Gabe

Gross

Jays’ manager Carlos Tosca said that ideally he like to get Gross in the lineup at least three times per week, but at the same time he does not want it to come at too much of a cost to Reed Johnson. “Reed has been scuffling a bit, but he has been a big contributor to our team this year,” Tosca said. “Gabe is just starting out and we want to make sure we don’t overload him.” Expect Gross and Johnson to split time in left field the rest of the season, with Gross being the better long-term bet as between the two.

As long as he can stay out of the doghouse, Gross figures to play fairly regularly against right-handers the rest of the way. It’s not going to give him value in mixed leagues, but he should remain an asset in NL-only leagues.

“He [Gross] drifts after every ball,” manager Ned Yost said. “We’re trying to change that.” Corey Hart started in right field instead of Gross. This was likely just to give Gross a wakeup call and we expect him to return to the lineup on Sunday.

Gross was starting in right field with Geoff Jenkins out of the lineup with a concussion. The left-handed Gross is batting just .243, but he does have six homers in 70 at-bats for Brewers. His best chance at earning extra playing time is to outhit center fielder Brady Clark.

Gross, a 2001 first-round pick, hit .319 with 7 HR, 51 RBI, 53/52 K/BB and 3 SB in 310 AB for New Haven. He projects as a solid regular in the majors and should get a chance to compete for a job on the Blue Jays next spring.

“I guess since about Kansas City or so I’ve been getting in the lineup on a fairly regular basis,” Gross said. “But nothing’s been said to me one way or the other. I come to the ballpark and if I’m in the lineup, I’ll play and if I’m not, I don’t.” Brady Clark’s value takes a dip if Gross continues to get ample playing time.

Gross pulled up lame going to second base on a double, and Kevin Mench was brought in as a pinch-runner. Laynce Nix would benefit if the injury is going to keep Gross out for a while.

“When I run in a straight line, I’m fine,” Gross said. “When I try to make the turn on the bases, it’s still a little tender. It has improved but we’re not there yet. Until I can (make turns) pain-free, there’s not much I can do.” Gross is available to pinch hit, but he is still at least a week from returning to the starting lineup.

The Blue Jays exploded for 10 hits, five walks, and 13 runs today against Oakland.

Gross is 8-for-14 after three games. The 2001 first-round pick was a big disappointment last year, but he still projects as a major league right fielder.