by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (5/14/2013) Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie doubled twice among three hits on Tuesday as Toronto pounded out 18 hits in a 10-6 win over the Giants.
Lawrie went 3 for 5 in the game and his double to right field in the sixth inning drove in his 10th run of the season.
The Toronto third baseman has hits in three straight games, including two doubles and a home run. He's up to four homers to go with his .200 batting average.
Brett Lawrie's fourth HR barely lifts poor May average
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/12/2013) Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie led off the sixth inning Sunday against the Red Sox with a solo home run off Andrew Miller. It was Lawrie's fourth home run and second in 11 May games.
Lawrie is batting .140 (6 for 43) with a triple, four RBI, four walks and 10 strikeouts in May.
Brett Lawrie not worth starting
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (5/10/2013) Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie continues to disappoint since coming off the disabled list, a frustrating sign for Fantasy owners who drafted Lawrie as a borderline No. 1 option. Lawrie was drafted as the 13th third baseman on average in CBSSports.com leagues, but he ranks outside of the top-50 at his position so far.
Given Lawrie's pedigree and track record, Fantasy owners should definitely be expecting more from him moving forward. He remains a solid buy-low candidate thanks to his power potential, but his short-term value has just about hit rock bottom, as he is just 4 for 32 in eight games to open the month of May.
As Scott White notes in his Hit Parade column, Lawrie is a particularly poor starting option for Week 7 (May 13-19). The Blue Jays are one of three teams with just five games on the schedule this week, so Lawrie would have to bust out in a big way to be worth a place in your lineup. Hope he gets it turned around soon, but don't expect much this week.
Brett Lawrie seeking simpler approach
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (5/10/2013) In an effort to shake Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie from his season-long slump, hitting coach Chad Mottola held an early batting practice session with him Thursday. The goal is for Lawrie to calm down at the plate as his batting stance contains too much motion, resulting in a .179 batting average.
"We're just trying to simplify things," Mottola told the Toronto Sun. "The way he works, he's fast-twitch and he tends to try to do more when he starts struggling and thinks that's going to help. So we're just trying to calm him down, teach him ways to calm him down."
Brett Lawrie resting low batting average
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (5/5/2013) The Blue Jays gave third baseman Brett Lawrie a rest on Sunday against Seattle and starter Joe Saunders. Lawrie is batting just .197 this season with three homers and seven RBI over 66 at-bats.
The slick-fielding third baseman has gone 0 for 7 over his last two games after ending a seven-game hitting streak in which he went 9 for 27 (.333) with all three of his homers.
Brett Lawrie homers vs. Red Sox
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (5/3/2013) Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie hit his third home run of the season during Thursday's contest against the Red Sox.
Lawrie took starter Ryan Dempster deep for a solo home run in the first inning. He finished 1 for 3 with a walk, a run scored and an RBI in a 3-1 defeat.
Lawrie has homered three times in his last seven games. He is hitting .220 with three home runs and seven RBI in 59 at-bats.
Brett Lawrie staying at third base
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/1/2013) Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said Wednesday he's no longer considering playing Brett Lawrie at second base and Jose Bautista at third base. The Blue Jays were considering such a move when Lawrie was about to come off the disabled list in mid-April.
Lawrie has started every game at third base since returning to the lineup April 16. He's batting .212 since his return, but he's been much better lately, batting .350 (7 for 20) with two home runs in his past five games.
Brett Lawrie to remain leadoff hitter
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/30/2013) The Blue Jays are expected to keep third baseman Brett Lawrie in the top spot in the order with Jose Reyes on the DL, the Toronto Sun reports Tuesday.
"I like the way that looks," manager John Gibbons said. "We talked about that earlier but wanted him to get some at-bats. At least he produces until Jose comes back. He's a spark plug and got a little pop, too. He can run the gaps on you and he's starting to feel good, you can tell it's coming with him."
Brett Lawrie moves to top spot
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/28/2013) Blue Jays manager John Gibbons placed third baseman Brett Lawrie in the leadoff spot of the batting order Sunday against in New York against Phil Hughes. It is his first time batting higher than fifth this season.
