Blue Jays Quick Hits: Bluefield, Roberto Osuna and others

Blue Jays news and notes from the eve of the All-Star game, July 17th, 2018.

Bluefield Back for Another

According to a tweet from the team, the Toronto Blue Jays have extended their agreement with the Bluefield Blue Jays through the 2019-2020 season. The Bluefield Jays, who play in the Appalachian League, are one of three rookie teams affiliated with the Toronto Blue Jays, the other two being the Gulf Coast League Blue Jays and the Dominican Summer League Blue Jays.

Bluefield, who is currently 19-8 on the season, boasts some exciting names on their roster, including Brazilian pitching phenom Eric Pardinho, and 2017 second round pick Hagen Danner.

Pompey Up Another Level

Mike Wilner of Sportsnet’s the Fan 590 reports that former top prospect Dalton Pompey has been promoted to Triple-A Buffalo. The 25-year-old outfielder from Mississauga will now begin his sixth stint with the Bisons.

Split between four different minor league teams (GCL Jays, Fisher Cats, Bisons, and D-Jays), Pompey has slashed .296/.368/.509 on the season, notching five home runs in 129 plate appearances, playing in 29 total games.

Osuna Takes Rehab to Next Step

According to multiple sources, suspended reliever Roberto Osuna has been promoted to Single-A Dunedin to ramp up the intensity of his rehabilitation process. Osuna, 23, pitched a scoreless inning as the team beat the Florida Fire Frogs 4-0.

Osuna was suspended for violating Major League Baseball’s Domestic Violence policy after his arrest back in May. His suspension, which lasts 75 games, will come to a close on August 5th, when the Jays take on the Mariners.

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Pardinho Dealing in A-League

Eric Pardinho, the aforementioned Brazilian super-pitcher for the Bluefield Blue Jays, has continued to dominate the Appalachian League, pitching five strong innings Sunday, allowing just one earned run on four hits, striking out six and walking three.

For the season, Pardinho has pitched to a stellar 2.82 ERA in 22.1 innings of work spread across five starts. Having walked just six for season, his WHIP sits at a ridiculous 0.896.

Vladdy Jr. Gaining Strength

In the same set of moves, the Jays also promoted Vladimir Guerrero Jr. from the Gulf Coast League. Guerrero, who is currently recovering from a minor knee injury, drove in two runs on Tuesday for the D-Jays.

Next: Blue Jays: Reflecting on All-Star games of the past

The superstar prospect is expected to continue to climb the levels of the minor league ladder as he regains strength in his knee. He was previously on the disabled list for five weeks.