MILWAUKEE – Instead of entering cruise control during the final inning of an impressive 9-4 win over the Brewers on Friday night at American Family Field, the Blue Jays held their breath as they waited the results of an x-ray. the left hand of receiver Alejandro Kirk, who left the game after receiving a blow to the hand in a swing from Milwaukee outfielder Jonathan Davis.
When that x-ray turned negative, Toronto’s sigh of collective relief was louder than any breeze blowing along Lake Michigan.
“He’s one of the best baseball players, so he’s always scary, especially on this side,” Toronto coach Charlie Montoyo said. “But the X-rays were negative and he’ll be fine.”
Montoyo did not exaggerate in his praise. Kirk entered the game with a batting average of .307 and .395 OBP, both of which placed him in first place among all MLB qualified receivers, and he placed second in slugging percentage (.487). and OPS (.882).
Kirk’s secret, Montoyo said, is his approach.
“He can hit the ball from the inside, he always goes ahead on the count and he can go to the other side,” Montoyo said. “Don’t chase and that’s huge because if you don’t chase, you’ll get good shots to hit.
“And when he gets good throws to hit, he doesn’t lose them.”
Friday did not lose its fields. In four baptisms before leaving the game, Kirk had four hits; three singles and his third home run in so many games, a two-run explosion in the seventh in front of Milwaukee reliever Trevor Kelly that blew the game up.
“Right now I feel really good,” Kirk said through performer Hector Lebron. “I’m working hard, following my plan and seeing the results.”
Kirk’s big day at the plate made his job behind a lot easier. He caused a five-run burst in the second with a single single, the first of six consecutive hits, which allowed right-hander Alek Manoah to enter attack mode early.
Manoah kept Milwaukee on a pair of runs with five hits and three balls while putting up six and tilting his cap to Kirk, not only for his offensive contributions, but also for his playing efforts.
“It’s very good,” Manoah said. “He studies a lot. He knows each and every one of the pitchers he will work with and tries to improve every outing, just like us. He’s a great fellow drummer.”
When Manoah came out of the game with two outs in the seventh, Kirk did the same.
“I was very happy when I saw it [the X-rays] they were negative, “Kirk said.” He’s a little sore, a little uncomfortable right now, but hopefully he’ll feel a little better tomorrow. “
The Blue Jays are also looking forward to it, not only because Kirk is one of the team’s best players right now – he’s batting .393 in his last 25 games – but because he’s become one of the leaders in the team, on and off the field. .
“It’s something you appreciate,” Kirk said. “It simply came to our notice then. Although I’m not doing well, all the guys have always been great with me. Whether I’m doing right or wrong, and I’m very grateful to my teammates. “