Including Sunday, Lawrie has seen a career-best 62 starts atop the order. Not including Sunday, Lawrie is a career .274 hitter in that spot with seven homers and 23 RBI over 252 at-bats.
Brett Lawrie worth starting
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (4/27/2013) Our Scott White had Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie as a shaky start for Week 5 (April 29-May 5), but that was before Lawrie started heating up. Lawrie is now 5 for 11 over his last three games, with his first two home runs of the season.
Lowrie has a tough week of pitching matchups in Week 5, as he is set to take on the top of the Red Sox and Mariners' rotations. Despite that, I think Lawrie might not be a bad start this week. Lawrie appears to have gotten up to speed after missing the first few weeks of the season due to an oblique injury.
Brett Lawrie showing power
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/27/2013) Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie homered for the second time in the last three games Saturday against the Yankees. He hit a solo himer off starter CC Sabathia in the sixth inning.
Lawrie finished 1 for 4 in the 5-4 loss. He has hit safely in three straight and is 5 for 11 (.455) during that span.
Brett Lawrie goes yard
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (4/26/2013) Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie enjoyed a solid night at the plate as he launched his first home run of the season during Thursday's contest against the Yankees.
Lawrie took starter Hiroki Kuroda deep for a solo home run in the second inning. He also added a single and finished 2 for 4 with one run and one RBI in a 5-3 defeat.
Lawrie snapped an 0-for-9 mini-slump with his first home run. He is hitting .167/.225/.278 with one homer and four RBI in 36 at-bats.
Brett Lawrie hits go-ahead double
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/21/2013) Toronto third baseman Brett Lawrie picked up two hits on Sunday in a win over the Yankees. Lawrie's double in the sixth inning scored two runs and gave the Blue Jays the lead for good in the game.
Lawrie, batting eighth, went 2 for 4 with a run scored for the Jays. The two RBI gives him three on the year and he's batting .174. Lawrie has played in six games since coming off the disabled list. He went hitless in his first three, but has gone 4 for 13 since.
Brett Lawrie returns with RBI
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/16/2013) Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie had a successful return from an oblique injury on Tuesday night against the White Sox. Lawrie returned to the lineup batting sixth and went 0 for 3 with a strikeout.
He recorded an RBI on a sacrifice fly in the ninth inning, however, that pulled the Jays within 4-3. They lost by that margin.
Brett Lawrie inserted into starting lineup
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/16/2013) The Blue Jays activated third baseman Brett Lawrie from the disabled list and added him to the starting lineup for Tuesday's series opener at home against the White Sox. Lawrie, who missed the first 13 games of the season recovering from an oblique injury, will bat sixth and play third base.
Brett Lawrie to be activated Tuesday
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/15/2013) The Toronto Blue Jays are expected to activate infielder Brett Lawrie from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday, MLB.com reports. They will place Sergio Santos on the shelf at that time.
Lawrie, who has been rehabbing with Class A Dunedin, had been playing second base in case Toronto decided to use him there. That said, GM Alex Anthopoulos said Monday that Lawrie, who was out with an oblique injury, would be used primarily at his usual third base.
Brett Lawrie will play at 3B once active
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/15/2013) Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos said Monday Brett Lawrie (oblique) will play third base when he's activated off the 15-day disabled list later this week. He will continue to play at second base during his rehab assignment to give Toronto the option to play him at second base if needed.
Brett Lawrie getting second base eligibility could be huge
by Nando Di Fino | Senior Fantasy Writer (4/15/2013) Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie may be sitting in the middle of third base ranks, thanks to some unusual depth at that position, but with him getting some rehab time at second base, Lawrie's value could be in for a very big bump.
Lawrie, 23, had a disappointing 2012, even though he put up a decent .273 average, with 11 home runs and 13 steals in just 125 games. Those numbers, for a third baseman, put Lawrie in the middle of the pack. But mix in some second base eligibility -- as well as the fact that Lawrie is still just 23 years old -- and you have a high-upside player who could finish among the top five at second base, especially if he can develop his power while keeping up his speed and average numbers.
