Clement's World Baseball Classic Impact on Blue Jays

This is Corey, with the story with Toronto Blue Jays News.

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Ernie Clement earned a spot on Team USA for the World Baseball Classic, a huge honor for

the Toronto Blue Jays infielder.

But now, with less than 10 days until the MLB regular season starts, his return creates

a challenge for the team.

He just got back after the U.S. team's loss in the championship game.

He barely saw action during the tournament, logging only 7 played appearances in one hit.

He knew going in that his role would be versatile and limited.

Meanwhile, if he'd stayed in spring training camp in Dunedin, he'd likely have around

40 or 50 played appearances by now to sharpen his swing.

This matters more for Clement, because he's a rising star, who set an MLB postseason

record last year with 30 hits in the playoffs.

Fans and the Blue Jays won him locked in and grooving, not watching from the bench.

The team sees his natural hitting talent as a plus, but missing those reps can make

it harder to hit the ground running.

Still, plenty of spring games remain for him to catch up.

Blue Jays officials hope this unusual build-up doesn't hurt his early season chances, and

they'll give him as many ad bats as possible to get him.

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