Blue Jays Announce Ernie Clement Move After 2 Missed Games
Ernie Clement has been one of the breakout performers of the Toronto Blue Jays' 2026 season. After an impressive playoff performance last year, he has carried his brilliant form into the current campaign.
Through 75 games, the 30-year-old utility infielder is batting .292 with 85 hits, 20 doubles, seven home runs, 28 RBIs and a .751 OPS. Clement's production has placed him in early MLB All-Star conversations and made him one of Toronto's most reliable everyday bats.
However, Clement dealt with a setback over the weekend, and missed both Friday's and Saturday's games against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field due to left hip soreness.
Manager John Schneider noted Saturday that Clement was still managing the issue but could be available off the bench, while indicating he was trending toward a return if there were no setbacks.
On Sunday, the Blue Jays confirmed Clement is back in the starting lineup, returning at shortstop for the series finale against the Cubs.
Going for the series W!
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 21, 2026
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After an impressive 8-6 win, Toronto enters Sunday at 38-39, one win away from reaching the .500 mark.
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The Blue Jays trail the AL East-leading New York Yankees by nine games and are trying to avoid losing further ground before a key home series against the Houston Astros beginning Monday. A series win in Chicago would give them a stronger footing heading into that stretch.
The Cubs will start Shota Imanaga (4-6, 4.26 ERA) in Sunday's finale, while the Blue Jays will send Dylan Cease (4-3, 2.71 ERA) to the mound, with first pitch scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET.
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This story was originally published June 21, 2026 at 12:11 PM.