The problem here is the gamble you will have to take in predicting his usage. Lawrie needs to make five appearances at second base to get eligibility. This is no sure thing, by any means, especially considering the relative depth the team has at middle infield. But the Blue Jays probably wouldn't be dividing the focus of their young star during his rehab if they weren't serious about playing him at second base. I am going to attach a little extra value to Lawrie, guessing he makes five appearances at second, and adjust his worth to my team accordingly.
Brett Lawrie due back in coming days
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/15/2013) Blue Jays manager John Gibbons told reporters infielder Brett Lawrie (oblique) should rejoin the club in the next few days. Lawrie began a rehab assignment with Class A Dunedin Sunday, going 2 for 4.
Lawrie will continue to play second base for Dunedin, but Gibbons said he's not sold on the idea of Lawrie and outfielder Jose Bautista playing out of position. Bautista, who was scratched with back spasms Monday, has played third base the last two games for Toronto.
"We're not dead set on doing that anyway," Gibbons said, per Sportsnet.
GM: Brett Lawrie to get look at second base
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/14/2013) Toronto general manager Alex Anthopoulos clarified the Brett Lawrie situation, ESPN reports. Lawrie, who is playing second base for his rehab assignment Sunday with Class A Dunedin, will be given a look at second, though the Blue Jays are not committed to using him there.
Maicer Izturis will likely play shortstop moving forward for the Blue Jays with Jose Reyes injured. With Jose Bautista's ability to play third base, the Jays want to see all their options at second, including Lawrie, who played there during his early days in the minors in Milwaukee's organization.
Brett Lawrie rehabbing at second base
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/14/2013) Blue Jays injured third baseman Brett Lawrie (rib cage), who was postponed from beginning a minor-league rehab assignment with Class A Dunedin Saturday, will begin that assignment Sunday, MiLB.com reports.
Lawrie will be starting at second base for Dunedin. The Blue Jays, who just lost Jose Reyes for what could be three months, need infield help. They have already given a start to Jose Bautista at third base and that could continue with Emilio Bonifacio playing short and Lawrie possibly returning at second. This is pure speculation.
Lawrie has never played second in the majors but did begin his career at second in the lower levels of the minors when with the Brewers organization.
Brett Lawrie doesn't begin rehab Saturday
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/13/2013) Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie, who had been scheduled to begin a rehab assignment for his injured rib chage at Class A Dunedin Saturday, had to be scratched. Lawrie is not ready to begin his rehab assignment, MiLB.com reports.
Lawrie should begin his rehab assignment shortly, however. Check back for more details. He's still currently expected to be activated off the disabled list at some point over the next few weeks.
Brett Lawrie ready for Class A rehab assignment
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (4/12/2013) Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie, on the 15-day disabled list with a left rib cage injury, will begin a minor-league rehab assignment Saturday with Class A Dunedin. Lawrie is hoping to return at some point in mid-April.
Brett Lawrie has two hits in rehab start
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (4/11/2013) Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie had two hits in his rehab start at extended spring training Thursday.
Lawire went 2 for 2 with a walk in the game. He was removed after playing four innings. He was expected to be out until at least mid-April.
Brett Lawrie set for extended spring games
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/10/2013) The Blue Jays announced Wednesday third baseman Brett Lawrie (oblique) will play in an extende spring training game Thursday. Earlier in the day, Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos said Lawrie might be ready to come off the 15-day disabled list for the Yankees series from April 19-21, according to the National Post.
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/10/2013) Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos said third baseman Brett Lawrie might be ready to come off the 15-day disabled list for the Yankees series from April 19-21, according to the National Post. If not, then Lawrie might return in the following series at Baltimore (April 22-24).
After taking batting practice Wednesday, Lawrie said he "feels great." He has been sidelined all season with a strained left oblique.
Game action the last hurdle for Brett Lawrie
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/9/2013) With his original return date already surpassed, Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie resumed full baseball activities Monday, MLB.com reports. Lawrie was expected to miss three weeks with a strained left oblique muscle he suffered during the World Baseball Classic early last month, but the soreness lingered into the start of the regular season.
