Ernie Clement DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Ernie Clement (face) will cover third base and bat in the seven-hole against the Boston Red Sox on Thursday afternoon. Clement has been sidelined since Monday after being hit by a pitch. Clement avoided any significant injuries and only sustained a lip laceration and contusion. Seeing that he is back in the lineup suggests this injury was minor and he will not face any limitations by Opening Day. Last season, the 28-year-old logged a career-high 139 contests with the Blue Jays. He held a .263/.284/.408 slash line with 12 home runs and 12 stolen bases. He showed an elite eye at the plate as he only struck out at a 9.1 percent rate. However, he only generated hard contact at a 24.9 percent rate. Fantasy managers should expect Clement to continue to compete for the starting job at the hot corner alongside Addison Barger. If he does win the job, he will carry value in deeper points leagues given his excellent strikeout rate.

Toronto Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement (mouth) is progressing and could return to the team's Grapefruit League lineup as early as Thursday, according to manager John Schneider. Clement was hit in the face by a pitch in Monday's spring training against the Detroit Tigers. The 28-year-old thankfully was able to escape with only a cut on his lip and avoided a concussion. Clement will be ready in plenty of time for Opening Day at the end of March, and as of right now, he's considered the favorite to see the majority of playing time at third base. The 28-year-old still needs to earn the starting job, though, and he'll need to continue to play well in 2025 to hold off others at the position. The former fourth-round pick by the Cleveland Guardians in 2017 out of the University of Virginia makes elite contact and slashed .263/.284/.408 with 12 homers, 51 RBI and 12 steals in 139 games in his first full season in the big leagues in 2024.

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Ernie Clement (head) did not suffer a concussion or fractures after being hit by a pitch during Monday's spring training contest. Clement exited this contest early but avoided any serious injuries. He only sustained a lip laceration and contusion. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week but should not expect him to miss much time. The 28-year-old is expected to operate as the team's No. 1 third baseman to open the 2025 campaign. Last season, Clement logged a career-high 139 games and posted a .263/.284/.408 slash line with 21 doubles and 12 home runs. He swiped 12 bags and held an 11:41 BB:K ratio. If Clement were to miss time during the week, Addison Barger should see an increase in playing time.