Imago
Jays Journal
Imago
Jays Journal
Hope is once again blooming around the Blue Jays. With a talented roster and high expectations, fans dared to believe that this year could finally be different. But hey, if you know the team from the last few years, you know the trend. Just weeks into the campaign, a familiar script is unfolding.
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Close losses, missed opportunities, and the frustrating inability to finish games they seem poised to win. But this time, amid the early stumbles, there’s a sense of accountability within the clubhouse. Players are not shying away from their shortcomings. They’re owning up to them, determined to turn intent into execution before things spiral beyond repair.
The Blue Jays’ starting pitcher, Kevin Gausman, is one among them. “We haven’t been throwing the ball great the last couple weeks, a lot of how we do this season is based on what our pitching staff can do.” Well, it might not be brutal, but yes, it’s an absolute reality check for the Blue Jays‘ starting rotation.
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For starters, the Blue Jays’ starting rotation hasn’t lived up to expectations so far this season. So, if they hope to climb above the .500 mark and stay in contention in the AL East, their rotation will need to find its footing. And soon!
The starting staff currently has a 4.41 ERA, the fifth-highest in MLB. Well, it’s more than just tough luck. It’s a sign of inconsistency and missed opportunities. In a division where every game counts, especially with the Yankees still within reach, the Jays will need their rotation to be more than serviceable.
So yes, Gausman called out his teammates, but you shouldn’t think he kept himself out of the criticism.
As we know that Gausman offers veteran-level skills and experience, but his current season speaks otherwise. Yes, a 4.59 ERA over the nine starts is not something typical with Gausman. For instance, his last outing against the Bay Rays was nothing short of rough. He gave 6 runs on 10 hits, which shows how the Blue Jays’ pitching division is struggling.
But it’s not hopeless yet…
The Blue Jays can still turn the tide
“We’re never out of the game,” said the Blue Jays’ pitcher, Ernie Clement.
That belief is pulsing through the Blue Jays’ clubhouse this season. For the unversed, the team already has 12 comeback wins on the year, each underscored by resilience and resolve. Hence, a ray of light is still visible.
Despite the Blue Jays’ poor starting rotation performance, MLB insider Kerry Miller is hopeful. As per him, Toronto’s pitching staff has some strong underlying metrics. A WHIP better than the league average (1.30) and one of the best strikeout rates in the majors. But those positives are being overshadowed by one glaring issue. The long ball.
This team simply can’t keep the ball in the park, especially at home. Their home games at Rogers Center proved that the starting rotation is a run machine! 37 runs given in just 19 games. Yes, as ridiculous as it sounds, it’s true.
You would also agree that their pitchers are proving costly and unsustainable.
For starters, the Blue Jays are the team with the most veterans in their starting rotation. This includes Max Scherzer, Chris Bassitt, Jose Berrios, and Kevin Gausman. So, you would expect a better performance. Nothing like that yet in the real world. 36-year-old Bassitt is currently standing with a 3.16 ERA, while 30-year-old Berrios is having a 4.33 ERA.
So, more than anything else, the Blue Jays’ veterans need to come out to turn the tide this time. Their experience will come in handy. While there is still time left to make a comeback, it’s not till infinity!
Written by
Edited by
Ahana Chatterjee