The 2025 Blue Jays are suddenly facing a crisis in the outfield after Wednesday’s disastrous game against the Diamondbacks saw two starting outfielders exit with injuries in rapid succession.
I was at the Rogers Centre yesterday evening when a wave of collective groans swept through the stadium. First, rookie sensation Juan Clase pulled up limping while chasing a line drive in the fourth inning. Just minutes later, veteran Myles Straw signaled to the dugout after an awkward slide attempting to break up a double play.
“It’s about the worst-case scenario for our outfield depth,” manager John Schneider told reporters after the 6-2 loss. “We’re waiting on the medical evaluations, but losing both guys in the same game is obviously concerning.”
According to team sources, Clase appears to have suffered a hamstring strain and was immediately removed as a precautionary measure. The 23-year-old Dominican, who’s been a revelation with his .289 batting average and stellar defense, was seen walking with a noticeable limp as he entered the clubhouse.
Straw’s injury looked potentially more serious. The center fielder, acquired in the offseason trade with Cleveland, remained down for nearly two minutes after his slide into second base. Initial reports suggest a possible ankle sprain, though the team has scheduled MRI examinations for both players Thursday morning.
“Myles was in considerable pain,” said bench coach Don Mattingly. “When you see a player that durable showing that kind of discomfort, you know something’s not right.”
The timing couldn’t be worse for the Jays, who entered June sitting three games behind Tampa Bay in a tight AL East race. The club had already placed right fielder George Springer on the 10-day injured list last week with a lower back issue, leaving their outfield dangerously thin.
Utility man Santiago Espinal and minor league call-up Nathan Lukes finished the game in the outfield alongside left fielder Daulton Varsho. Neither represents an ideal everyday option if the injuries prove lengthy.
“We’ve built this club to withstand some adversity,” general manager Ross Atkins said by phone late Wednesday night. “But three outfielders down presents a significant challenge. We’re exploring all options internally and externally.”
Those external options might be limited with the trade deadline still over a month away. Teams typically demand premium returns this early in the season. Triple-A Buffalo outfielder Steward Berroa seems the most likely immediate call-up, hitting .312 with 11 home runs through 64 games this season.
The injuries overshadowed another troubling development – the team’s continued offensive struggles. Toronto managed just four hits against Arizona starter Merrill Kelly, who cruised through seven innings while striking out nine. The Jays have now scored three or fewer runs in eight of their last eleven games.
“When it rains, it pours,” veteran first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. said through an interpreter. “The injuries are tough, but we can’t make excuses. We need to be better at the plate regardless of who’s in the lineup.”
Fan reaction on social media has been predictably anxious. Season ticket holder Maria Gonsalves, seated near me in Section 128, captured the mood: “Just when we thought the pitching was getting sorted, now this happens. Being a Jays fan means living on an emotional rollercoaster.”
The clubhouse remained unusually quiet postgame. Multiple players declined interview requests, a telling sign of the team’s collective disappointment. The few who did speak emphasized the need for resilience.
“Baseball has a way of testing you,” said shortstop Bo Bichette. “Champions find a way through tough stretches. We’ve got guys capable of stepping up while Juan and Myles heal up.”
Manager Schneider indicated the team might need to get creative with defensive alignments in the coming days. Infielders Cavan Biggio and Addison Barger have limited outfield experience but could be pressed into emergency service.
The Blue Jays conclude their four-game series with Arizona today before heading to Detroit for a weekend set against the Tigers. They’ll likely need to make at least one roster move before first pitch at 1:07 PM.
For a team with playoff aspirations that’s already battling offensive inconsistency, navigating potentially weeks without three starting outfielders represents perhaps the biggest challenge of Schneider’s managerial tenure. How they weather this storm could define their 2025 season.
