We’ll begin the first edition of 2018’s Ex-Files in a slightly different manner. Before we get to the Bautistas and Encarnacions of the world, the spotlight should fall on former Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Eric Hinske, who’s now hitting coach for the Los Angeles Angels.
Hinske — who spent five years with the Blue Jays during his 12-season big-league career — is in his first campaign in the new role, following a successful coaching stint with the Cubs. Right away, his expertise has had an impact on new pupil Shohei Ohtani.
The two-way Japanese sensation struggled terribly during spring training, both on the mound and at the dish. The left-handed hitter had been using a leg kick since high school and Hinske wasn’t so sure about it. So he asked Ohtani if he would consider switching to a subtle toe tap instead.
“He did it in batting practice that day, and he was hitting homers all over the field,” Hinske told ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez. “He said, ‘OK, I’m in.’ And that was it.”
Ohtani has since taken off, launching five home runs and generating a 1.077 OPS through 70 plate appearances in his debut season in America. If that success continues, it will further bolster Hinske’s standing with his new club.
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Here’s a look at how some other ex-Blue Jays are faring so far in 2018.
Jose Bautista, Atlanta Braves
-0.1 WAR (FanGraphs) | 0 HR | .150/.292/.200
Bautista has struggled offensively in his first week since being called up to the Braves, however, in a sense that’s not exactly surprising. In fact, it might be more of a trend. The slugger was one of a large group of free agents who signed late with major-league teams, causing a delayed start to their spring trainings — and in Bautista’s case, no spring training at all. Some other late signees who’ve scuffled to open their 2018 campaigns: Carlos Gonzalez, Logan Morrison, Carlos Gomez and Neil Walker.
Edwin Encarnacion, Cleveland Indians
-0.2 WAR | 9 HR | .200/.273/.423
The overall production hasn’t been there, but the power certainly has — Encarnacion has nine homers on the season, including three in one game last week.
#Indians Edwin Encarnacion records his 3rd career 3-HR game, and first since August 29, 2015 with the #BlueJays.
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) May 2, 2018
Slow opening months followed by May eruptions are simply clockwork for Encarnacion. Check out his OPS in each of the past four March/Aprils: .593 (2018), .696 (2017), .694 (2016), .610 (2015).
David Price, Boston Red Sox
0.5 WAR | 5.11 ERA | 37 innings | 32 strikeouts | 16 walks
Following a pair of dominant starts by Price to begin the year, it looked like the focus would finally turn to his production on the mound. But as it has been for much of his tenure in Boston, that wasn’t the case. He has since been bothered by finger numbness and was diagnosed this week with a mild case of carpal tunnel syndrome in his left wrist. He was scratched from his last start and as a result of the ordeal, Price had to face questions about whether his obsession with the video game Fortnite played a role in the health issue.
“I’ve always played video games,” Price told reporters on Thursday. “I’ve always played it with my teammates, during the off-season, at the field, at the hotel. That’s kind of my generation. That’s what we do. If I need to shut down video games and pick up a new hobby, then so be it. But I do not think that’s the cause.”
Noah Syndergaard, New York Mets
1.2 WAR | 3.09 ERA | 46.2 innings | 54 strikeouts | 10 walks
Thor hasn’t been his Avengers-like self in the early stage of this season; sure he’s striking out a ton of hitters, but he’s also surrendering his share of hits. The right-hander is not worried though, telling New York media after his last outing: “I keep on getting those mediocre starts out of the way so I can dominate in September.”
Eric Thames, Milwaukee Brewers
0.5 WAR | 7 HR | .250/.351/.625
The 31-year-old is currently on the disabled list while recovering from surgery to repair a torn UCL in his left thumb. He’s expected to be out until sometime in June, a shame because Thames was mashing before the injury. His 46.8 per cent hard hit rate is up considerably from the 38.9 clip he achieved during his breakout 2017 campaign.
Brandon Morrow, Chicago Cubs
0.3 WAR | 1.38 ERA | 13 innings | 11 strikeouts | 5 walks
Morrow, in his first season with the Cubs, has earned the trust of the Wrigley Field faithful through his eight saves in nine chances. Aiding the right-hander is the pure gas on his fourseam fastball — it’s now averaging a career-high 98.03 m.p.h. and he’s making full use, throwing it 70 per cent of the time.
Ezequiel Carrera (triple-A), Atlanta Braves
WAR (N/A) | 1 HR | .153/.244/.236
Bautista isn’t the only former Blue Jay that Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos signed in the off-season. Outfielder Carrera inked a minor-league contract with Atlanta in mid-March and is currently plying his trade for the triple-A Gwinnett Stripers. The 30-year-old is off to a sluggish start through 23 games, but as his productive 2017 suggested — he posted a 107 wRC+, meaning he was better than league average — there is MLB talent there.
