Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Ernie Clement (face) will cover third base and bat in the seven-hole against the Boston Red Sox on Thursday afternoon. Clement has been sidelined since Monday after being hit by a pitch. Clement avoided any significant injuries and only sustained a lip laceration and contusion. Seeing that he is back in the lineup suggests this injury was minor and he will not face any limitations by Opening Day. Last season, the 28-year-old logged a career-high 139 contests with the Blue Jays. He held a .263/.284/.408 slash line with 12 home runs and 12 stolen bases. He showed an elite eye at the plate as he only struck out at a 9.1 percent rate. However, he only generated hard contact at a 24.9 percent rate. Fantasy managers should expect Clement to continue to compete for the starting job at the hot corner alongside Addison Barger. If he does win the job, he will carry value in deeper points leagues given his excellent strikeout rate.

Toronto Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement (mouth) is progressing and could return to the team's Grapefruit League lineup as early as Thursday, according to manager John Schneider. Clement was hit in the face by a pitch in Monday's spring training against the Detroit Tigers. The 28-year-old thankfully was able to escape with only a cut on his lip and avoided a concussion. Clement will be ready in plenty of time for Opening Day at the end of March, and as of right now, he's considered the favorite to see the majority of playing time at third base. The 28-year-old still needs to earn the starting job, though, and he'll need to continue to play well in 2025 to hold off others at the position. The former fourth-round pick by the Cleveland Guardians in 2017 out of the University of Virginia makes elite contact and slashed .263/.284/.408 with 12 homers, 51 RBI and 12 steals in 139 games in his first full season in the big leagues in 2024.

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Ernie Clement (head) did not suffer a concussion or fractures after being hit by a pitch during Monday's spring training contest. Clement exited this contest early but avoided any serious injuries. He only sustained a lip laceration and contusion. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week but should not expect him to miss much time. The 28-year-old is expected to operate as the team's No. 1 third baseman to open the 2025 campaign. Last season, Clement logged a career-high 139 games and posted a .263/.284/.408 slash line with 21 doubles and 12 home runs. He swiped 12 bags and held an 11:41 BB:K ratio. If Clement were to miss time during the week, Addison Barger should see an increase in playing time.

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Ernie Clement (face) exited Monday's spring training contest early after getting hit by a pitch in the face. Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet noted that the infielder has lip lacerations and contusions. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he will likely be held out of action for some time. Last season, the 28-year-old logged a career-high 130 games at the MLB level with the Blue Jays. He held a .263/.284/.408 line with 12 home runs and 12 stolen bases. He showed an elite eye at the plate as he struck out at a near perfect 9.1 percent rate (100th percentile). However, he generated a low 24.9 percent hard-hit rate. When healthy, he should be expected to be Toronto's third baseman. If he were to miss time, Addison Barger should be the top candidate to replace him.

MLB.com's Keegan Matheson expects Toronto Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement to open the year as the starting third baseman. However, once the season gets underway, Matheson thinks the Blue Jays could play the hot hand at the position, which could also mean plenty of Will Wagner, especially if the Jays are looking to inject more offense into the lineup. Manager John Schneider singled out Clement as a likely backup option to Bo Bichette at shortstop, and given his athleticism, he should be a valuable piece for the team, regardless of how often he plays. In addition to Clement and Wagner, Orelvis Martinez and Addison Barger could also factor into the hot corner, so Clement is going to have to perform to continue seeing regular playing time. The 28-year-old hit .263/.284/.408 with 12 homers, 51 RBI and 12 steals in a career-high 139 games last year. Clement's versatility and elite contact skills makes him worth targeting in AL-only leagues.

Toronto Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement went 2-for-4 with a double, a home run, three RBI, a walk, and a run scored in Wednesday's 11-7 loss to the Reds. It was the ninth home run of the season for Clement and he's now homered in back-to-back games and three of his last six. The 28-year-old continues to produce out of the middle of the Jays' lineup. Over his last 36 games, the former fourth-round draft pick is slashing .297/.329/.471 with 26 RBI, 15 runs scored, and five stolen bases. Clement is still available in almost 90% of Yahoo leagues and the utility player is eligible at 2B, 3B, and SS, making his rosterability even more appealing.

Toronto Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement went 2-for-4 with a triple, a home run, two RBI, and two runs scored in Wednesday's 9-2 win over the Angels. The 28-year-old has been quietly productive over the last month, going 35-for-114 (.307) over his last 30 games with nine extra-base hits, 18 RBI, 11 runs scored, and five stolen bases. The former fourth-round draft pick is making great contact (87.4%) which is leading to a minuscule 7.0% strikeout rate. He's also eligible at 2B, 3B, and SS on Yahoo and is available in almost 90% of leagues. Fantasy managers looking for a tough out that can plug multiple lineup holes for the stretch run should consider adding Clement off of the waiver wire.

