Blue Jays activate third baseman Matt Chapman
Global News
Matt Chapman is back in the Toronto Blue Jays' lineup.
TORONTO – Matt Chapman is back in the Toronto Blue Jays’ lineup.
Chapman was activated from Toronto’s 10-day injured list and was sixth in the Blue Jays lineup when they hosted the Texas Rangers on Thursday. Chapman went on the injured list Aug. 28 with a right middle finger sprain after he got it caught between a dumbbell and a weight rack.
“He’s a big part of our team, obviously, and we’re excited to have him back,” said Toronto manager John Schneider. “I think just his overall energy is a good thing for the entire group.
“We’re looking forward to having him out there every day.”
The third baseman’s batting average was .248 with 15 home runs before his injury. His 36 doubles lead the team, even after the lengthy time away.
Chapman is renowned for his defence, having earned three Gold Glove Awards (2018, 2019, 2021) and two Platinum Glove Awards (2018, 2019). His ability in the field has given him a 4.0 Wins Above Replacement, a statistic that measures a player’s value by deciphering how many more wins he’s worth than a replacement-level player at his same position.
His 4.0 WAR is the best on the Blue Jays this season, slightly ahead of all-star shortstop Bo Bichette’s 3.9.
Schneider said that normally Toronto would have sent Chapman to the minor leagues on a rehab assignment but with the Blue Jays fighting for a post-season spot
