A call up for lean, mean, doubles machine could be on the horizon in the near future.

Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith on The Fan Morning Show on Thursday said that he wouldn’t be surprised if Spencer Horwitz was on the plane to Oakland. However, it’s worth noting that in the full quote, Nicolson-Smith said that this wasn’t a report and more so speculation that he’ll be called up in the next week or so. The discussion starts around the 9:30 minute mark, with the direct quote coming around the 10:50 minute mark.

At this point, Horwitz should’ve been called up a long time ago. So far with the Buffalo Bisons, he’s slashing .332/.445/.510 with four homers in 255 plate appearances, along with a higher BB% (17.3%) than K% (15.7%). On top of that, his 21 doubles lead the International League, while his two triples are tied for 11th.

It’s not just some flash in the pan either for Horwitz. Last season in Triple-A, he slashed .337/.450/.495 with 10 homers in 484 with a higher BB% than K%. Prior to his call up to Triple-A in 2022, he slashed .297/.413/.517 with 10 homers in 281 plate appearances with the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats. In 2021, he set the Northwest League hit streak record. So yeah, Horwitz is a fantastic hitter.

While he doesn’t hit nearly as many home runs as you’d like in a first baseman, the team has been playing him at second base in recent times. He’s played a career-high 11 games or 87 innings at the position, making just one error. He also has experience in left field while being a natural left fielder.

Horwitz has had a cup of coffee in the big leagues, slashing .256/.341/.385 with a homer in 44 plate appearances towards the end of the 2023 season. However, if he is called up, the Blue Jays have to give him regular playing time, whether that be at first, second, left field, or as a designated hitter.

As always, you can follow me on Twitter @Ryley_L_D.





Source link bluejaysnation.com

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR