A trio of Toronto Blue Jays pitching hopefuls have struggled of late in Grapefruit League action play.
The jockeying for position at spring training for the Blue Jays continued this week, however, the likes of Shun Yamaguchi, Anthony Kay, and Patrick Murphy did not put their best foot forward in their efforts to head north when the team breaks camp in three weeks.
Kay made his third appearance of the spring on Wednesday versus the Tampa Bay Rays. The 24-year old walked four which led to his demise as Kay surrendered four runs in just a third of an inning of work. The disappointing outing saw his spring training earned run average balloon to an inflated 12. 46. while he has been touched up for six runs in 4.1 innings this spring.
The southpaw had been tabbed to begin the season in Triple-A, however, he may have forced the issue for the final spot in the rotation had he gotten out fo the gate a little more efficiently.
More from Toronto Blue Jays News
- Blue Jays: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. open to a long-term contract
- Blue Jays: Snapping cold streaks at the right time
- Who Should the Blue Jays Extend First: Guerrero, Bichette or Manoah?
- Blue Jays now hold the top Wild Card spot, and yes that’s a good thing
- Blue Jays may have the tools to use a Bullpen Day
Yamaguchi had aspirations of pitching out of the rotation before spring training had commenced, now he may be thankful just to make the squad. Yamaguchi squared off versus the Philadelphia Phillies yesterday afternoon and it was not pretty.
The Phillies hitters took Yamaguchi deep three times while pegging him for four runs over 2.1 innings The 32-year old has now given up eight runs over six innings of work in his first taste of pro ball in North America.
Murphy made his second appearance of the spring after tossing a scoreless inning of work in his spring debut. The second time around was not as kind to Murphy who got hit around for three earned runs on four hits in 1.1 innings of work versus the Rays.
Murphy was not expected to make the team out of spring training but was poised to steadily climb the depth chart if he can remain healthy.
These are obviously small sample sizes but you are often not afforded many mulligans in spring training to make a lasting impression. Let’s hope next week goes a little better for the promising trio of arms.