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Newcomer Will Wagner is providing a long-awaited and much-needed feel-good story to a lost Blue Jays season.
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Called up Monday, the 26-year-old went 3-for-4 with an RBI in his Toronto debut during that night’s series-opening win over the Angels at Anaheim. He followed that up on Tuesday, going 2-for-4 with a pair of RBIs as the Jays cruised to a 6-1 win over the Halos.
How long Wagner’s torrid start will last is yet to be determined, but the Jays are determined to fully take advantage of his quiet confidence and early prowess at the plate. By no means is he a power hitter, but Wagner brings a controlled and compact swing from the left side of the plate.
After fouling off a couple of pitches to begin his first-inning at-bat, Wagner doubled off the wall in right field, plating two runs and giving the visitors a 3-0 lead.
He doubled again in the third inning, lined out to centre in the sixth and, in his first non-competitive at-bat, struck out swinging in the eighth.
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He was solid defensively at second base, showing the proper footwork when turning a double play, getting the lead runner on a force-out on another third-inning sequence.
Having seen his 22-game hit streak snapped on Sunday, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is now on a two-gamer after hitting his 24th home run on Tuesday, a solo shot in the first inning. Spencer Horwitz then went deep with his sixth. It was only the second time this season the Jays had produced back-to-back homers.
Well-supported by his offence, Jays starter Kevin Gausman went seven shutout innings, allowing six hits and two walks while striking out five.
Tuesday’s game had some bite when George Springer appeared to get hit by a pitch on his right foot in the seventh inning. Following an unsuccessful video review, a visibly frustrated Springer showed his feelings, prompting home plate Manny Gonzalez to toss him. Manager John Schneider came between the two, while Guerrero entered the scene to pull Springer away from the area.
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Ernie Clement drove in the Jays’ first run on an infield single while Joey Loperfido, mercifully ending an 0-for-24 drought, singled home Leo Jimenez in the eight to make it 6-0. Loperfido also stole his first base after walking in the fourth.
L.A. scored its run in the ninth when Willie Calhoun took Erik Swanson deep. In two games, the Angels have scored a combined three runs, all on solo blasts.
LEO THE LION
He has looked the part, whether starting at second base or at short and even hit his first major league home run in Monday night’s series opener. Jimenez continues to produce moments indicating he belongs in the bigs.
Much like many on the Jays’ roster, Jimenez is in audition mode as the club pivots to 2025. He made his 26th start at short Tuesday night and batted seventh in the order. He has also played four games at second base.
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No one is saying, or even knows, when Bo Bichette will return from his calf injury. All that’s known, or at least being shared, is that Bichette has returned to Florida following a brief stop in Toronto.
Until Bichette is fully healthy and able to return to action, Jimenez figures to be a regular at shortstop.
WILL CALL
Wagner’s dazzling Monday debut was memorable for a reason unrelated to his stellar defence at second base or his three-hit night.
He was assigned to take care of the ticket demand.
Given the dizzying events leading up to Wagner’s callup from triple-A Buffalo, he predictably forgot.
“My dad (former MLB closer Billy Wagner) texted me and was like: ‘Hey, we still can’t get in,’” Will Wagner told reporters at Angel Stadium following the Jays’ 4-2 win.
“I was like: ‘Oh gosh, I’ve got to get them tickets.’ But we got it all figured out.”
Wagner’s proud papa was in Buffalo to watch his kid in action for the Bisons. He then went home to Virginia only to be informed of Will’s promotion to the show. Dad then boarded a flight to SoCal.
fzicarelli@postmedia.com
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