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Ernie Clement collected two hits on Friday night, including a walkoff single in the Blue Jays 6-5 victory over the Texas Rangers. Both of Clement's hits resulted in runs, giving him two RBI on the night while raising his OPS to .689 on the season. The 28-year-old has had a very up-and-down season for the Blue Jays but has been a stable option for them at third base as Isiah Kiner-Filefa works back from a knee injury. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues looking for an option at third base may want to consider Clement as an option, but other managers may not find as much appeal. DFS managers may want to target Clement during away games, a situation where he's hitting for a .798 OPS. He'll get another chance to improve his July on Saturday against Rangers' scheduled starter Michael Lorenzen.

Toronto Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement had a huge night in a 10-6 win over the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday. Clement went 3-for-4 with a homer, two runs, and four RBI to help power his team to the win. The 28-year-old's three-run homer came off San Francisco starter Logan Webb in the fifth inning, giving the Blue Jays a 3-2 lead. Clement is now hitting .261 with six homers, 22 runs, 21 RBI, and three steals across 176 at-bats this season, with two of his homers coming over his past two contests.

Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Davis Schneider, utility bat Daniel Vogelbach, and infielder Ernie Clement have all made the opening day roster. Schneider should see a decent amount of playing time at second base, either as a platoon with Cavan Biggio or as the outright second baseman with Biggio shifting around the diamond. Vogelbach will likely be a bench bat and could fill in at DH when Justin Turner is playing in the field or taking a day off. Clement will be a bench infielder for the club. Schneider has the most appeal in fantasy and could be worth a speculative add in deeper leagues.

Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith says not to rule out Toronto Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement for the team's Opening Day roster. Clement is out of minor-league options, and rival teams have been eyeing him, while some pro scouts have been impressed with what they've seen. "They like him," a scout from another team said. "He doesn't hit for power, but he runs and he'll put the ball in play. I think they'll keep him just in case something happens to Bo (Bichette) but I'll put him down as someone to go after if they try to pass him through (waivers)." Clement is currently competing with Daniel Vogelbach, Spencer Horwitz, Eduardo Escobar and Davis Schneider for a bench spot to open the 2024 season. The 27-year-old didn't see many big-league chances in 2023, but when he did, he was impressive with a .380/.385/.500 slash line in 52 plate appearances.

Marcus Stroman pitched one-hit ball for eight innings, Dominic Smith launched a grand slam and the New York Mets cruised to a 7-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday. Stroman (7-8) gave up a leadoff single to Aristides Aquino in the third inning and little else. He struck out seven and walked one while giving New York’s beleaguered bullpen precious rest going into Thursday’s day off. Jeurys Familia struck out three in a hitless ninth. Luis Guillorme hit his first homer of the season and Jonathan Villar also connected for the NL East leaders. Mets manager Luis Rojas returned to the dugout after serving a two-game suspension for excessive arguing on Sunday. Jeff Hoffman (3-5) came off the 10-day injured list to make his first start since May 26 and lasted four innings, allowing seven hits — including Smith's slam — and five runs with three walks. GIANTS 4, DODGERS 2 LOS ANGELS (AP) — Wilmer Flores hit a go-ahead, two-run homer off closer Kenley Jansen in the ninth inning and San Francisco... [More]

Marcus Stroman pitched one-hit ball for eight innings, Dominic Smith launched a grand slam and the New York Mets cruised to a 7-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday. Stroman (7-8) gave up a leadoff single to Aristides Aquino in the third inning and little else. He struck out seven and walked one while giving New York’s beleaguered bullpen precious rest going into Thursday’s day off. Jeurys Familia struck out three in a hitless ninth. Luis Guillorme hit his first homer of the season and Jonathan Villar also connected for the NL East leaders. Mets manager Luis Rojas returned to the dugout after serving a two-game suspension for excessive arguing on Sunday. Jeff Hoffman (3-5) came off the 10-day injured list to make his first start since May 26 and lasted four innings, allowing seven hits — including Smith's slam — and five runs with three walks. RED SOX 7, BLUE JAYS 4 BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — J.D. Martinez and Hunter Renfroe connected back-to-back as Boston won a home run derby in Toronto’s... [More]

