Toronto Blue Jays Hole at 3rd Prompts Jose Bautista's Move

The Toronto Blue Jays management has had enough of the lack of production at third base, so they are moving Jose Bautista back to the infield.

First and third base are often positions where a lot of teams best hitters are placed—if you think about Adrian Gonzalez in Boston, Evan Longoria in Tampa Bay, and both Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez in New York, they lead their respective teams in offense most of the time.

The Blue Jays have had strong production this year at first base, whether it be Adam Lind for most of the year or when Juan Rivera filled in for a time.  But third base has been a black hole in the lineup for the team, with a low on-base percentage and generating very little power

Jayson Nix, Edwin Encarnacion and John McDonald have all started at third this year and their respective averages are .173, .189, and .255, with a combined nine home runs between them.  That simply isn't going to cut it for a team in the American League East.

This was all supposed to change with a call-up to top prospect Brett Lawrie, who was tearing up Triple-A Las Vegas.  Just on the verge of his promotion, Lawrie was hit by a pitch in his hand, fracturing one of the bones.  It didn't initially look bad, with a possible return to game action in two to four weeks, but complications have arisen in the healing and right now it looks like he will be out until August.

Knowing this, the Blue Jays have decided to move Bautista to third to give a different look to the lineup and to get a lot more production from the hot corner.  This isn't going to be a permanent move, as Bautista will be moved back to the outfield once Lawrie is healthy and hitting well once again.

To fill in for Bautista in right field, they called up Eric Thames once again, who should get a longer look this time.  Bautista hasn't moved to third right away, giving him some time to adjust back to the position, and Thames will slowly be worked into the lineup in right and as DH once the Jays are done with interleague.

Thames' bat is considered to be near major league ready, but the management wants to see if he can handle the outfield on a consistent basis. 

As the trade deadline approaches, more prospects might be called up to see what they are capable of, especially if some of the veteran pieces are moved to contenders.

To make room on the roster for Thames, utility infielder Mike McCoy was once again sent back to Las Vegas.