Adam Lind will re-join the Toronto Blue Jays for their series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies Thursday, but Brett Lawrie isn’t ready just yet. Manager John Gibbons said on Sportsnet 590 The Fan that Lawrie is set to resume baseball activities Thursday and Friday in the hopes of returning to the lineup Saturday.
Meanwhile, Lind returns from a back strain at a time that the Blue Jays are hitting well, pitching well and back at the .500 mark.
“Overall we’ve been playing good baseball,” Gibbons told Jeff Blair and Joe Siddall. “These guys are feeling good. They’re confident they’re, showing up to play every day, and it’d be the perfect time for a nice little roll.”
John Gibbons joins Baseball Central
Gibbons wouldn’t confirm the corresponding roster move for Lind, since the other player hasn’t yet been informed of the decision. Dioner Navarro won’t be going to the disabled list, but it’s possible the Blue Jays will option Erik Kratz or part with a reliever (Shi Davidi detailed the team’s options here).
Lawrie, who is battling hamstring soreness, has six home runs with a .682 OPS in 31 games for the Blue Jays this year. Gibbons said he expects the 24-year-old will be fine.
STROMAN’S ROLE: The Blue Jays are using Marcus Stroman out of the bullpen for now, but Gibbons still believes the right-hander could succeed as a starter.
“I think he could do either one,” Gibbons said. “He looks really good in that ‘pen down there. He could go anywhere from one to two to three to four innings down there if he really had to.”
Gibbons acknowledged that Stroman would have to build up his pitch count again if the Blue Jays want to transition him back into the rotation after an extended stint in the bullpen. But whatever his role, the Blue Jays are confident the 2012 first round pick will make an impact in Toronto.
“He’s got that enthusiasm and he’s got some pep in his step,” Gibbons said. “He’s going to make some things happen.”
