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Blue Jays' Ernie Clement absence shows just how important he's become for Toronto
TL;DR
Ernie Clement was absent from the Toronto Blue Jays' starting lineup against the Detroit Tigers, highlighting his growing importance to the team. The Blue Jays are struggling for consistency early in the 2026 season.
Key points
- Ernie Clement was absent from the starting lineup
- Toronto Blue Jays are seeking consistency in 2026
- The team is underperforming early in the season
- Lenyn Sosa started in place of Clement against the Tigers
Toronto Blue JaysDetroit TigersErnie ClementLenyn Sosa
Blue Jays' Ernie Clement absence shows just how important he's become for Toronto originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Toronto Blue Jays entered the 2026 season expecting to build off last year's World Series run. Instead, the Blue Jays have spent the first several weeks searching for consistency while watching the rest of the American League East pull away. That is why Saturday's lineup decision immediately stood out.
Ahead of Toronto's matchup against the Detroit Tigers, veteran infielder Ernie Clement was not included in the starting lineup. Instead, Lenyn Sosa drew the start as Toronto continued trying to spark an offense that has underperformed for much of the season.
While the move appears to simply be a routine maintenance day, it also revealed something much bigger about where the Blue Jays currently stand.
Ernie Clement has quietly become one of Toronto's most reliable players
Toronto's offense has struggled to find rhythm throughout the opening stretch of the season. Injuries have hurt lineup continuity, while several key veterans have failed to produce at their expected level. That has created an even bigger role for Clement.
Q&A
Why was Ernie Clement absent from the Blue Jays' lineup?
Ernie Clement was not included in the starting lineup as part of a routine maintenance day.
How is Ernie Clement's absence impacting the Blue Jays' performance?
Clement's absence underscores his importance to the team as the Blue Jays seek consistency amid an underperforming offense.
What challenges are the Blue Jays facing in the 2026 season?
The Blue Jays are struggling to find consistency while other teams in the American League East are pulling ahead.
Who replaced Ernie Clement in the Blue Jays' lineup?
Lenyn Sosa replaced Ernie Clement in the starting lineup for the game against the Detroit Tigers.
