Notes: More ABs for Espinal; Jansen starts

Santiago Espinal has plenty of fans within the Blue Jays' organization. You could see that in Saturday’s 6-3 win over the Rays at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, N.Y., when Espinal launched his first Major League home run in his 72nd career game and was mobbed by his teammates and coaches when he returned to the dugout.

Tuesday's trade of Joe Panik opened the door for Espinal to be more than the beloved part-time teammate, though. There should be semi-regular reps in front of him, with an opportunity to hold onto that utility infielder role. That has been filled by veterans in recent years, like Freddy Galvis, Eric Sogard and Panik. But Espinal offers in-house youth and versatility, all while hitting .304 through 46 games this season.

His defense has earned praise, too. Espinal made another handful of sharp plays on Saturday to the delight of starter Ross Stripling.

“I compare him to Kiké Hernández, who I had in Los Angeles,” Stripling said. “You can put him anywhere in the infield and you just know he’s going to make the routine plays every time and probably a really awesome play almost every game. It seems like Espinal does that. The ball finds him, and he always makes the play.”

Espinal has always had a supporter in manager Charlie Montoyo, too, stretching back to his big league debut in 2020. Montoyo has even said at times that regular Triple-A reps were better for Espinal’s development because he believed he could be an everyday big leaguer someday. So Saturday’s home run meant a lot to the manager.

“It was actually one of the best moments of the year, just because of the situation we were playing in and who did it,” Montoyo said. “Everybody loves Espinal because this kid works every day. He’s always ready. He could go a week or two weeks without playing, and then you put him in and he has a good game.”

It’s still on Espinal to earn this larger share of reps moving forward, but the Blue Jays would not have moved on from Panik if they weren’t confident. No. 28 prospect Kevin Smith is playing well at Triple-A Buffalo, and Cavan Biggio could always slide into more of a super-utility role if Toronto adds a bat at the Trade Deadline. But it’s Espinal’s gig to run with for now.

It’s unlikely the Blue Jays need Espinal at shortstop with Bo Bichette and Marcus Semien on the roster. He’ll see time at third and could get the odd game at second, depending on lineups and matchups.

“Any opportunity that the team gives me, I’m going to take it and I’m going to take advantage of it. Whenever they need me, wherever they need me, I’m there,” Espinal said. “I’m there to help the team win.”

Jansen re-enters catching battle
Danny Jansen was back in the lineup Sunday, a day after returning from the injured list with a right hamstring strain. It’s a different catching position than the one he left, as Reese McGuire has taken control of the starter’s reps with a hot bat and steady hand behind the plate, which leaves Jansen in an interesting spot.

“Reese has done a great job, both offensively and defensively,” Jansen said. “I’m obviously happy to be back, happy to be healthy. They haven’t really told me much, they’re just going to fit me in the mix, and when I’m in the lineup, I’m going to do everything I can to help the team win.”

There’s also Alejandro Kirk, the gifted young hitter still rehabbing at Triple-A from a left flexor strain. It’s possible Kirk will be left at Buffalo a while longer as McGuire and Jansen sort things out in the Majors. And while the Blue Jays believe in Jansen, he’ll need to produce more at the plate after hitting .157 with a .526 OPS through 42 games.

Dolis returns in search of 2020 form
Rafael Dolis was activated from the IL on Sunday after missing time with a right middle finger strain. He has a 5.14 ERA this season, a far cry from the 1.50 ERA he posted in 2020 with the Blue Jays. While walks have been a major issue, he also needs to put himself in better counts to showcase his best stuff.

“This year, he’s gotten behind a little bit more,” Jansen explained. “He has power stuff with three plus pitches. It’s just about tunneling him back on the plate and getting ahead so he can use his split, his slider, his sinker and be efficient.”