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Bowden Francis Secures Spot in Blue Jays Rotation
In a recent development, Bowden Francis has been informed by manager John Schneider that he will be part of the starting rotation for the Toronto Blue Jays. This announcement came shortly before Ricky Tiedemann showcased a strong performance in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, indicating his potential to join the major leagues in the near future.
Francis’ Performance and Evolution
Manager Schneider commended Francis for his ability to maintain his performance throughout longer outings, highlighting his growth as a pitcher. Despite concerns about his velocity dropping as the game progresses, Francis has shown the capability to maintain his fastball speed and effectively pair it with his other pitches, making him a valuable asset to the team.
Manoah’s Situation
The decision to include Francis in the rotation implies that Alek Manoah, who is set to participate in a live batting practice session, may not be ready for the opening day. However, the final call on Manoah’s availability will depend on his upcoming performance, with a potential debut against the Tampa Bay Rays in the works.
Ricky Tiedemann’s Potential
Tiedemann’s impressive performance against the Pirates showcased his skills, particularly his changeup that kept hitters off-balance. Despite a limited workload last season, Tiedemann is expected to start the season in triple-A Buffalo to manage his innings strategically and ensure his readiness for a major league call-up later in the year.
Future Prospects
While the current plan involves Tiedemann refining his skills in the minors, the possibility of his debut in the major leagues remains inevitable. Tiedemann’s focus on maintaining his health and accuracy indicates his preparedness for the big stage when the opportunity arises.
Trade Update: Santiago Espinal Moved to Cincinnati Reds
The recent trade involving Santiago Espinal being traded to the Cincinnati Reds for pitching prospect Chris McElvain has shuffled the Blue Jays’ infield setup. Cavan Biggio, Davis Schneider, Ernie Clement, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa are expected to take on significant roles, with the potential addition of Eduardo Escobar as an option for the team.
Justin Turner’s Position
Justin Turner’s versatility as demonstrated by his performance at third base highlights his value to the Blue Jays. With the intention to gradually integrate him into the hot corner, Turner’s contributions are expected to diversify the team’s defensive options.
Outlook on Injured Players
Amidst ongoing assessments of injured players like Kevin Gausman and Erik Swanson, it is essential to monitor their progress closely. The team is prepared to make necessary adjustments based on their recovery timelines, with Zach Pop and Nate Pearson positioned as potential replacements to fill the gaps in the bullpen.
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