In the midst of Alek Manoah’s season-ending surgery, the Blue Jays are hoping to give Yariel Rodriguez a spot in the starting rotation.
The UCL damage suffered by Alek Manoah means that the Toronto Blue Jays need to replace a rotation spot. They need to make sure they add the correct player to their rotation because they don’t have much time left to try to save their season.
Manoah, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list, is set to have surgery that would terminate his season. This season, despite his past struggles, the former All-Star has been a respectable starter, with a 3.70 ERA and 26 strikeouts in five starts over 24.1 innings. But Toronto will need a new starter because his injury will keep him out of action for the rest of the season.
Yariel Rodriguez is being considered as an option to step into the rotation. He has already started four games this season, posting a 4.11 ERA, but he is currently working his way back from a back injury that placed him on the IL. Progress is being made in his recovery, and the 27-year-old right-hander might make another start for the Blue Jays on Saturday when they host the Cleveland Guardians.
According to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet, Blue Jays manager John Schneider praised Rodriguez for a “damn good outing” with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. In that performance, Rodriguez struck out 10 batters over four shutout innings against the Worcester Red Sox, retiring six consecutive batters at one point and allowing only three singles and a walk.
“We’re viewing him to be pitching on a regular turn and would like for him to start,” Schneider said via Sportsnet.
Blue Jays seeking fifth starter after Alek Manoah injury
The Blue Jays have received excellent performances from their starting pitchers: Jose Berrios (2.93 ERA), Yusei Kikuchi (3.26 ERA), Chris Bassitt (3.80 ERA), and Kevin Gausman (4.00 ERA, with a 3.38 FIP). While an elite arm would be ideal, they can manage with another solid starter in the rotation.
Yariel Rodriguez, known for frequently throwing a four-seam fastball and slider, also uses a splitter, sinker, and cutter. His fastball velocity is impressive, and his sinker velocity is above average. Although he needs to reduce his walk rate, he generates swings and misses and strikes out batters at a respectable rate.
Toronto’s primary challenge lies with their offense. Key players like Bo Bichette, Alejandro Kirk, George Springer, Justin Turner, and Kevin Kiermaier have underperformed, and the efforts of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Daulton Varsho, and Danny Jansen haven’t been sufficient to compensate. Until the offensive production improves, climbing the standings will be difficult.
Currently, the Blue Jays hold a 33-34 record, trailing by two games for a Wild Card spot. With trade rumors circulating, there is a chance for the team to make strategic moves and strengthen their playoff contention.