DUNEDIN, Fla. – The Toronto Blue Jays expect Steve Pearce to get a steady dose of at bats as their designated hitter in the coming weeks now that the versatile free agent acquisition has made his Grapefruit League debut.
Pearce, who signed a two-year, $12.5 million contract last off-season, was pleased with his two hitless at bats in Friday’s spring training win over the New York Yankees. Blue Jays manager John Gibbons was similarly encouraged.
“He’s going to be a big part of this,” Gibbons said. “The kid can really hit. We wanted him a few years ago, didn’t get him. Now we’ve got him. He’ll play a big part.”
Gibbons expects Pearce to DH until March 19 or so before playing the field later in the spring. While the 33-year-old has been taking ground balls and fly balls regularly, he’s still progressing through a throwing program on his right elbow as he recovers from the flexor tendon surgery he underwent last September.
Pearce said he’s progressing well, without any setbacks, thanks to the Blue Jays’ training staff.
“We’ve been on pace and it feels better every day,” he said.
If Pearce can throw at full strength or close to it, he’d project as a regular in left field. Otherwise, he might spend a considerable amount of time at first base along with Justin Smoak. Either way, after years of opposing the Blue Jays, Pearce says he enjoys being on their side.
“I love it,” he said. “I love being here. The guys are great, the coaching staff’s great. It’s a joy coming to the ballpark every day.”
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