Blue Jays: Five Surprise Pitchers in Spring Training

Feb 15, 2017; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher J.A. Happ (33), pitcher JP. Howell (56) and teammates arrive for the first day of pitchers and catchers work outs at Cecil P. Englebert Recreation Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2017; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher J.A. Happ (33), pitcher JP. Howell (56) and teammates arrive for the first day of pitchers and catchers work outs at Cecil P. Englebert Recreation Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 19, 2017; Bradenton, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Mike Bolsinger (49) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Bradenton, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Mike Bolsinger (49) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Mike Bolsinger

The Blue Jays acquired Mike Bolsinger from the Los Angeles Dodgers last season in exchange for Jesse Chavez. In his first Blue Jays camp, the 29-year old has been steady with a 3.12 earned run average in 6 appearances and 8.2 innings on the bump whiffing 11 hitters while giving up 3 runs.

Bolsinger was a starter between 2014-2016 making 36 starts with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers. The hurler sports a career 4.61 ERA while striking out 171 in 189.1 innings of work.

After being acquired by the Jays, Bolsinger made 6 starts for the Buffalo Bisons to mixed reviews. He went 1-4 with an inflated 6.04 ERA giving up 17 earned runs in 25.1 innings. Surprisingly before the trade, Bolsinger was having a nice season in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League for the Dodgers Triple-A affiliate working out of the bullpen for all but two of his appearances.

It would appear that Bolsinger will be minor league pitching depth if the Blue Jays can sneak him through waivers, the hurler is out of options which could come into play when the Jays are deciding their next course of action with Bolsinger.

You can never have enough pitching depth as we all know and these decisions are good ones to have, hopefully, the Blue Jays can find a way to retain Bolsinger’s services for 2017.

Next: Blue Jays: Five Surprise Players in Spring Training