March 5, 2025
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.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Sportsnet.ca - Ben Nicholson-Smith
March 3, 2025
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.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Ben Nicholson-Smith
March 3, 2025
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.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Ben Nicholson-Smith
February 21, 2025
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.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
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