New Athletic Brett Lawrie Blames Toronto’s Rogers Centre Turf for Struggles
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Abelimages/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Newly acquired Oakland Athletics third baseman Brett Lawrie never quite lived up to the hype when he played for the Toronto Blue Jays. According to Lawrie, it was the artificial turf at Toronto’s Rogers Centre that caused many of his problems.
“It treats my body kind of silly and throws it off,” Lawrie said. “I just want to go out and be healthy, and I feel like this getting off the turf is a big step forward for me.”
The Canadian-born Lawrie was expected to be the next big thing for the Blue Jays, but injuries and inconsistent play plagued his career with the team.
The most games he’s played in a season was 125 back in 2012. He missed 92 games this past season, hitting .247 with 12 home runs, but feels a change of scenery will do wonders for him.
“Give me 550 at-bats. These are things I haven’t had yet in the big leagues,” Lawrie said. “Hopefully, getting off that turf will do my body wonders, and I really think that it will. I feel I will show my true talents.”
The 24-year-old Lawrie was the centerpiece in the Blue Jays acquiring All-Star Josh Donaldson from Oakland.
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