. Aledmys Díaz (INF, 2017 team – STL): 6 G; 16 PA; 5 H; 0 BB; 2 HR; 3 SO; .313/.313/.813
7. Gift Ngoepe (INF, 2017 team – PIT): 4 G; 8 PA; 1 H; 1 BB; 0 HR; 4 SO; .143/.250/.143
8. Curtis Granderson (OF, 2017 teams – NYM, LAD): 6 G; 20 PA; 5 H; 2 BB; 0 HR; 5 SO; .278/.350/.444
9. Randal Grichuk (OF, 2017 team – STL): 6 G; 23 PA; 2 H; 3 BB; 1 HR; 6 SO; .105/.217/263

So far, the only real underperformer appears to be Grichuk, who is adjusting to a new league. I’m not sure how much the Jays are really expecting from Ngoepe, whose major-league experience is very limited (28 G and 63 PA last year for the Pirates). However, if he continues to disappoint at the plate, he may be sent down.

There may be some health concerns with Díaz, who joined Toronto to replace injured SS Troy Tulowitzki, as he left Tuesday night’s game with back spasms.

García made a solid effort in his start against the White Sox on Monday (see video below) but failed to earn the win and although Clippard has already given up two homers in just four games, he has racked up one victory to his name.

The Jays own a 4-3 record after dropping the final game of their homestand against the White Sox on Wednesday the 4th, and the team will be traveling to Texas for a three-game series against the Rangers starting on Friday the 6th.