Blue Jays place Grichuk on DL, recall Ngoepe

The Toronto Blue Jays placed outfielder Randal Grichuk on the 10-day disabled list on Monday due to a knee strain.  Photo Credit: Butch Dill, USA Today Sports

By Andrew Hendriks

Canadian Baseball Network

Feeling the effects of an awkward sliding catch during Sunday's 7-2 win over the Texas Rangers, Blue Jays outfielder Randal Grichuk has been placed on the 10-day disabled list with a right knee strain.

In a corresponding move, infielder Gift Ngoepe has been recalled from triple-A Buffalo prior to Monday's first pitch in Minnesota.

Grichuk, who snapped an 0-for-18 skid with a pair of base hits on Sunday, is batting .106 with 27 strikeouts and an OPS of .435 through 77 plate appearances with Toronto in 2018.

After posting a less than desirable slash line of .056/.105/.056 over 12 games with Toronto to open the season, Ngoepe collected four hits in 25 at-bats with the Bisons prior to rejoining the team.

In addition to allowing Grichuk the time needed to recuperate, Monday's move provides the Blue Jays with more infield flexibility in the wake of Sunday's decision to option Devon Travis in exchange for bullpen depth in Carlos Ramirez.

Had an injury occurred to one of Toronto's infielders during yesterday's game, Montreal native Russell Martin would have been needed to assume a defensive position outside of his standard role behind the dish. Although he's done so with success in the past, it's not exactly optimal to have your starting catcher serve as your club's primary source of infield depth.

With Ngeope's ability to play multiple positions, manager John Gibbons won't have his hand forced in the days between now when third baseman Josh Donaldson is ready to return from a rehab stint in Dunedin.

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