Andrés Giménez has been sidelined for three weeks with a strained right quad, yet his absence has seemingly improved the Blue Jays' overall performance. Ernie Clement has stepped up as the starting second baseman, batting .306 with significant defensive contributions. His wins above replacement (WAR) also surpasses that of Giménez, who struggles with a low OPS of .440. Meanwhile, with Clement at second, Addison Barger has excelled at third base, while Nathan Lukes has provided valuable play in the outfield.

Giménez's return is set to complicate the current success the Jays are experiencing, as his hefty contract of nearly $100 million guarantees him a starting role. This could hinder the playing time of Clement and Barger, which poses a dilemma for manager John Schneider. Although Giménez is known for his elite defense, his offensive struggles have raised concerns about his long-term fit for the Jays.