Tag: Travis Shaw

MLB’s 60-game season might turn out to be a battle of attrition rather than a battle of hitting and pitching. Read More

Shaw knows he’s safer in Canada than being in the U.S. — Toronto Sun

MLB’s 60-game season might turn out to be a battle of attrition rather than a battle of hitting and pitching.

Amid a pandemic, players can opt out on their accord, while players testing positive for COVID-19 may decide they prefer not to return at any point.

The numbers in the U.S. continue to grow, while the situation in Canada is much better.

“We’ll be safer up here if we stay in Canada,” Blue Jays infielder Travis Shaw said. “The numbers up here are way better than they are in the United States. As a team longevity if we can get through these three months of the season we should be able to stay healthier than some of these other teams. We have a competitive advantage in that mindset.”

When Shaw looks at the available options presented to the Jays, the best, by far, is to be at Rogers Centre for the regular season.

The guidelines in Canada are quite strict when compared down south.

Shaw and the rest of his teammates will play 30 road games in the U.S.

He said no discussions have been held internally about players’ behavior when venturing to the U.S., which is scheduled to begin with a pair of pre-season games in Boston beginning July 21.

“I think everyone has to be smart,” said Shaw. “I can’t sit here and say 100% everyone is going to stay in their hotel room on the road, either. I think people have to be smart about it. I do not think people will go out and be selfish and jeopardize our team, our team health and public health.

“I don’t think that’s going to be an issue at all.”

Shaw, who is on a one-year deal, doesn’t plan to opt out, at least not at this point.

He can see how players with long-term security may decide not to play.

“As it sits right now I have no plans to opt out,” he said. “I feel really good baseball-wise.”

Shaw is bent on re-establishing himself.

“I’m looking forward to getting going in a few weeks,” he said.

CHASE SHELVED

Manager Charlie Montoyo announced that Chase Anderson has an oblique strain, a setback the pitcher suffered while getting loose in the bullpen a few days ago.

“He’s day to day right now,” said Montoyo, who plans on going pitcher-heavy when the Jays open the regular season.

Anderson was pencilled in as part of Montoyo’s rotation.

The Jays have been building a bevy of starting pitchers in the event of injuries.

“It’s going to be a crazy year, as you know, and you don’t know what’s going to happen,” said Montoyo. “We have many options, which is great because they will be competing for a spot if Chase isn’t ready when this season starts.”

The plan is to maintain a traditional five-man rotation.

“He (Anderson) was ready to go,” added Montoyo. “He was in great shape.”