"He's doing everything right now, he's just not in any games," Toronto manager John Gibbons said Tuesday. "He's running, he's throwing, he's swinging the bat, fielding ground balls. He's doing everything he would do here, now it's just, when do we get him into games? Hopefully, that's not too far off."
Brett Lawrie gets some work in
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/7/2013) Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie, on the 15-day disabled list, was able to take part in some light drills Saturday, MLB.com report.
He threw from 120 feet, fielded grounders and ran sprints. The 23-year-old also took some soft toss and swings off a tee as he continues to recover from a strained left oblique muscle.
The club does not have a timetable for his return.
Brett Lawrie still not ready for rehab assignment
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (4/5/2013) Sportsnet.ca reports that Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie, on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left oblique muscle, is not ready to play in a game this weekend in the minors.
Lawrie, who resumed throwing earlier in the week, is slowly making progress and is expected to start hitting in the next few days before he is activated from the DL.
Brett Lawrie out another two weeks
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/2/2013) Toronto expects third baseman Brett Lawrie to miss the next two weeks of action, MLB.com reports. Lawrie resumed throwing Monday as he continues to recover from a strained left oblique muscle.
Lawrie expects to resume hitting again in the next few days, but will need to appear in several minor-league games before receiving clearance to return from the 15-day disabled list.
"I talked to him today. He is throwing the ball around," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said. "He felt pretty good today. In the next few days, hopefully we'll get him into a game. We're hoping by the weekend. He's doing OK. He wishes he could be here, that's for sure."
Brett Lawrie still without timetable
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/1/2013) The Blue Jays still do not have a timetable for third baseman Brett Lawrie to return to action as he goes through rehab for a strained left oblique muscle, reports MLB.com. Lawrie, who remains in Florida, resumed throwing Monday.
The hope for Toronto is that Lawrie will appear in a minor-league game by the weekend.
"He didn't reinjure it at all, but we thought we were rushing him too much," manager John Gibbons said. "Today he'll go out and play some catch, and then little by little, he'll get back into swinging the bat in the cage and hopefully get him into a game by the weekend."
Lawrie is on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 22. He could be activated as early as Saturday, though he'll likely need a couple more days, at least.
Brett Lawrie expected to throw Monday
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/1/2013) Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie, who starts the season on the 15-day disabled list because of a rib cage injury, is expected to resume throwing Monday, according to MLB.com. Manager John Gibbons said the team hopes to have Lawrie playing in minor-league games by the weekend.
Blue Jays place Brett Lawrie on DL
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/1/2013) The Blue Jays placed third baseman Brett Lawrie on the 15-day disabled list on Sunday. The move is retroactive to March 22.
Lawrie suffered a left rib cage injury while preparing for the World Baseball Classic and is expected back sometime in April.
Return date uncertain for Brett Lawrie
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/25/2013) Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie simply ran out of time. Manager John Gibbons relayed the grim news Monday that Lawrie will start the season on the disabled list because of a rib injury he suffered while preparing for the World Baseball Classic. Perhaps more important, his return date is uncertain.
"I don’t know," Gibbons told the Toronto Sun. "It’s not like he had a big setback or anything. You look at the schedule, a week from tomorrow we’re starting. He had limited at-bats before he went to the WBC and he hasn’t had any since. Basically, we’re not going to be able to get him into enough games before the season starts to feel comfortable with it."
Lawrie has participated only in minor baseball drills over the past few days and has yet to appear in a spring game since March 2.
Gibbons: Brett Lawrie to start year on DL
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/25/2013) Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie will indeed begin the year on the disabled list says skipper John Gibbons Monday, CBS Sports Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reports.
Lawrie has a strained rib cage but as of Sunday Gibbons was hoping the injury would not affect the third baseman's opening day status. Now, he'll start the year on the shelf and likely won't return until later in April.
The Blue Jays could start Emilio Bonifacio at third base in Lawrie's absence with Maicer Izturis playing regularly at second. Lawrie's disabled list stint will likely be backdated to his last played Grapefruit League game.
