Blue Jays have some interesting under the radar arms in the minors

When browsing the Toronto Blue Jays minor league ranks there are a number of high upside, under the radar talented hurlers who could eventually fill a role with the big club.

The Blue Jays will have a number of bullpen vacancies heading into the 2019 campaign and unbeknownst to many there a few bright spots honing their craft through the various minor league ranks on the farm.

Travis Bergen is a 25-year-old southpaw who put up video game-like numbers pitching in relief for the New Hampshire and Dunedin last season. In 27 games with the Fisher Cats, Bergen surrendered just two runs in 35.2 innings of relief to the impressive tune of a 0.50 earned run average. Bergen earned seven saves and also fanned 43 hitters good for a 10.9 SO/9 clip.

In four minor league seasons, Bergen sports a career 1.27 earned run average in 59 games. The former 7th round selection could be in line for a long look in spring training.

Canadian pitcher Brayden Bouchey will in all likelihood begin the 2019 campaign in Double-A after compiling a 2.20 earned run average last season. Bouchey made 21 appearances for Lansing and another four for New Hampshire to close out the season.

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The 6’6″ right-hander allowed only one run in 5.2 innings of work with the Fisher Cats proving he is ready for the next level.

The Blue Jays acquired 24-year old Corey Copping from the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for John Axford at the trade deadline. Copping impressed out of the gate with his new team making 10 appearances in Double-A. The former 31st round pick accumulated a 1.93 earned run average while fanning 20 batters in 14 innings of relief with the Jays affiliate.

Copping could start the season with Buffalo after already seeing time in Triple-A with the Dodgers in 2018 sporting a 2.45 earned run average in five outings.

Lefty hurler Jake Fishman spent the season in High-A with Dunedin but was summoned to Triple-A Buffalo in June where he tossed a scoreless 1.1 inning of work. Fishman would end the season with a 2.68 earned run average and eight saves to go along with an 8.8 SO/9 rate in 44 relief appearances.

Other honourable mentions include Zach Jackson, Conor Fisk, Jacob Waguespack and Jonathan Cheshire.