Arizona Fall League: Blue Jays’ Prospects Shine

Yesterday was a good day for Blue Jays prospects in the Arizona Fall League. The Mesa Solar Sox trounced the Surprise Saguaros by a score of 14-0 in front of a crowd of 337. The Solar Sox tallied 25 hits without a home run. A couple Blue Jays got in on the hit parade. As well, Blue Jays pitchers helped the combined shut out.

Dalton Pompey had a nice day at the plate. Playing in LF, Pompey contributed 4 hits for 2 runs including 2 doubles.

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He drove in a run as well for just his 2nd RBI in the AFL. He’s hitting .289 this fall. It is nice to see him collect 6 total bases. It is that kind of production that the Blue Jays hope he can maintain to challenge for a spot on the opening day roster.

Dwight Smith Jr also had himself a game. Playing second base, he chipped in a triple, a single, a run, and 2 RBI. He’s batting .300 this fall. Hmmm. A Blue Jays’ second baseman hitting .300? While it is a bit farfetched to start writing his name in the lineup at Rogers Centre, it does raise an eyebrow. I’m curious to know just how hard the Blue Jays are pushing this move.

Despite the above, the real story here is the performance of the pitchers. Despite having a rough go if it in the AFL thus far, Sean Nolin reversed his troubles yesterday. He started the game with 3 innings of perfect ball. No hits, no walks and 5 strike outs in 3 innings was enough to secure the win. It brought his record to 1-1, 6.48. 

Betsided

Roberto Osuna followed that up with 3 more shutout innings. While his effort wasn’t perfect, it was just as effective. He only gave up 2 hits in his 3 innings while striking out 2. After Tommy John surgery, many are excited to see the progression of Osuna. Like Norris, this effort went a long way to turning around his fall. His ERA is at 12.27.

To wrap up the shut out, Arik Sikula threw the final frame and gave up just the one hit. Unlike the two above, Sikula is having a great fall. His ERA sits at 0.00. The 25 year old picked up 31 saves between Dunedin and New Hampshire this season. If he continues to impress, there very well could be a promotion in his future.