Blue Jays: What role should Nate Pearson take on upon his return?

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Nate Pearson is expected to come off the IL sometime soon but what role should he assume out of the bullpen?

Nate Pearson has been watching the Toronto Blue Jays success for the past three weeks on the sidelines due to an elbow injury or to be more specific, a flexor strain. Today, general manager Ross Atkins stated that when Pearson is ready to return, he will be pitching out of the bullpen.

This may be the best move for Pearson and the team, both now and in the future. In regards to the present, the Jays have a lot of starting pitching depth at the major league level thanks to trades that saw them acquire Taijuan Walker, Robbie Ray, and Ross Stripling. They also have Matt Shoemaker who’s on the injured list himself while they have Anthony Kay, Ryan Borucki, and others who have the experience starting games and could start on short notice if needed.

In regards to the future, it will limit his innings while protecting his arm so it doesn’t get overused. In recent years, baseball has seen many young pitchers get elbow and arm issues that have derailed their potential and careers.

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Now that Pearson is heading to the bullpen upon his return, he will need to settle into a new role. As with most relievers, Pearson will most likely throw an inning or two if he’s called upon in relief.

Charlie Montoyo could elect to use Pearson as a long reliever. While the plan is to probably limit the usage of Pearson, he could be an effective pitcher in a long-relief role due to his experience starting. Pitchers who don’t pan out as starters, typically get a chance to prove themselves as long relievers due to their experience throwing multiple innings.

For example, Sam Gaviglio excelled at this role last season until he was designated for assignment just recently. In 2018 where he made 24 starts, he posted a 3-10 record with a 5.31 E.R.A. with an opponent average of .281. In 2019 where he pitched exclusively out of the bullpen, he went 4-2 with an E.R.A. of 4.61 while posting an opponent average of .235.

Another role Pearson could take on is the setup man. This would have Pearson pitch in the 7th or 8th inning in close games where he’d be tasked to hold onto the lead. Pearson may do well in this role as he has a fastball that can reach triple digits and a wipeout slider. The setup role is also currently vacant due to injuries to other Blue Jays relievers.

He could also be inserted right into the closer’s role. Closers typically throw very hard and Pearson does have a fastball that has reached as high as 104 MPH. Also to note, Montoyo said that Ken Giles, who’s expected to return this weekend, won’t be given the closers role right away.

I personally think that the best bullpen role for Pearson would be him being used as a setup man. In this role, he’d come pitch in the 7th or 8th inning where his heater and slider would throw hitters off balance and would attempt to keep the game close, hopefully in the Jays favour.

Which bullpen role do you think is best for Pearson when he’s activated off the injured list?