The Toronto Blue Jays will look to Joe Biagini to take the ball in Game 2 of their twin bill versus the Kansas City Royals today.
Joe Biagini will become the 26th man on the roster called up from Buffalo just for the doubleheader. Yesterday’s Blue Jays game was canceled due to falling ice from the CN Tower that caused damage to the Rogers Centre roof.
Biagini was demoted to Triple-A when the big club headed north from Dunedin in order for him to remain stretched out in the event of an injury to the Jays starting five or a hole in the stadium roof.
Updated #BlueJays starters against #Royals for DH:
— Hazel Mae (@thehazelmae) April 17, 2018
Tuesday (Game 1) - LHP Jaime Garcia
Tuesday (Game 2) - RHP Joe Biagini
Wednesday - LHP J.A. Happ
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Big Joe has made one start with the Bisons thus far pitching five scoreless innings while punching out four Triple-A hitters. It was initially speculated that J.A. Happ would follow Game 1 starter Jaime Garcia, however, it appears the Jays brain trust have opted for Happ to pitch in the series finale on Wednesday.
The former Rule-5 pick struggled last season after his breakout 2016 campaign but that may be attributed to being thrust in and out of the rotation last season. Biagini sported an inflated 5. 34 earned run average in 44 games including an even worse 5.73 earned run average in his 18 starts in 2017.
In 2016, Biagini was a valuable commodity out of the bullpen for Manager John Gibbons making 60 appearances and posting an impressive 3.06 earned run average in his rookie campaign.
The Jays are hopeful that a full season in a starting role will pay dividends for Biagini as he essentially the sixth man on a five-man staff. The Jays utilized 12 different starting pitchers last season there is no question the Blue Jays will require the services of Biagini as the season progresses.
Next: Blue Jays: Best tweets about the cancelled dome game
For now, the big right-hander will attempt to impress in a spot start versus his former teammate Ryan Goins and the Royals on the backend of a traditional doubleheader.