Manager John Schneider announced that center fielder and defensive prowess Daulton Varsho will start the season on the injury list. Varsho is still recovering from shoulder surgery and has been the designated hitter in camp this season. Varsho had to undergo shoulder surgery due to a rotator cuff injury that occurred in his right shoulder. He got injured in August 2024 while making a dynamic dive for a ball in center. The discomfort was labeled as lingering as it carried forward into September. The final decision was affirmative for shoulder surgery following a discussion with Dr. Keith Meister. They concluded that surgery was the best choice to mend the issue. The 28-year-old will attend the Opening Day game to be awarded his Gold Glove Award. Varsho was the DRS leader back in 2023 but was snagged of the award.
But Varsho deservingly earned the award last season for his top-tier center-field defensive play. He earned the award as he ranked first among qualified outfielders with 28 defensive runs saved. As well as recording 26 outs above average. Varsho will then be leaving Toronto to go to Dunedin to work with the newly assigned special assistant in the outfield, Kevin Kiermaier, and other staff. The expected return time for Varsho will hopefully be sometime in April.
Center Field Options
Varsho has displayed a standout spring performance this season belting out four home runs with a 1.126 OPS. But with Varsho out of the lineup to start the season the Blue Jays must decide who will take over during his absence. The Blue Jays have a few options, such as Myles Straw, Alan Roden, and Nathan Lukes.
Alan Roden
We’ve already witnessed how the rising prospect has put on a terrific display of offense in camp, with two home runs, five RBI, and nine hits across 23 at-bats. Having him start the season would do wonders for the Blue Jays offense but is he the best option as a center fielder? If the Blue Jays used him as their go-to guy for the position the reality is that he has limited experience. In Triple-A last season, he appeared on center field across 31.2 innings in a span of four games. In addition, he appeared in three games in the center before being drafted. When it comes down to it his defensive performance is already characterized as average in all outfield positions. It would certainly be a challenge and test for the 25-year-old.
Myles Straw
Looking at Straw, he is another option, except he carries more experience. Straw would be a solid candidate to take over for Varsho as he exemplifies all the qualities you would want in a center fielder. He has speed, a good arm, and good range. All these defensive skills would allow him to make bonafide plays in center. He has already showcased earning a Gold Glove for his defensive prowess display in 2022. Straw led all center fielders in outfield arm runs, and defensive runs were saved. He would ultimately be the best candidate to take over for Varsho.
Nathan Lukes
Lastly, there is Lukes. While Lukes doesn’t carry the same defensive credentials as Straw he would still make a decent center fielder. Lukes also displayed a solid late-season 2024 stretch with the Blue Jays offensively. The 30-year-old left-handed hitter has experience in all outfield positions. His experience indicates that he’s played better in right field. Last season, his defensive metrics were a -2 with defensive runs saved and a -2 outs above averaged across 26 innings in center.
Main Photo Credits: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
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