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Ernie Clement Named AL All‑Star Starter as Blue Jays Manage Minor Hip Soreness

Toronto is giving Clement short, precautionary rest to protect his availability while he returns to the lineup and prepares for the All‑Star Game.

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Jun 25, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Ernie Clement (22) hits a single against the Texas Rangers during the ninth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • The Blue Jays held Clement out of the starting lineup as a precaution for left‑hip soreness on Tuesday, June 23, with manager John Schneider saying the move was meant to get ahead of the issue and avoid a setback.
  • Clement was available off the bench during the Houston series, rejoined the starting nine for the Texas series opener, and the club describes the hip problem as minor and manageable without current need for the injured list.
  • Major League Baseball voting named Clement the American League starting second baseman after he led AL vote totals, earning an automatic All‑Star starter spot announced late June.
  • Clement has been a breakout offensive presence for Toronto, hitting about .293 with seven homers and a league‑leading 20 doubles through mid‑late June, which helped fuel strong fan support in voting.
  • The short rest strategy affects Toronto’s lineup choices, with the team rotating Luis Urías, moving Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the order and using Clement’s defensive versatility to balance matchups while protecting key contributors during a middling season.