Blue Jays scratch Sogard minutes before game vs. Rays

With Eric Sogard being scratched from the Blue Jays' lineup moments before first pitch, Jamie Campbell and Joe Siddall look at what he could bring to a contending team should he be moved.

TORONTO – The Toronto Blue Jays scratched Eric Sogard minutes before their game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday, prompting speculation that they could be close to a trade involving the veteran infielder.

Sogard had been drawing interest from many contending teams and was viewed as a likely candidate to be traded. However, there was no early word as to why the Blue Jays removed him from the starting lineup.

He had been slated to lead off and play right field. Instead, he began the day on the Blue Jays’ bench, though he did take the field with his teammates during the national anthems.

The 33-year-old utility player is batting .300/.363/.477 with 10 home runs through 73 games after signing a minor-league deal with the Blue Jays over the winter. He has played second base, third base, shortstop and both corner outfield positions in Toronto.

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