Ernie Clement Continuing to Assert Himself for Blue Jays

Toronto Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement started the season slow, but has resurged in his overall performance lately. Clement was batting .230 with five RBI and a .533 OPS through 29 games at the beginning of May. In his last seven games, though, he has batted .348 with a home run, eight hits, and three runs.

Clement proved his worth in Toronto’s weekend series against the Detroit Tigers where he homered and also recorded a walk-off single in Saturday’s game. Clement also helped to tie the game on Sunday, but unfortunately, the performance of Spencer Torkelson, who went 3-for-3 at the plate, gave the Tigers the edge and a 3-2 victory. Clement’s performance has been questioned at times, but the 29-year-old has showcased solid defense and revamped offense recently.

AND WE’RE TIED

After a walk-off single yesterday, Ernie Clement comes up big again pic.twitter.com/Pm2TvXZcbD

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 18, 2025

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Ernie Clement Shows Urgency Following Slow Start to Season

Behind Clement’s Recent Success

Clement has rebounded significantly in the later stretch of May. He has consistently hit with power and done so in clutch situations. Clement’s recent hot streak has illustrated his noteworthy success. He has safely hit in seven straight games while recording 10 hits across 20 at-bats. Clement has also showcased how he’s been a reliable source of offensive output, not the first time he’s done so with the Blue Jays. In the 2023 season, Clement was also impressive at the plate, recording a .391 BABIP.

“When I’m aggressive and go at it? Fuck it. Whatever happens, happens.”

First, Ernie Clement found some magic in an old Spencer Horwitz bat. Then he found some freedom again.

From earlier this week on Clement’s resurgence for the #BlueJays: https://t.co/cDdX83JD9i

— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) May 17, 2025

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Shining with the Glove

But in addition, Clement’s defensive versatility has shined since the absence of Andrés Giménez. The three-time Gold Glover has been on the shelf with a right quad strain. Clement’s solid defensive skills have earned him a career-high 16 defensive runs saved this season. His contributions have exemplified why he was worthy of a roster spot this season. This was seen with his urgency, aggressive approach at the plate, and strong work ethic. His ability to make contact is also becoming apparent with his recent hot streak.

Clement’s walk-off single was also significant, as it was the Blue Jays’ 12th comeback win this season. Last season, the Blue Jays only recorded 25. It was his second career walk-off hit. The Jays have shown the ability this year to make late comebacks and be a threat late in games, a key element that they lacked last season. Clement’s defensive abilities come as no surprise, considering he was a Gold Glove finalist in 2024 at third base. But the defensive flare that he’s possessed at second has been intriguing to watch. He made a great play to get Cal Raleigh out in another recent series against the Seattle Mariners. It was a stellar tag that was reminiscent of what Giménez regularly does. If Clement continues to show his value on both sides of the ball, it should keep leading to wins for the Blue Jays.

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