Blue Jays’ Carlos Ramirez has closer potential

The Toronto Blue Jays have a potential closer in the making who is dominating opposing batters on the farm and all while flying under the radar this season.

Carlos Ramirez was signed by the Blue Jays out of the Dominican Republic in 2009 as a speedy outfielder progressing up to Single-A Lansing before opting to try his luck on the bump in 2014, a move that appears ready to pay off for the 26-year old hurler.

After four years honing his craft as a pitcher Ramirez was recently promoted to Triple-A where he is now one step away from accomplishing his goal of making it to the majors. The hurler has been lights out all season and has yet to surrender a run in 21 appearances between New Hampshire and Buffalo.

The fireballer features a mid to high 90’s fastball and a slider with nasty movement, in 23.2 innings with the Fisher Cats Ramirez surrendered just 10 hits without allowing a run while striking out 29 and notching 3 saves. He compiled a BB/9 ratio of 2.7 and a SO/9 rate of 11.0 during his time in New Hampshire.

On the 09th of August Ramirez was promoted to the Bisons and the hurler has made 3 appearances for the herd thus far. In 5.1 innings of work, he has allowed 1 hit and still has not been touched up for a run while fanning 8.

This season right handed batters are hitting a minuscule .056 while lefties are a touch better at .178. Ramirez appears to have that closers mentality as he performs better with runners on this season, in 15 appearances with runners on hitters are batting .054 as opposed to .145 when the bases are empty.

More from Toronto Blue Jays News

• Blue Jays: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. open to a long-term contract
• Blue Jays: Snapping cold streaks at the right time
• Who Should the Blue Jays Extend First: Guerrero, Bichette or Manoah?
• Blue Jays now hold the top Wild Card spot, and yes that’s a good thing
• Blue Jays may have the tools to use a Bullpen Day

Ramirez spent the entire 2016 season in High-A ball where he made 30 appearances for Dunedin. The big right-hander earned a 2.20 earned run average while whiffing 41 and closing 9 games in 41 innings of work.

The closer in the making continues to harness his control reducing his walk rate this season while consistently zeroing in on the zone which is a necessity if you are going to pitch out of the back-end of the bullpen.

Look for Ramirez to be a possible September call-up if he continues to get hitters to swing and miss at the Triple-A level with the herd.

Next: Blue Jays: Estrada’s fate will be decided in the next 48 hours