Blue Jays top pitching prospect battling back issues

ARLINGTON, TX - MAY 18: Toronto Blue Jays' players Wilson baseball gloves lay in the dugout during a baseball game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park on May 18, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. Texas won 6-2. (Photo by Brandon Wade/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - MAY 18: Toronto Blue Jays' players Wilson baseball gloves lay in the dugout during a baseball game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park on May 18, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. Texas won 6-2. (Photo by Brandon Wade/Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Blue Jays top pitching prospect Nate Pearson has yet to suit up for the Dunedin Blue Jays as the big right-hander is reportedly dealing with back issues.

Nate Pearson is ranked as the 4th best prospect in the Jays organization by MLB.com and the top-ranked hurler however his 2018 debut has been delayed as the 21-year old is dealing with a minor back issue. Pearson has yet to land on the disabled list however he does not appear on the Dunedin Blue Jays active roster online.

There has been little to no information provided by the Blue Jays organization, however, Doug Fox from Future Blue Jays always has his finger on the pulse when it comes to minor leaguers especially those of Pearson’s ilk. So hat tip to Fox for the update.

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Pearson burst onto the scene last season after the Jays selected him in the 1st round, 28th overall from Central Florida Community College. The young pitcher made eight starts on the farm surrendering only two runs in 20 innings of work while fanning 26 in his first taste of pro ball.

There were whispers that Pearson would have gone in the top 5 of the draft however scouts were skeptical after the hurler had screws inserted into his throwing elbow during his high school career.

The Florida native has the skillset and the stuff to shoot through the Jays minor league system and is forecasted to be a front of the rotation starter for the big club in short order. Hopefully, this latest bump in the road doesn’t derail Pearson’s season.

In other minor league notes, the Jays have signed right-handed pitcher Sean Rackoski and infielder Tyler Ladendorf. The 28-year old Ladendorf last appeared in the majors in 2016 with the Oakland Athletics. In 53 career MLB games, he is batting .123/.149/.154 with two stolen bases in 68 plate appearances.

Next: Blue Jays: Marcus Stroman looks to get on track

We will cross our fingers as we wait for an injury update from the organization on the status of Pearson and his back.