For Ernie Clement, the honor of being selected for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic is a milestone that’s tough to beat. However, this accolade has created a bit of a conundrum for the Toronto Blue Jays as they gear up for the regular season following the WBC.
With less than 10 days until the MLB season kicks off, Clement will be rejoining the Blue Jays just after Team USA's loss in the championship game. Unlike the consistent starters on the team, Clement saw limited action, stepping up to the plate just seven times and securing a single hit. He knew his role was to offer versatility if needed, but the limited playtime contrasts sharply with what he might have experienced in Spring Training with the Blue Jays.
Had Clement stayed in Dunedin, participating in Blue Jays camp, he likely would have accumulated 40 to 50 plate appearances by now. For some players, missing those reps might not be a big deal.
Clement, with his natural hitting prowess, might just be one of those players. Yet, considering his impressive feat of setting an MLB postseason record with 30 hits last year, Toronto would undoubtedly prefer seeing him get consistent at-bats this spring to maintain his rhythm.
There's still time for Clement to catch up, as he can take advantage of the remaining spring games to get back in the swing of things. It’s an unconventional lead-up to the season, and the Blue Jays will be keen to ensure this doesn’t hinder his potential success.