Blue Jays first baseman Lyle Overbay has completed batting drills and is ready for a minor league rehabilitation assignment, and if all goes well will return from his hand injury in a matter of days.
Since Overbay went down June 15, infielder-outfielder Matt Stairs has performed splendidly, hitting in the .300 range with consistent power. But the team anticipates returning Stairs to a reserve role after the All-Star break.
From then on Stairs will mostly pinch hit, occasionally relieve Frank Thomas at designated hitter and spot start in the outfield. The plan will keep Stairs fresh should he be needed in the event of another injury during the second half.
Rookie Adam Lind, meanwhile, will benefit from continued play in left field, though he has been something of a disappointment at the plate. So far, Lind has been paying his way with his arm and glove. Lind has five assists and has yet to make an error.
Overbay already has reported to Double A New Hampshire and has been penciled in to start over the weekend.
Subscribe To MLB Rumors
Posts
Comments
Baseball Medic
Doctor X -- the 'Baseball Medic' -- is an anonymous U.S. government trauma specialist with a Duke University sports medicine background and more than 20 years experience in emergency medicine. From time to time he considers MLB rumors, events and news reports as they pertain to baseball players' injuries, illnesses and various other disabilities, both on the field and off.
MLB Rumors Editor
MLB Rumors editor Greg Fieg is a former sports news editor and award-winning writer whose bylines have appeared on the wires of the Associated Press and in numerous publications, including San Antonio Express-News, San Antonio Light, Houston Chronicle and Philadelphia Bulletin. He formerly was posted in various positions on the U.S.-Mexican border with Freedom Newspapers, and was a regular, independent contributor to United Press International.MLB Rumors staff writers
MLB Rumors is published at MLBNewsOnline.com. Thanks for visiting.
