The Toronto Blue Jays have started to resemble the contending team pundits predicted at the onset of the 2021 season. They have gotten more consistent starting pitching, have shown off a powerful lineup, and boast one of MLB’s best bullpens.
The fact that they’ve done this while dealing with a plethora of injuries and a heavy-road schedule is encouraging. However, the revolving-door roster has forced the team to think creatively, and with an eye towards the future.
Rotation Revival
Hyun-Jin Ryu, Robbie Ray, and Steven Matz have been a steady three-fifths of the Jays’ rotation. They haven’t gotten consistent innings or production from the other two spots. That is, until this week.
Ross Stripling returned to the mound in Thursday’s sweep-clinching matinee in Atlanta. After giving up a pair of runs in the opening frame, Stripling settled in. He tossed five good innings, didn’t surrender a hit after the first, and struck out nine batters.
Ross Stripling gave the #BlueJays all they needed, which was a chance.
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) May 13, 2021
If he finds a way to do that more consistently, he’ll stick in the rotation:https://t.co/HQkEndm8My
Anthony Kay didn’t fare well in his first couple of starts of the season. He got another chance on Saturday night and looked a lot better. His 79 pitches over four innings weren’t that economical. He did strike out six batters and only allowed a single hit. Kay lowered his ERA by exactly 3 runs to 7.24.
Anthony Kay’s final line: 4.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 2 BB & 6 SO.
— Sportsnet 590 The FAN (@FAN590) May 16, 2021
Thoughts on his latest start?
Reply here or text @WongSN590 & @JGoldberg12 at 590-590 for #JaysTalk after the final out! pic.twitter.com/WKlwOsKfz6
Nate Pearson is a big part of the Jays’ future. He got hurt in spring training and was sluggish and inaccurate in his season debut last week. Pearson will continue to work on his craft in Triple-A Buffalo.
Longer Lineup
Earlier in the season, it seemed like only a few players were hitting the ball well. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been consistently awesome. Bo Bichette has been streaky and Randal Grichuk steady until a recent cool stretch. Marcus Semien’s extended hot stretch and Teoscar Hernández’s return to form is a scary development for opposing pitchers.
For the first time in his career Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has hit a HR(11) in three straight games. #BlueJays pic.twitter.com/DxVgNgc8ba
— Hazel Mae (@thehazelmae) May 16, 2021
Cavan Biggio and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. have yet to break out but both have shown signs that a turnaround could be imminent. Biggio went 2 for 3 with a run scored and 2 RBI in Thursday win over the Braves. Gurriel Jr. is 7 for his last 17 (.411) and seems to be seeing the ball better.
Mike Wilner: Blue Jays takeaways: Cavan Biggio and Lourdes Gurriel heat up on a cold night for Phillies bats https://t.co/YdI3Dxrahz
— Toronto Star Sports (@StarSports) May 16, 2021
It’s also worth noting that catcher Reese McGuire has gone 4 for 12 since being called up. He went just 3 for 41 before being demoted last season.
Bullpen and Flattery
With the starters typically struggling to go deep into games, the Jays bullpen has continued to be a strength. With Rafael Dolis and David Phelps recently being added to the IL, Tyler Chatwood and Jordan Romano have stepped up.
It’s been said that imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. If that’s the case, then Vladimir Guerrero Jr. may have made Romano blush. Late in Thursday’s win over Atlanta, Vladdy was caught by cameras performing the squat that’s part of Romano’s pre-pitch routine.
Lol Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is just a big kid playing Major League Baseball pic.twitter.com/qyjWvE4wQl
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 13, 2021
The Solution
The Blue Jays entered the weekend with the second-fewest innings pitched from their starters (167) in the majors. Despite the most recent, successful turn through the rotation, it’s questionable whether or not the current group is good enough.
Been a good week for #BlueJays starters.
— Hazel Mae (@thehazelmae) May 16, 2021
*Robbie Ray has 8K’s thru 4IP
*Did snap a streak of
104 consecutive batters faced without allowing a walk. #Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/gXjOQMwkBv
Thomas Hatch will be joining the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons next week and will be in the mix. He could be added to the rotation or be used as a multi-inning guy out of the bullpen.
Nick Allgeyer was called up over the weekend after fellow lefty Ryan Borucki was placed on the 10-day IL. He’s fully stretched out and is also considered an option as both a starter and reliever.
ROSTER MOVES:
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) May 15, 2021
? We’ve selected the contract of LHP Nick Allgeyer, who will wear number 51 and be active tonight
? RHP David Phelps transferred to 60-day IL pic.twitter.com/smeYf2bSEz
I get the feeling that the Blue Jays will keep using this patchwork approach when it comes to the rotation. At least until it gets deeper into the season and they can swing a trade for a veteran. Perhaps, one of the youngsters develops, but if they’re in the race, an experienced arm would be preferred.
The Pitch
It’s been suggested that Max Scherzer could be had this season, for the right price. His team, the Washington Nationals, aren’t expected to be contenders and have one of the worst farm systems in MLB.
The Jays have an obvious need for another starter. Adding one with the quality of Scherzer would transform the rotation into one of the league’s best. He’s a three-time Cy Young award winner, World Series champion, and a maniacal competitor. Adding him would really galvanize the team and fanbase.
Max Scherzer’s season ERA is now 2.10.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) May 15, 2021
He’s won two Cy Young awards with the #Nats and finished in the top-3 in Cy Young voting since coming to DC. His lowest ERA in any season was 2.51.
The dude is dealing at 36. Looks like he has a lot left in the tank. pic.twitter.com/uem7HNNYjw
The Blue Jays have a top-10 farm system. They have depth at catcher, and several prospects slated to make their debuts in 2022 or 2023. A trade for Scherzer would be a fit for both teams and could push the Jays over the top.
I’ll leave you with the coaching meltdown that inspired this article’s title.