Marcus Stroman pitched one-hit ball for eight innings, Dominic Smith launched a grand slam and the New York Mets cruised to a 7-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday. Stroman (7-8) gave up a leadoff single to Aristides Aquino in the third inning and little else. He struck out seven and walked one while giving New York’s beleaguered bullpen precious rest going into Thursday’s day off. Jeurys Familia struck out three in a hitless ninth. Luis Guillorme hit his first homer of the season and Jonathan Villar also connected for the NL East leaders. Mets manager Luis Rojas returned to the dugout after serving a two-game suspension for excessive arguing on Sunday. Jeff Hoffman (3-5) came off the 10-day injured list to make his first start since May 26 and lasted four innings, allowing seven hits — including Smith's slam — and five runs with three walks. RED SOX 7, BLUE JAYS 4 BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — J.D. Martinez and Hunter Renfroe connected back-to-back as Boston won a home run derby in Toronto’s... [More]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The injury-depleted Cleveland Indians placed outfielder Eddie Rosario on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with a right abdominal strain. Rosario, hurt running out a grounder in the second inning of Monday night’s 9-8 loss at Tampa Bay, joined a list of key players out that also includes starting pitchers Shane Bieber, Aaron Civale and Zach Plesac. Ramírez also left last Thursday’s game against Houston with right abdominal tightness, one day after fouling a pitch off his left cheek against Detroit. He sat out Friday’s game against the Astros. “We think it’s mild,” Cleveland president Chris Antonetti said. “That’s our best assessment at this point. We just felt with the continued lingering soreness in there it made sense to make the IL move, especially with the All-Star break and you’re not playing games for four days. It just seemed to make sense that now was the right time to give him a bit of a rest.” Plesac is scheduled to return and start Thursday night’s... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland Indians outfielder Josh Naylor had surgery Friday for multiple leg fractures and torn ligaments sustained in a collision with a teammate during a game Sunday at Minnesota. The surgery was performed by foot and ankle specialist Dr. Mark Berkowitz at the Cleveland Clinic. Naylor is likely to miss the rest of the season. Naylor and rookie second baseman Ernie Clement ran into each other as they converged on a fly ball in short right field. Naylor’s foot got trapped underneath him after he slammed into Clement. Naylor was sent sprawling and his lower right leg was bent back awkwardly. Naylor is batting .253 with seven homers and 21 RBIs while playing right field and first base. The 24-year-old was acquired from San Diego last season. The Indians' injuries continue to mount. Third baseman José Ramírez was scratched shortly before Friday's game against Houston because of a sore left elbow. The team said he was injured diving for a ball Thursday. Ramírez also missed... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland Indians outfielder Josh Naylor had surgery Friday for multiple leg fractures and torn ligaments sustained in a collision with a teammate during a game Sunday at Minnesota. The surgery was performed by foot and ankle specialist Dr. Mark Berkowitz at the Cleveland Clinic. Naylor and rookie second baseman Ernie Clement ran into each other as they converged on a fly ball in short right field. Naylor’s foot got trapped underneath him after he slammed into Clement. Naylor was sent sprawling and his lower right leg was bent back awkwardly. Naylor is batting .253 with seven homers and 21 RBIs while playing right field and first base. The 24-year-old was acquired from San Diego last season. The Indians have battled through injuries to several key players. Designated hitter Franmil Reyes was activated Friday after being out since May 23 with a strained oblique. He was in the lineup and batting fourth against Houston. Eddie Rosario was out after leaving Thursday’s game with... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Trea Turner completed his record-tying third career cycle by hitting a sixth-inning triple for the Washington Nationals on Wednesday, accomplishing the feat on his 28th birthday in a 15-6 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. The speedy shortstop became the fifth player in major league history with three cycles, joining Adrian Beltre, Babe Herman, Bob Meusel and John Reilly, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. He also scored four times in the victory, which sealed a two-game sweep as well as Washington’s fourth straight win and 14th in its last 17 games. Turner singled in the first off Tampa Bay opener Drew Rasmussen, doubled in the third against Ryan Sherriff (0-1), then hit his 14th homer in the fourth off Michael Wacha. Two innings later, Turner hit a ball into the right-field corner and beat second baseman Mike Brosseau's throw to third with a headfirst slide. Jon Lester (2-3) allowed five runs on seven hits over five innings, striking out three and walking two. ANGELS... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Indians outfielder Josh Naylor sustained multiple leg fractures and torn ligaments in his violent collision with rookie second baseman Ernie Clement during a game Sunday in Minnesota. The team said Naylor visited foot and ankle specialist Dr. Mark Berkowitz at the Cleveland Clinic on Wednesday. Berkowitz confirmed the diagnosis and scheduled surgery for Friday to address the severe injuries. A more definitive time frame for Naylor's recovery will be made after the operation, but he's likely to miss the rest of 2021. Naylor's foot got trapped underneath him after he charged in and slammed into Clement while the teammates tried to catch a fly ball in short right field. Upon impact, Naylor was sent sprawling and his lower leg was bent back awkwardly. The Indians were visibly shaken by Naylor's injury, the most serious and one of many to affect Cleveland this season. Clement said it was difficult seeing “one of my brothers” get hurt. Clement, who needed stitches in his chin... [More]