The 2021 Blue Jays pitching prospects have been impressive during spring training and grapefruit league play. Toronto’s grapefruit league schedule is winding down as they only have 15 games remaining before April 1st when the season officially begins.
2021 Blue Jays: Prospects Impressing at Spring Training
Alek Manoah
Alek Manoah has been impressive in his appearances during grapefruit league action, his most recent outing versus the New York Yankees might just be his best yet. The six-foot-six right-hander struck out seven Yankees batters in a row, walking three scoreless innings of work.
Alek Manoah is 23-years old and full of confidence. He has appeared in two games this spring, he"s pitched 5 full innings and has recorded 11 strikeouts and given up no runs, he now has a 0.50 WHIP in grapefruit league play. Alek Manoah will eventually become a crucial part of the Blue Jays pitching staff very shortly.
Simeon Woods Richardson
20-year old Simeon Woods Richardson is barely out of high school and he has already emerged as one of the top Blue Jays pitching prospects. Simeon seems like he is nearly ready to join the Blue Jays pitching staff, although it won"t be this year it"s very likely we see him next year.
Simeon Woods Richardson has been dominant in his grapefruit league outings for the Blue Jays, in two games he"s appeared in he has four strikeouts and no runs allowed in five innings. Simeon Woods Richardson will get every opportunity to earn a spot with Toronto for years to come.
Jackson Rees
26-year old right-handed pitcher Jackson Rees is also among the Blue Jays prospects hoping to turn some heads during spring training. Jackson Rees has appeared in one game this spring, pitching in one inning and striking out two batters.
Jackson hails from California however, he played his college ball at the University of Hawaii. He was assigned to the Dunedin Blue Jays in 2019 in the Summer League, he has since been assigned to the Blue Jay"s affiliate, the Vancouver Canadians for 2021.
Nate Pearson
The number one prospect for the Toronto Blue Jays was off to a great spring until the injury bug put an end to his spring training. A groin injury has sidelined Nate Pearson and has now put his start to the season on the back burner. After the initial injury, Nate was returning to workouts with simulated bullpens, unfortunately, he aggravated the groin injury and now he could see himself on the injured list to open the 2022 season. He was nearly locked in for the starting pitching rotation to begin the season, with very little time to ramp back up it"s more than likely Pearson joins the bullpen when he returns to the lineup.
Charlie Montoyo Option Picked up for 2022
The Toronto Blue Jays have exercised the team"s option on manager Charlie Montoyo to keep him with the team through 2022.
During the announcement from Manager Charlie Montoyo, he said the option was picked up a couple of days before it was made public. When General Manager Ross Atkins announced the extension, it seemed as if there was a much longer plan already in motion, this wouldn"t be a surprise to many after the positive results since joining the organization.
The Toronto Blue Jays have plenty to be excited about and they have tough decisions ahead as multiple players continue to impress during spring training. Lots of speculation remains around the starting pitching rotation, especially with the injury to Nate Pearson. Pp0000000
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