Ernie Clement was named an All-Star Game starter earlier this week.
Earlier this week, Toronto Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement was named the starter for the American League in the upcoming All-Star Game.
Clement was the top vote getter in the American League, and he'll get the nod at second base. It will be his first career All-Star Game. The game is being played on July 14 in Philadelphia.
It's been an excellent season for Clement, who is hitting .303 with seven homers, 28 RBIs and a .323 on-base percentage. He's carrying an OPS+ of 104, and is also helping carry a Blue Jays lineup that has been hampered by injuries. In addition to all the losses on the pitching front, Toronto has seen George Springer, Anthony Santander, Alejandro Kirk and Addison Barger on the injured list at various points. Santander has yet to play this season because of offseason surgery on his left labrum.
On Sunday morning, the Blue Jays posted a simple message from Clement thanking fans for selecting him: "Honored. Thank you for all the support!"
About Clement
A 30-year-old Rochester, N.Y. native, Clement is in his sixth major league season with the Cleveland Guardians, Athletics and Blue Jays. A lifetime .269 hitter, his 21 doubles lead the American League this season. He also had 35 doubles a season ago after finally getting the chance to be a regular contributor to a lineup. He played in 157 games and then set the all-time record for most hits in a single postseason as the Blue Jays advanced to the World Series, falling just short against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Ernie Clement (22) hits a single against the Texas Rangers in the eighth inning at Rogers Centre. Dan Hamilton-Imagn ImagesMoving forward for the Jays
The Blue Jays enter play on Sunday at 39-44 and in third place in the American League East. They'll look to avoid a sweep at the hands of the Texas Rangers at 1:37 p.m. ET. Texas is 41-42 and just 0.5 games back of the Seattle Mariners in the American League West.
Kumar Rocker will get the ball for Texas. The former top prospect is just 2-6 with a 4.14 ERA. Shane Bieber will make his second start since coming off the injured list for Toronto. He's got a 9.82 ERA after one start.
The Blue Jays need him to eventually find his form to help level out the starting rotation, which has been decimated by injuries.
The Blue Jays will host the New York Mets for a new series that begins on Monday at Rogers Centre.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Remember to join our BLUE JAYS on ROUNDTABLE community, which is FREE! You can post your own thoughts, in text or video form, and you can engage with our Roundtable staff, as well as other Blue Jays fans. If prompted to download the Roundtable APP, that's free too