Brett Lawrie aiming for opening day
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/24/2013) The Blue Jays have not decided yet if injured third baseman Brett Lawrie, who has a strained rib cage, will play in a minor-league game to rehab or see time in a major-league spring training contest, reports MLB.com. That is because playing in a major-league game would push his back date forward and give the Blue Jays less flexibility to open the year.
"That could happen, because if we play him down there, he could come back sooner," manager John Gibbons said Sunday. "We play him in one of these games, we end up having to shut him down after that. He's not ready to get in a game yet. We don't think he's too far off. We'll have a little bit better idea tomorrow."
Lawrie still expects to be ready for opening day. "We'll have a little bit better idea tomorrow," Gibbons said. "It's not opening day in doubt here, yet."
Brett Lawrie increases baseball activities
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/21/2013) Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie (rib cage) fielded 20 grounders and took some dry swings with a bat Thursday, the National Post reports. Lawrie, who said he feels fine, hasn't played in a spring game since March 6.
Brett Lawrie played catch Wednesday
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (3/20/2013)Brett Lawrie played catch Wednesday for the first time since suffering a ribcage injury two weeks ago, John Lott of the National Post reports. Blue Jays manager John Gibbons says Lawrie is on track to resume game action next week. The third baseman's status for opening day remains uncertain, however.
Lawrie anticipates being ready
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/12/2013)The Toronto Star reports Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie, who has been sidelined since March 6 due to a rib injury, anticipates he will be ready by opening day. “I feel good. Better than I did when it first happened. Now just got to keep doing what I’m doing until it’s right. Keep icing it and keep doing the treatment to get it better,” Lawrie said. “See, that’s the thing with these things. It’s not so much a timeline on how I feel. Last year they tried to give me a timeline but it was just going to get better when it wanted to. Now its kind of the same thing. I anticipate I should be out there (opening day)." Lawrie is batting .267 (4 for 15) with one double, one homer and four RBI in seven spring games.
Lawrie pulls out of WBC
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (3/7/2013) Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie has withdrawn from the Canadian national team Thursday, one day after suffering rib and intercostal strains during a game. According to reports, the team has no timetable for his return to action, but he will return to camp and continue to be evaluated by team doctors. “Going out there and playing and having it nag at me a little bit would not benefit my team nor my country nor myself,” Lawrie said during Team Canada work outs Thursday. “Right now it’s important for me to take this time and get things back to where they need to be. If I continued playing on it, this thing could turn into something it doesn’t need to be.” Luckily, Lawrie has avoided a re-aggravation of the oblique injury that cost him two months last season.
Lawrie suffers injury to side
(3/7/2013) Sportsnet.ca reports Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie left Team Canada's exhibition game against the Reds on Wednesday after three innings due to an injury to his side. Lawrie said he felt a twinge in his side and was replaced by Taylor Green after going 0 for 1 with a strikeout. Canada manager Ernie Whitt said Lawrie will be re-evaluated Thursday .“I’m not sure when he felt that, but as soon as he came in, he went right to the trainers and felt a little twinge, so we took him out,” said Whitt. “We’re always very cautious of individuals if they feel anything, we don’t want to hurt them or extend their injuries so we just took him out."
Intensity to stay high for Lawrie
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/3/2013)The Province reports Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos doesn't expect third baseman Brett Lawrie to tune down his intensity in 2013. “I know a lot’s been made of that,” Anthopoulos said. “Over time, he’ll maybe learn to pick his spots a little bit more. Part of his value is how hard he plays and the energy level he brings. You take that away from him, you take away what some of his strengths are. I think maybe flying over rails and things like that, he’ll learn to pick his spots. If it’s Game 7 of the World Series, fly over that rail. If it’s Game No. 48 of the regular season, maybe let that ball go.” One thing that will change is Lawrie's spot in the lineup. He is expected to move into a run-producer position with with acquisition of leadoff man Jose Reyes. “We don’t quantify numbers," Anthopoulos said. "Hopefully, we’re a deep enough lineup that we’re not so reliant on one guy. He’s part of that.”
