Blue Jays: Nate Pearson undergoes MRI for elbow discomfort

Toronto Blue Jays flamethrower Nate Pearson underwent an MRI on his right elbow yesterday after the hurler experienced tightness in his last start.

General Manager Ross Atkins addressed the Blue Jays media in regards to the Nate Pearson prognosis. Atkins did not appear too stressed about the injury stating, “We’re not initially overly concerned.”

There is no definitive timetable for Pearson just yet but it appears unlikely he would rejoin the rotation when he returns. The 24-year old seemed hesitant to throw his fastball in opportune counts often relying on his secondary pitches in his last start.

Pearson sports an inflated 6.61 earned run average surrendering 12 earned runs including five home runs in just 16.1 innings of work this season. Perhaps even more concerning is the 12 free passes that Pearson has also issued in his four starts.

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Since turning pro in 2017, Pearson has only tossed a combined 123.1 innings over three minor league seasons. The young hurler can ill afford to miss any more time away from the mound.

Along with Pearson, the team is also without shortstop Bo Bichette who is battling a knee sprain that could keep him out of action for up to a month. Bo was hitting .361 with five homers at the time he was shelved with the injury.

The Blue Jays just activated pitcher Trent Thornton off the injured reserve before the second game of their twin bill with the Philadelphia Phillies last night. Thornton did not fare well yielding six runs in the first inning of play. The offence ended up putting nine runs on the board to steal the victory in the dramatic fashion.

The team has won five games in a row and appears to be picking up steam down the stretch in this shortened season. Unfortunately, they won’t have either Pearson or Bichette for the foreseeable future which could inhibit their overall chances at the postseason.