Blue Jays Monday Morning Mailbag: Schultz, rotation depth and more

The recent subtractions of Wade LeBlanc and Roberto Hernandez have thinned the Blue Jays’ pitching depth at triple-A

The Toronto Blue Jays escaped their weekend series with the Cleveland Indians on a high, scoring 26 runs over the final two games to earn the series split. Next up is a three-game set against the rival Kansas City Royals at the Rogers Centre, but first: another edition of the Blue Jays Monday Morning Mailbag.

There’s been a great deal of interest in the Blue Jays’ roster management this week, especially regarding their 19-inning game on Friday that saw all seven bullpen arms and two middle-infielders used on the mound.

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Bo Schultz‘s case drew some questions, with the right-hander being optioned back to triple-A shortly after gutting out two and two-thirds innings on 48 pitches despite dealing with some noticeable physical discomfort (later reported as cramping). In this week’s Mailbag, I discuss the “what can you do for me tomorrow?” nature of the final bullpen spot, and the bigger conversation that Schultz’s case highlights.

Toronto’s starting pitching depth is also a topic of conversation recently with Marco Estrada awaiting MRI results after dealing with continuing back pain. Drew Hutchison remains the undisputed next option, but beyond Hutchison, who would the Blue Jays turn to if forced?

Wade LeBlanc was traded to the Seattle Mariners for a player to be named later or cash considerations in June, a move necessitated by his opt-out clause. Over this past weekend, Roberto Hernandez requested and was granted his release from the triple-A Buffalo. This leaves Scott Diamond and Chris Leroux, a pair of Canadians, but there’s certainly room to improve upon that group.

We quickly discuss the Blue Jays options here, including Jesse Chavez, and how they may need to fill some cracks via small moves or the waiver wire. This would not come “instead of” a more prominent move, but it does represent an area of potential weakness on the Blue Jays roster.

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Tweet in your questions for upcoming shows – which will become a little more frequent as we move throughout the summer – to myself at @KeeganMatheson or the website at @JaysJournal.