Blue Jays’ youngsters continue to impress

After impressive outings from Thomas Pannone, Sean Reid-Foley, and Ryan Borucki, as well as some timely hitting by rookies, Blue Jays youngsters continue to impress.

2018 has been a year of transition for the Blue Jays. Ross Atkins said at the trade deadline that he expects the team to struggle again in 2019, be a fringe contender in 2020, and hopefully be a contender in 2021. After strong performances from many Blue Jays rookies throughout the year, as well as impressive seasons from countless number of prospects in the minors, some fans may wonder if this team may be able to compete earlier than expected.

Facing the league best Boston Red Sox last week, it was going to be a good test for these young Blue Jays. After they ended up getting swept out of Fenway, Toronto moved on to New York. Losing the series opener embarrassingly by a score of 11-0, it looked like it could be another rough series – but then the rookies took the mound.

Prior to the season, the Blue Jays rotation was supposed to be the strongest part of this team, as well as one of the best in baseball. After disastrous seasons by many, as well as mounting injuries, the rotation has been imperfect, to say the least.

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The rookies have actually been more reliable on the mound than the veterans this season. Sean Reid-Foley pitched five solid innings in the series opener, racking up 10 strikeouts, and if not for his 92 pitches thrown then probably could have kept going.

Thomas Pannone, who has been great since being promoted to the major leagues, pitched seven excellent innings and picked up a much deserved win. Reese McGuire and Rowdy Tellez, among others, picked up clutch hits in the top of the 8^th inning to fuel Toronto, and Pannone, to a much deserved win.

And just last night, Ryan Borucki, who now leads AL rookie pitchers in quality starts, pitched eight great innings against the lowly Baltimore Orioles, giving up three hits, one walk, and didn’t allow a single run.

With rookies continuing to have strong performances up at the big leagues, and top prospects still in the minor leagues, the future keeps looking brighter for these Blue Jays.