The Blue Jays’ young, developing pitching is an underrated aspect of their potential success this season and beyond. Judging from the past few days, the future of the pitching staff looks bright.
With the plethora of young position players on the roster, it can be easy to forget about pitching depth.
Simeon Woods-Richardson, acquired along with Anthony Kay in the Marcus Stroman trade in July 2019, represents intriguing potential.
Measuring 6-3, 210 lbs. and still just 20 years of age, Woods-Richardson made his spring debut on Wednesday evening. He made quite the first impression.
#BlueJays No. 4 prospect Simeon Woods Richardson strikes out Giancarlo Stanton on three pitches: pic.twitter.com/PstpXL7nPh
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) March 3, 2021
Next up was Alek Manoah, the Jays first-round pick (11th overall) in the 2019 MLB draft. He profiles as a power pitcher with a hulking 6’6”, 260-pound frame.
He lived up to that scouting report in his first appearance, recording four strikeouts over two innings.
Prospects Simeon Woods Richardson and Alek Manoah brought poise and shutout innings to their first spring outings. Latest from @lauraarmy: https://t.co/8c359sa7na
— Toronto Star (@TorontoStar) March 7, 2021
Now or Never?
With all of the veteran pitchers, the Jays have accumulated, and because he’s a lower-level prospect, I kind of forgot about T.J. Zeuch.
He pitched a clean inning in the first spring game, and then battled through a second frame. He followed that up with two decent innings against the Tigers on Thursday. Zeuch gave up two hits and walked a batter but didn’t surrender any runs.
RHP TJ Zeuch vs #Tigers today, said he was happy with how he established his FB, being in the zone, or at least keeping it competitive (that was big focus today).
— Hazel Mae (@thehazelmae) March 4, 2021
Would like to refine: “getting that finishing slider.” #Bluejays pic.twitter.com/f93sMwA31W
He doesn’t throw particularly hard but has shown craftiness and an ability to pitch out of trouble. The 2013 31st round pick pitched well (1.59 ERA) in limited action (11.1 IP) in 2020.
Jacob Waguespack looked like he might become a fixture on the staff when he made his debut in 2019. He made 16 appearances (13 starts) and went 5-5 with a 4.38 ERA.
After giving up three runs in his spring debut, Waguespack gave another earned run on Thursday against Detroit. He has his work cut out for him in order to make the team.
Nate’s Fate
It was announced on Thursday that Nate Pearson is dealing with a Grade 1 strain to his right groin.
It’s unclear how serious the injury is but General Manager Ross Atkins seemed cautiously optimistic in his comments.
#BlueJays right-hander Nate Pearson underwent an MRI on his elbow this morning. Team is awaiting results but GM Ross Atkins says “we’re not initially overly concerned.”
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) August 20, 2020
The Others
Anthony Kay made his second appearance of spring training on Friday. Despite giving up a two-run homer, he looked pretty good with two strikeouts. He also walked a pair of batters.
Ryan Borucki surrendered three hits but somehow zero runs in his lone inning later on in the same game.
Jordan Romano, who was dominant for much of 2020, yielded a pair of hits and a run but struck out two.
An early 99.0 mph fastball here from Markham Man Jordan Romano. He’s sitting around 97. #BlueJays
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) March 1, 2021
I’m not expecting Woods-Richardson or Manoah to make the Opening Day roster. But by showing that they belong, they could put themselves in a position to be called up in-season.
Zeuch is doing everything he can to give the Jays’ brain trust something to think about. He’s giving himself a decent chance to make the team, or, at the least, be one of the early call-ups.
Kay has also done well be in a good position to make the team. I’m thinking more and more that the Blue Jays will start the season with five left-handed pitchers. Kay is putting in work to make sure he’s one of them.
