51s’ Lawrie takes circuitous route trying to reach majors

Brett Lawrie was where he wasn't supposed to be -- at third base at Cashman Field.

It wasn't the SkyDome, it wasn't the Toronto Blue Jays, and it wasn't the major leagues -- destinations he seemed well on his way to reaching before getting hit by a pitch on his left hand May 31.

Suddenly, the expected trip to Toronto included an unwelcome six-week detour to rehabilitation in Dunedin, Fla., to heal a broken bone.

But the buzz of an impending promotion for the 21-year-old former first-round draft pick has returned this week as Lawrie made it back into the lineup and is hitting like he never left.

After going 0-for-7 with five strikeouts in a doubleheader Tuesday on his first day back, Lawrie since has gone 9-for-19 with five RBIs and his 16th home run of the season. That raised his batting average to .353 after Saturday night's 6-4 loss to the Tucson Padres.

The Blue Jays could feel some pressure to promote the Canadian, and the media and fans are watching closely to see when -- not if -- one of their own will be brought up to play in his native land.

But Lawrie said he hadn't made any assumptions before the injury that he would be promoted. Getting hurt drove home the point that little is certain.

"When I got hit, that's when it set in: 'I really hope nothing's wrong,' " Lawrie said.

Had he not been injured, the Blue Jays were ready to make the move.

"It was pretty close," 51s manager Marty Brown said. "From our end, he was ready. I think it was a matter of time before he went up."

Lawrie returned to the field July 14 at Single-A Dunedin, and in his four games went 1-for-8 with an RBI.

Then came the five-strikeout doubleheader Tuesday at Colorado Springs. It didn't help Lawrie was forced to play with other players' equipment.

His stuff arrived the following day, and so did Lawrie's offense.

But he's not just making plays with his bat. Even though the former catcher hadn't played third base until this season, Lawrie made two sensational defensive plays Saturday.

He barehanded one high-hopper and was just late getting the batter on a bang-bang play at first base. Later, Lawrie handled a sharp, bad bounce by quickly reaching up and starting a double play.

Lawrie looked like a major leaguer.

He probably soon will be one.

"I try not to think about it, but at the same time, I'm back playing again, so it's obviously a plus for me," Lawrie said. "I've just got to keep playing, and hopefully I'll get an opportunity."

■ NOTES -- Left-handed reliever Wilfredo Ledezma was promoted to the Blue Jays after Toronto designated starting pitcher Jo-Jo Reyes for assignment. Reyes, a left-hander, may or may not make it to Las Vegas. He has 10 days to clear waivers. Lefty reliever Sean Henn was reactivated by the 51s and will take Ledezma's roster spot. Henn had been out because of a death in the family. ...

Brown was suspended and not on the bench because he was ejected Tuesday. Hitting coach Chad Mottola was the acting manager. ... 51s starting pitcher Luis Perez was ejected in the fourth inning after throwing behind Padres batter Matt Clark.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65.