Ryan Goins has yet to hit much at the big league level, but his defence and versatility are making a positive impression on the Toronto Blue Jays.
Manager John Gibbons suggested Wednesday that the Blue Jays will keep Goins on the roster when shortstop Jose Reyes returns from the disabled list.
“There’s definitely a spot on this team for Ryan Goins,” Gibbons told Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker on Sportsnet 590 The FAN.
LISTEN: John Gibbons on Baseball Central
Goins has played shortstop, second base, third base, left field and right field in 21 games for the Blue Jays this season. The 27-year-old is hitting .246 with a .607 OPS after collecting three hits against the Baltimore Orioles Tuesday.
The Blue Jays opened the season without Goins, in part because he has minor league options remaining and can move relatively freely between triple-A to the big leagues.
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Meanwhile, Reyes is making progress on his way back from a cracked rib, and will resume taking batting practice Wednesday. After he hits for a couple of days, the Blue Jays plan to send him on a rehab assignment, likely with the triple-A Buffalo Bisons.
“I don’t think it’s going to take too long,” Gibbons said. “He’s moving around fine. He’s been taking ground balls. Even through the healing process he was able to do some (baseball-related) things.”
While the Blue Jays briefly went without a backup shortstop, Steve Tolleson and Goins give Toronto two options in Reyes’ absence.