Chapman to IL, Bichette out with injured quad ahead of Nationals series

The Toronto Blue Jays placed third baseman Matt Chapman on the 10-day injured list with a middle finger sprain, the club announced on Monday.

Infielder Ernie Clement was recalled from triple-A Buffalo in a corresponding move.

Chapman left Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians early due to the finger injury. He previously missed a few games earlier in the month with inflammation in that same finger but avoided a trip to the injured list.

The 30-year-old has been one of Toronto’s most valuable players this season, primarily due to his elite fielding at third base. Entering Monday, Chapman leads all Blue Jays players with 4.1 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), according to Baseball Reference. He also leads the American League in doubles (36).

Chapman has cooled off at the plate following a scorching hot start to the season. He’s hitting .221/.325/.351 across 37 games with only three home runs in the campaign’s second half, including a .197/.256/.276 stretch this month.

Star shortstop Bo Bichette is on the bench for Monday’s series opener against the Washington Nationals.

Bichette left Sunday’s loss to the Cleveland Guardians with tightness in his right quadriceps muscle, but manager John Schneider said the move was precautionary.

Clement will start at shortstop in Bichette’s place.

Replacing Chapman at third base will be rookie Davis Schneider, making his first MLB start at the hot corner.

Schneider, who will also be hitting cleanup, has homered in each of his last three MLB games, providing a necessary spark to an offence that has performed below expectations this season.