The Toronto Blue Jays add another name to the Disabled List. Randal Grichuk was placed on the 10-Day DL Monday after it was announced he’s suffered a sprained right knee. He’s expected to miss three weeks. The corresponding roster move has Gift Ngoepe being recalled from the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. Jays beat writer Shi Davidi reported the injury happened during Sunday’s game against the Texas Rangers while Grichuk was diving for a ball in the outfield. He joins teammates Troy Tulowitzki and Josh Donaldson on the DL.
#BlueJays say Randal Grichuk sprained his right knee on diving catch yesterday, had MRI which showed damage. He’s expected to miss three weeks.
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) April 30, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays Place Randal Grichuk on DL
Grichuk was playing in right when Isiah Kiner-Falefa hit a flare into shallow right field. He came in on the ball then left his feet to make the grab. Delino DeShields did not tag up at second base allowing Grichuk to turn the double play with ease. There was no suspicion of an injury as Girchuk finished the game, even picking up a few RBI. An MRI after the game showed the damage Grichuk had done to his knee on the play. This is a tough break for Grichuk as he’s been struggling at the plate most of the season. Sunday’s win over the Rangers saw him snap an 0-for-18 streak. After a nice defensive play and a couple of hits, it looked like Grichuk was ready to break out of his slump.
Gift Ngoepe Recalled
The Jays called up Ngoepe from Triple-A Buffalo to fill Grichuk’s roster spot. Ngoepe was with the big club before getting sent down. He went 1-for-18 with 12 strikeouts in the early part of the season with the Jays. Due to the plethora of outfielders on the Blue Jays roster, this appears to be simply a depth move. Expect Ngoepe to be sent down once Donaldson is ready to return.
Outlook
The good news is that this does not hurt the Jays outfield. Curtis Granderson, Steve Pearce, Kevin Pillar and Teoscar Hernandez have been playing well and will continue to get on the field while Grichuk is out. The tough decision will come when Grichuk is healthy and the current outfielders are still performing like they are. For now, the Jays will continue to compete with those four outfielders and make sure Grichuk is 100 percent before he’s back in the lineup.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
