Might the Blue Jays see the return of Alan Roden?
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How do you solve a problem like Alan Roden? The Blue Jays rookie was rewarded with a roster spot after a strong Spring Training. However, he couldn't carry that success over into the regular season. While he started off decently, he average plummeted to .178 and his playing time sharply decrease upon the return of Daulton Varsho. He was eventually optioned to Triple-A Buffalo.
He has been on fire ever since. In the four games he has played with Buffalo, Roden is hitting .526 with one home run, five RBIs and one stolen base. Yes, it's a small sample size, but one that could prove key to his return to the bigs.
The problem is, the Blue Jays have a surplus of outfielders and there are questions about whether Roden will receive regular playing time.
Daulton Varsho is entrenched in CF, while George Springer is seeing the bulk of playing in RF. Anthony Santander has also seen time there, but has spent the majority of his time at DH and LF. Nathan Lukes and Myles Straw have both proven themselves capable defenders and are hitting the ball relatively well.
Roden deserves a spot if he keeps on hitting but the Blue Jays will have to get creative.
One option is to move Santander full time to DH, which opens up playing time for Roden, but can be somewhat limiting if Vladimir Guerrero needs a DH or an off day. It could be useful for Roden to receive more reps at first base, a position he has dabbled at in the past. Roden could also serve as DH>
Also, with Roden, Lukes, and Addison Barger all left-handed bats, it may be difficult to get them into the lineup all the same time.
So what do to?
The Blue Jays should keep Roden in Triple-A for now, where he can receive regular playing time. This things have a way of working themselves out and Roden should be back with the major league club soon enough.
| POLL | ||
MAI 13 | 44 ANSWERS Might the Blue Jays see the return of Alan Roden? What should the Blue Jays do about alan Roden? | ||
| Keep in him Triple-A | 25 | 56.8 % |
| Let him play OF | 5 | 11.4 % |
| Give him reps at 1B | 4 | 9.1 % |
| Trade him | 10 | 22.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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