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Toronto Blue Jays: Players who will be on a short leash in 2021

By Clayton Richer

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 28: Manager Charlie Montoyo #25 of the Toronto Blue Jays during pre-game lineup introductions on Opening Day before the start of MLB game action against the Detroit Tigers at Rogers Centre on March 28, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 28: Manager Charlie Montoyo #25 of the Toronto Blue Jays during pre-game lineup introductions on Opening Day before the start of MLB game action against the Detroit Tigers at Rogers Centre on March 28, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 27: Steven Matz #32 of the New York Mets pitches during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 27, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 27: Steven Matz #32 of the New York Mets pitches during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 27, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Steven Matz

The Blue Jays acquired Steven Matz last week for a trio of prospects, however, much like Roark the southpaw is coming off a disastrous 2020 campaign. The brain trust hasn’t specified what his role will be moving forward but it is probably safe to assume they envision him as a starter.

The lefty must have had a sore neck in 2020 after watching 14 balls fly out of the yard in just 30.2 innings of work. That won’t bode well for the Blue Jays if they ever make it back to the friendly confines of the Rogers Centre.

Matz posted a 9.68 earned run average after allowing 33 runs in his nine appearances including six starts for the Mets last season. The 29-year old has enjoyed success at the MLB level in both 2016 and 2018 so hopefully Pete Walker and company can channel his former self.

The lefty does possess a mid-nineties fastball so he may also be an option out of the bullpen if the team ends up signing or acquiring additional pitchers before the start of the season. If he does end up in the rotation, the opportunity will be short lived if he replicates last season.

Matz owns a career 31-41 record with a 4.35 earned run average and a 6.4 WAR in 112 games spanning over six seasons with the Mets.

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