Blue Jays 3B Matt Chapman scratched vs. Tigers due to 'viral illness'

April 13, 2023 - 6:57pm

Toronto Blue Jays' Matt Chapman, left, is hugged by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) after Chapman's grand-slam during the sixth inning of a baseball game Los Angeles Angels Sunday, April 9, 2023, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP)

Matt Chapman has been scratched from the Blue Jays' starting lineup on Thursday due to a viral illness, the team announced.

Chapman, coming off AL Player of the Week honours, has been scorching hot for the Blue Jays, leading the club in nearly every major statistical category including an MLB-leading 23 hits and eight doubles.

After collecting a pair of hits in Wednesday’s come-from-behind win over the Detroit Tigers, the California native is now slashing an astounding .489/.538/.851 to go along with three home runs and 15 RBI through 12 games.