Blue Jays: Nate Pearson goes to the IL with elbow trouble

The Blue Jays announced some bad news on Wednesday, as Nate Pearson is dealing with some elbow tightness and will head to the Injured List.

Bo Bichette‘s injury was about the worst roster news the Blue Jays could have received this week, and Wednesday morning brought another dose.

The Blue Jays announced that rookie right-hander Nate Pearson is dealing with elbow tightness, and it’s bad enough that he’s being sent to the Injured List. We don’t yet know the full extent of the injury, and while it doesn’t sound like it’s serious, it’s still very much a cause for concern. On that note, it makes all the sense in the world that they would shut him down and exercise caution with their prized young starter.

Pearson’s stint in the big leagues has come with mixed results so far, and it’s not terribly surprising that he’s not feeling like himself on the mound given the way he’s performed. Thus far he’s posted a 6.61 ERA and a 1.531 WHIP across four starts and 16.1 innings pitched. What’s been especially concerning has been his lack of command, as he’s already walked 12 hitters.

More from Jays Journal

• Matt Chapman has been exactly what the Blue Jays needed
• Blue Jays: The goalposts are moving in the right direction
• Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays advance to the Championship Series
• Blue Jays: Comparisons for Alek Manoah’s Second Season
• Blue Jays: Adam Cimber, the unlikely decision King

From here it’s hard to say how the Blue Jays will line up their rotation. It sounds like Trent Thornton is very near making a return to the mound, and he could fill the spot that’s been vacated by Pearson. That said, they’ll likely still need another starter, especially because of the double-header on the schedule for Thursday. For the time being, they’ll likely roll with a rotation of Thornton, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Tanner Roark, Matt Shoemaker, and Chase Anderson.

As far as spot starts go, the Blue Jays have several options at their disposal. Both Anthony Kay and Thomas Hatch have pitched well out of the bullpen this year, but could likely make a few starts if they’re needed. Julian Merryweather is finally healthy and could be an option, and it’s possible they could use Jacob Waguespack or Shun Yamaguchi as a starter as well.

Hopefully it’ll just be a matter of covering a few starts for Pearson, and the big right-hander will be able to re-join the team in short order. With a gift like his right arm, it would be a crying shame if the injury turns out to be a serious one.