Blue Jays prospect Sean Keys notches first career hit

In just his third big league plate appearance, Sean Keys has his first career hit.

Keys joined the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday, and was officially called up just hours before their game against the Texas Rangers. The corner infielder was immediately inserted into the lineup, batting sixth and playing first base.

In his third plate appearance, Keys notched his first career big league hit, pulling a ball into the outfield for a single. This hit came off the bat at 97.1 mph and followed Alejandro Kirk’s solo home run, with Keys eventually coming in to score.

First big league hit for Sean Keys!

🎥 Sportsnet | #Bluejays

Keys’ first plate appearance came in the bottom of the second, popping up a 2-2 pitch for the second out of the bottom of the second. With the bases empty and two outs in the bottom of the fourth, Keys struck out on a 95.4 sinker at the top of the zone, the seventh pitch of the plate appearance.

While Keys’ first hit wasn’t a home run, he’s one of the best power hitters in the Blue Jays organization. Despite being a left-handed batter and playing only third and first base, Keys forced the Blue Jays into a call-up after slashing .284/.409/.619 with 21 home runs in just 286 plate appearances in the minor leagues this season. He did that between the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats and the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.

The Blue Jays will have to be creative to work Keys in the lineup, including potentially getting George Springer to play some games in the outfield. That said, if Keys’ power can translate into the big leagues, that’ll be a huge boost for a Blue Jays offence that has looked lethargic for most of the season.

Let’s hope this is just the first of many hits for the 23-year-old, as the Blue Jays really need Keys to develop into an important player in the next few seasons.

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