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Blue Jays: Matt Shoemaker tosses successful bullpen session

By Clayton Richer

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 15: Matt Shoemaker #34 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning of the game on April 15, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. All players are wearing number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 15: Matt Shoemaker #34 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning of the game on April 15, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. All players are wearing number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Matt Shoemaker took to social media yesterday to inform his followers he threw his first bullpen sessions this week and felt great in the process.

Matt Shoemaker suffered a torn ACL near the end of April and missed the majority of the Blue Jays 2019 campaign as a result of the injury. The 33-year old was impressive in his five starts prior to the injury posting a 3-0 record with a 1.57 earned run average over 28.2 innings of work.

Shoemaker has a final year of arbitration eligibility before hitting the open market in 2021. MLB Trade Rumors has projected that the hurler will earn $3.8 million next season. With the Blue Jays current need for starting pitching, it would seem more than likely the brain trust will keep Shoemaker in the fold for next season.

Shoemaker has only appeared in 26 games over the past three seasons due to an assortment of injuries. Thankfully, his latest setback was not arm related and should not affect him moving forward.

In 106 career games over seven seasons, Shoemakers owns a 43-32 record with a 3.81 earned run average with a 7.0 WAR in 573.2 innings.

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The Jays currently have Shoemaker, Ryan Borucki, and Trent Thornton penciled into the rotation with the likes of Jacob Waguespack, Anthony Kay, T.J. Zeuch, Thomas Pannone and Sean Reid-Foley all vying for spots.

If the team plans on improving on their 67-95 record from last season they will need to get creative in free agency and via trades to bolster the rotation. The current cast of arms will not take them to the next level.

Nate Pearson is waiting in the wings and nearly MLB ready, however, he will likely begin the season in Triple-A Buffalo until service time is no longer an issue.

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Regardless, it is encouraging that Shoemaker appears healthy and ready to contribute out of the gate next season.

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