Finally recovered from an oblique injury that deprived him of a month of activity, Quebecer Otto Lopez has returned to the Buffalo Bisons, the Blue Jays’ AAA school club. He now wants only one thing: to be seen from Toronto.
Posted at 4:43 p.m.
“It doesn’t bother me at all, I feel 100% now,” he said of Buffalo before a game against the Syracuse Mets. But it took a long time: we had to find the exact formula to get me back on my feet and in the end, it was only complete rest that did me good. »
This month away from the game, however, left its mark: he who has posted a career average of .304 since joining the Jays organization in 2017, hitting only .200 before the Friday game.
“The sample is far too small for us to worry about his statistics this season; he has only a few at-bats at this time and we are not at all worried about his numbers, assured general manager Ross Atkins, met earlier this week in Toronto. We are especially happy to know that physically, he seems to have recovered from this injury. He will be able to obtain the presences at bat that he lacks and offer performances at the height of those he has offered so far, if not better. He has worked very hard in all aspects and we are very encouraged by his return to the game. We can’t wait to see what he can offer. »
His manager with the Bisons, ex-Expo Casey Candaele, is also not worried about the fitness of the 23-year-old Quebecer.
“He’s always been a great hitter. His current troubles are entirely related to his oblique injury. He is completely healed, but the missed time hurts him right now. He just needs to find his rhythm and play regularly. Defensively, he plays very well and he still runs the trails well. He’ll get over it, I’m not worried at all. »
The offensive average isn’t there, but his trail presence average is slowly picking up pace at .315. His power average (.422) is one-thousandth of the one displayed so far in the Jays’ subsidiaries.
Versatility
He began his apprenticeship in the Gulf Coast League, at the rookie level, in 2017, having been hired as a free agent a year earlier. A native of the Dominican Republic, Lopez didn’t have to go through the draft, like Canadian players.
Every season since has seen him move up a notch, so last year he got his first major call-up, being used for one time at bat. Withdrawn on catches, he waits for the next opportunity to assert himself.
“It was just to make me taste what I want to live all the time”, philosopher Lopez.
A second baseman, he is currently working on developing his versatility. The infield midfielder is busy in Toronto, with the excellent Bo Bichette at shortstop and Santiago Espinoza currently enjoying his career-best moments at second. Another young prospect, Cavan Biggio, can also play in the middle of the infield, but he was recently demoted to the AAA level, officially for fitness after injury, but Biggio was having a tough time with the Jays.
Atkins hasn’t said it outright, but we feel the best for Lopez would be to master multiple positions, much like Abraham Toro does with the Seattle Mariners.
The best play all the time. If he’s good enough, he’ll be here one way or another, sooner or later. But I will say this: versatility is a powerful weapon and he trains very hard to improve his.
Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins
“It’s good for all young players to learn more than one position,” added Candaele. Often the first time you’re called up to the Majors, you’re not necessarily playing your main position, the one you’ve been playing in for a long time. It is therefore a good thing for him that we have him play in more than one position: when he is recalled, he will be more prepared. »
Candaele sees Lopez as a complete player, who only needs more at-bats to regain his bearings from past seasons.
“He’s an excellent runner and he can play all fields, in addition to being able to play second, shortstop and third. All of these assets add to its value. He can help in a number of ways defensively and teams value that a lot these days.
“Offensively, he’s a powerful guy. He’s not necessarily a homer, but he regularly hits the fairways and when he goes home, opposing clubs can’t play special defense because he hits all fields. It helps him see good power and presence/power averages. »
A big worker
Candaele particularly likes the work ethic shown by Lopez, the quality that could earn him a call-up sooner than he thinks.
“He’s a guy who plays the right way. He is always up for working overtime. These are all things that work in his favor. It’s interesting to direct it. »
The principal concerned does not think too much of Toronto, but he hopes that Toronto thinks of him.
“I feel like I’m about to get back to the rhythm I had last year. It is certain that when they need me, I will be ready. »